Reaching the pinnacle of the MotoGP category is extremely difficult. Staying there can be even more so if you have neither personal wealth nor, above all, talent enabling you to at least surpass your teammates.
It's the case for Hafiz Syahrin who benefited from the happy coincidence of Jonas Folger's withdrawal by moving up to the premier category despite a record reduced to a second place and two third places in Moto2.
Unable to shine in the face of Johann zarco then Miguel Oliveira at Tech3, the friendly Malaysian rider was forced to move down to Moto2 for 2020.
Unfortunately, his tumultuous past with sponsor Petronas did not allow him to sign with the Malaysian team, despite the fact that Razlan Razali, both director of the Sepang International Circuit and the coveted Petronas team, takes care of his business.
The one nicknamed “El Pescao” therefore signed without regular salary (only bonuses in the event of a podium) with the Ángel Nieto Team of Jorge Martinez Aspar, without having to date the full budget to complete a season in the intermediate category.
However, he remains the most successful Malaysian pilot and, as such, energies are mobilizing...
Hafiz Syahrin : “I have to look for sponsors to pay for travel, transport and training costs outside the country, but I am looking forward to finishing the season well and safely this year. I'm aiming for the top 5 in the general classification next year. It's not easy to say that I will always be on the podium, but I am confident in my two years of experience in MotoGP, I will do my best. The three choices Datuk Razlan gave me gave me motivation, and if I get the best out of Moto2, in the Top 5, I will be in MotoGP again. I'm going to prove to people and fans that I can be competitive next year. »
Razlan Razali : “In fact, SIC sponsored him for a place in the Moto2 team. Ángel Nieto Team asked for high fees, but after negotiating they agree to reduce the costs within their means. However, the sponsorship is only to guarantee one's place in Moto2 and does not include salaries, plane tickets, hotels and transport costs. Indeed, he received no salary from the team other than sponsorship as he moved from the MotoGP category to Moto2. That's because his 'value' has dropped dramatically and is less than half of what he earns in MotoGP. This may be the lowest point of his career, but he will need to focus on racing for next season, and change his lifestyle. »
The Minister of Youth and Sports of Malaysia, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, however, declared that he would react to Hafizh Syahrin's question following the presentation of the 2020 budget: “KBS and SIC are in discussions and we will support a significant allocation for their participation, but it is still not enough. It can’t just be the government, the business sector needs to help too. I have met Petronas several times, they have their say, I always have to respect Petronas as our main sponsor for motorcycles. Only now I am looking for the best way to build a strong “bridge” between Petronas and Hafizh. We know what happened in the past, but we must move forward. »
