The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is determined to groom Hafizh Syahrin for the big time: MotoGP.
As was reported earlier, Hafizh Syahrin’s long-time team Moto2, Petronas Raceline Malaysia had split ways for the 2018 Moto2 season (click here for our report). Hafizh will join the Petronas Sprinta Racing Moto2 team next year. The team is managed by SIC.
SIC’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Razlan Razali has expressed the intention of having Hafizh in MotoGP with Dorna and MotoGP teams. “We have expressed our interest with Dorna and also discussed the matter with a number of MotoGP teams this past week,” he said.
But the 2018 slots have all been taken. “There are still slots available for new satellite teams in 2019,” added Datuk Razlan.
Datuk Razlan is confident that Hafizh will do better with Petronas Sprinta Racing, before making the leap to the top class.
The fact that Malaysian racers, including Hafizh, have traditionally done well in wet weather is not lost upon Datuk Razlan, “We also need them to do well in dry races. Hafizh has done well (in mixed weather races) here at and this is what we want.”
Datuk Razlan believes Hafizh will do better in 2018 as Petronas Sprinta Racing (read: SIC) will provide him a better bike and mechanics.
The target for Hafizh Syahrin is to finish in the overall top five in the Moto2 class next year. Syahrin is currently in 11th this season, with one race to go. He had finished 9th overall in 2016.
Difficulties saw Hafizh finishing last Sunday’s Shell Malaysia Moto2 race in sixth, after qualifying in tenth.
This report is adapted from Sepang Circuits Facebook post. You could visit their Facebook page by clicking here.
And have you heard that Petronas wants to give some lucky people a year’s worth of engine lubricants? You can be one of those lucky people too by taking part in a simple contest. For more information on the contest, you can visit www.mymesra.com.my/pengejarimpian
The three MotoGP flyaway races have just ended a couple of days ago with the conclusion of the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix. The races on Sunday were all packed with mind-boggling speed, overtakes and unpredictable weather. Out of all the 95,000 plus attendees who went to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), one of the best groups who got to experience MotoGP Malaysia at its best was none other than the Honda Asian Journey 2017 caravan. (more…)
Kita semakin menghampiri penghujung musim MotoGP 2017, dan pusingan kedua terakhir iaitu Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix sudah pasti telah memberikan keseronokan yang tidak terhingga kepada mereka yang menghadirinya. Setelah mendapat status sebagai salah sebuah litar yang paling mencabar dalam kalendar MotoGP, Litar Antarabangsa Sepang sentiasa bersedia untuk memberi cabaran tambahan dengan cuaca yang tidak menentu.
The final flyaway race saw the things that made the Shell Malaysia MotoGP one of the most interesting rounds in the calendar each year. Just as the Moto2 race ended with a one-two finish from the Red Bull KTM Ajo duo and of course the 2017 Moto2 World Champion Franco Morbidelli, the skies opened up and unleashed a fury of rain. Although it was short, the rain was enough for Race Direction to declare it as a Wet Race. (more…)
As we head closer to the end of the 2017 MotoGP season, the penultimate round that is the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix is sure to bring in a lot of excitement for all those who attend. Having gained status as one of the most challenging circuits in the calendar, the Sepang International Circuit is always ready to throw one heck of a curve ball with the unpredictable weather.
The race is made even more exciting with the fact that more often than not, a champion emerges in the final flyaway race. Take last year for example when the current Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Johann Zarco won his second Moto2 championship before graduating to MotoGP for 2017.
To read the story, CLICK HERE.
From the moment you arrive at the track’s parking area, the activities have already begun. Shell Advance has amazingly organised a special ride-through service for motorcycle owners. Those who came with their beloved bikes can roll in, buy some Shell Advance engine oils and get a free service (plus oil filter), refreshments, dedicated parking space and even Hillstand tickets! Not a bad way to start the day off, right?
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To make things more exciting, the Mall Area is filled up to the brim with so many booths and gigantic marquees that you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of what activities you want to participate, freebies to take home and the ever popular meet and greet sessions with your beloved riders.
During the special weekends, all sorts of offers are up for grabs. One of the best examples would be the HJC Helmet Malaysia booth where you can get premium helmets at slashed prices right before your very eyes.
Weather too hot to handle? There’s another way on how you can enjoy the races without missing any of the action. Head over to the Red Bull marquee where it is without a doubt one of the coolest (literally and figuratively) ways to watch the race in comfort. Get your drinks ready and watch the giant screens set up for you to support your favourite riders!
No motorcycle extravaganza can be complete without some premium bikes being displayed. There are so many motorcycle manufacturers taking part that they themselves are already their own shows! It’s already an experience to visit all the booths before entering the grandstands.
The brands that are taking part in the races proudly displayed their prized and rare bikes which you only get to see on the Internet or TV. Not at the Malaysian MotoGP round 2017, folks. Take KTM for example where the main attraction is a lovely KTM RC16 replica race machine.
Check out the highlights of the KTM Malaysia booth by clicking HERE.
Fancy something a bit more Japanese? Try going to the Boon Siew Honda booth and check out the amazing Honda RC213V being displayed together with their MotoGP replica bike which is placed amongst other race and road machines. So, to take a closer look and of course, lots and lots of photos.
To know more about the Boon Siew Honda MotoGP 2017 booth, CLICK HERE.
If you’re one of the lucky one to get the opportunity to visit any of the paddocks, you’ll get to see up close and personal on how the teams work and get things prepared at the highest level of racing. No one does it better than these folks.
We were fortunate enough to be able to visit the IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia and also Team SUZUKI ECSTAR to witness the behind-the-scenes action and harmony between riders and other team members.
