When, for his second race of the championship, Khairul Idham Pawi relegated everyone to more than 26 seconds with slicks during an Argentine Grand Prix in the wet, we had the privilege of extracting his secret from him.
Then, time passed and the 17-year-old Malaysian was more or less back in line. Without really understanding how his feat was possible, we put his incredible performance down to a sort of occasional state of grace on a tricky track, neither dry nor wet...
But last weekend, “Super KIP”, on a very wet track this time, repeated the incredible by inexorably escaping to finish, despite some heat, with more than 11 seconds ahead of all the big names in the field. the category.
The opportunity to ask him a few questions, and sometimes even the same ones, just to see if this little guy isn't leading us on...
Did you often ride in the rain early in your career?
“Rain is indeed usual for us in Malaysia, and I drove small cars there, whether it rained or not. I did 2 years of scootering, then the CBR cup and the Asian Talent Cup before moving to CEV. And it didn't rain much in Spain! I understand your question, but honestly, you shouldn't believe that I only drove in the rain; Even I don't understand why I like it so much. What’s certain is that I love it! (laugh) "
So you confirm that the secret of your speed comes from the pleasure you have on the motorcycle?
" Yes. Apparently the other drivers don't like the rain too much. Me it's the opposite. I'm really enjoying myself; I like it when it slides when entering a corner, I like it when it accelerates, I like it when it moves in all directions, even if, sometimes, I know it's dangerous (laughing). »
So why don't you slow down when you're in heat?
“I'm not slowing down because otherwise I know that my concentration will decrease a lot, and it's at these moments that it's easier to make stupid mistakes. So, I continue to attack because, precisely, I remain 100% in my race and concentrated as much as possible. »
What do you do when your team asks you to slow down?
“I can see that I'm being told to calm down and manage, so I nod 'yes' as I pass in front of the low wall, but I prefer to keep the same pace (laughing). I'm sorry for scaring them. »
With 21 points behind, do you think you can go after Bulega and Di Giannantonio for the Rookie of the Year title?
“I don't look at the rankings very carefully. I want to do the best I can, race after race. »
What are you still missing in the dry?
“I need a little more time to really understand how to set a time in the dry. Even if I understand, I have to manage to apply everything in the right way and at the right time, and the level is very high. And then, it's really not easy for me because I'm also discovering most of the circuits. So, all together, I need a little time. »
Speaking of new circuits, do you like the Sachsenring?
" Honestly ? Not much (laughing). »
So, lucky or rain alien? Time will tell, but what is certain is that this little guy is quite fascinating!