Before tackling the rather fast Silverstone circuit, Hafizh Syahrin is in 16th position in the MotoGP world championship, with 24 points scored in his first eleven rounds.
Obviously, this result is more than honorable, since the Malaysian driver leaves behind experienced drivers like Aleix Espargaro, Bradley Smith and Scott Redding. However, the important thing is not there since it lies in the “race within the race” that constitutes the Rookies' championship.
This condition of beginners indeed implies the discovery of MotoGP, not only with its power more than doubled compared to Moto2, but also its electronics, its carbon brakes and its Michelin tires.
This is why a specific championship was created within the MotoGP championship, concerning this year Hafizh Syahrin, Franco Morbidelli and Takaaki Nakagami.
Before the British round, the Tech3 rider continues to lead, with a small lead of 2 points over the reigning Moto2 world champion, after zero points scored by the two contenders in Austria.
By arriving each time on an unknown track on the handlebars of a premier category motorcycle, the Kuala Lumpur rider therefore has the triple objective of getting into the points, trying to advance to Q2... and continuing to fight for the title of Rookie of the year 2018.
Hafiz Syahrin : “I can't wait for the next race at Silverstone. It looks like it won't be that difficult with the Yamaha there, so hopefully we can improve from the last race, from FP1 all the way to qualifying. We have good pace in the race, but I need a better position on the starting grid. I imagine it will be difficult for the first time on the MotoGP machine, but I'm looking forward to arriving, working hard to be stronger in the race and better prepared for qualifying. I want to give everything to get a good position on the grid, try to have a good start and learn from the more experienced riders. I hope the weather will be good at Silverstone.”
Hervé Poncharal : “For the next round, the British Grand Prix, we arrive at a circuit which is really fast and where I think Yamaha should be closer to the lead than in the previous two GPs. It's clearly a very special race, the track is fast and fluid, but above all the crowd is one of the best if not the best on the entire calendar. The British crowd is made up of those who follow intensely and know more than anyone else. On Thursday when we meet, we see almost the same people every year and we discuss what has happened in the last 12 months. If the weather is ever on our side, we keep our fingers crossed for dry weather, it's a very pleasant place, a place where we love to run and where we always have exciting races. Hafizh Syahrin has never been on a MotoGP here, but I think he likes the track too. A few days off were more than welcome after the two back-to-back races plus the test after the Czech Grand Prix, and soon it was time to get back on track in the UK.”