Want to spend some money on special merchandises? The Petronas booth for example took it up another notch with a few great performances from famous artists such as Altimet. Fans were entertained with the best of the best while purchasing top of the line merchandises, getting signatures from our Moto2 star rider Hafizh Syahrin and even a very unique ‘multiple angle’ photo booth.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the races. While Moto3 has already found their champion for 2017 that is Joan Mir of Leopard Racing (CLICK HERE to read the story), the Moto2 and MotoGP crowns are still up for grabs. The battles are now left between Franco Morbidelli EG (0,0 Marc VDS) and Tom Luthi (CarXpert Interwetten) in Moto2 and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in MotoGP.
Will there be a champion at the end of Sunday? Come early because things are about to blow up. Moto3 will start at 12pm followed by Moto2 at 1.20pm and MotoGP at 3pm (local times). Don’t feel too bad if your riders don’t make it to the podium because all the booths prepped at the Mall Area are always ready to cheer you right back up before heading back home.
To know more about what other exciting things that you can do at the Sepang International Circuit during MotoGP, check out our exclusive article on the “11 things to do at the Sepang Circuit during MotoGP”.
And have you heard that Petronas wants to give some lucky people a year’s worth of engine lubricants? You can be one of those lucky people too by taking part in a simple contest. For more information on the contest, you can visit www.mymesra.com.my/pengejarimpian
1. Visit the Shell Advance Ride Thru Service booth
Are you riding to Sepang to watch the race? Then be sure to visit the Shell Advance booth at the PA1 parking lot ride opposite the main entrance (Welcome Centre). Buy any Shell Advance motorcycle lubricant and you will get a free engine service, free engine filter, free food and drinks, and you stand a chance to win other great goodies. Check out the video we created at last year’s Shell Ride Thru Service so you know what to expect!
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2. Don’t have a ticket to watch the race? Then visit the Shell Advance Ride Thru booth – again!
Yes that’s right. Shell Advance Malaysia wants to give you free tickets to the Shell Hillstand to watch the race. All you have to do is buy a Shell Advance AX7 or Ultra and service your bike at the Ride Through Service! So if you do not have tickets, this is your chance.
3. Get ready to shop!
The Malaysian MotoGP is the best time to buy merchandise of your favourite team or racer. There will be plenty of Valentino Rossi merchandise on sale, and at great prices too. So bring your wallet, and make sure there is a load of cash in it.
4. Visit the HJC booth to check out a special helmet
Of course there are going to be other helmet brands there too, and you should visit them too, but HJC Helmets is known to make some amazing helmets and are among the most affordable in the market right now. The latest helmet models are a unique line that include a few Marvel superheroes. But the latest design is one that will grab the attention of cartoon lovers with a design from the Cars 3 cartoon series. Don’t miss out the intricate details of the new HJC helmet.
5. Get up close and personal with the amazing Kawasaki H2R
The Kawasaki H2R needs no introduction, it is alien in comparison to regular bikes. Made of carbon fibre, the supercharged motorcycle is capable of hitting 400km/h. But it looks like it going really fast even while standing still. Marvel at this engineering masterpiece at the Kawasaki booth. Read more about this amazing machine here!
6. Check out the vast array of KTM bikes
KTM Motorcycles are becoming more and more popular now, and they are among a few manufacturers that have a complete range of motorcycles from dirt bikes to everyday commuters. There is a KTM motorcycle for everybody. And if you are a fan of the marque, there is also plenty of official merchandise to buy.
7. Stay hydrated with Red Bull
Over the years, the Red Bull marquee has built a reputation as the most happening booth during MotoGP thanks to its party like atmosphere. It is also the only booth during MotoGP that allows alcohol. So visit the Red Bull marquee, watch the race live, cool down with the air-conditioned tent. And if alcohol is not your thing, then simply load up on the Red Bull energy drink.
8. Take lots of selfies with the models
Where ever there are fast bikes there are bound to be plenty of beautiful women, and that is the case during MotoGP as well. There will be a long line of guys waiting to get a selfie with the gorgeous models, and they oblige with a smile. Just make sure your wife or girlfriend is not with you though.
9. Check out the new BMW bikes
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has a prominent booth just at the entrance to the grand stand area. And just like KTM, they have a complete range of motorcycles the fits almost all budgets. From the extremely loveable G310R, to the outrageous BMW HP4 Race that costs an astonishing RM520,900. Read about both the bikes here!
10. Win various goodies
A number of booths will be giving away free merchandise in return for something. Givi for example was giving away a very cool coin box after you like their Facebook page. We also know other stands are also doing the same, so keep a look out for all the free stuff on offer.
11. Watch the race!
This is a no-brainer. We are at the second last race of the season, and Spaniard Marc Marquez is leading the championship again. In second place is Andrea Dovizioso who still has a good chance of winning the championship provided something happens to Marquez, which is unlikely. There is definitely going to be good action to watch at the race. Also, our local boys Adam Norrodin, Hafizh Syahrin, Khairul Idham Pawi as well as wildcard rider Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin will all have plenty to prove at their home race. So whatever you do, no matter how many hot models there are to take photos with, or how many free goodies there are – do not miss the race!
See you there!
By the way, have you heard that Petronas wants to give some lucky people a year’s worth of engine lubricants? You can be one of those lucky people too by taking part in a simple contest. For more information on the contest, you can visit www.mymesra.com.my/pengejarimpian
It was recently announced that PETRONAS and Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has entered a very monumental strategic partnership with the formation of a brand new racing team called the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing outfit. (more…)
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