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  • The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

  • Only the S 1000 RR with M Sport Package is available at the moment.

  • The R 1250 R and R 1250 RS adds to BMW’s Boxer family.

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR (from RM 138,500.00 for M Sport Package)

The 3rd-generation S 1000 RR has been long-awaited even before its official launch at EICMA 2018. Suffice to say that it was one of BMW Motorrad’s worst kept secrets!

It’s easy to see why BMW’s superbike is so popular these days. It’s one bike that would go fast as you dare and as slow as you want it to without complaining. It’s also a superbike that you could ride to track, whack off the mirrors and indicators, tape up the headlamps and taillamp, blast around the track, and ride it to work the next day.

The bike launched today is the M Sport Package variant.

Highlights:
  • 999cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline-Four with ShiftCam.
  • The new lump produces 207 bhp (152kW) at 13,500 RPM and 113 Nm of torque.
  • The ShiftCam technology varies both valve opening timing but also lift.

  • Hollow-stem lightweight titanium intake valves.
  • This allows the bike linear and good spread of power.
  • But also good fuel consumption at 6.4 litres per 100 km.
  • Oil pump and water pump integrated as one — saves weight and width.
The coolant/oil pump
  • Suspension is handled electronically by next generation of DDC (Dynamic Damping Control).
  • The rear shock is moved further back, away from exhaust and engine heat.

  • A new frame called Flex Frame — with specifically tuned zones of stiffness — provides better grip in corners and feedback.
  • Leaner fuel tank, narrower midsection for better knee grip and support.

  • The bodywork has short overhangs — the entire bike sits between the wheels.

  • More compact dimensions are the goal including engine, frame, tank, bodywork.
  • Revised exhaust system, engine, and M-lightweight battery.

  • The M Sport package includes M sport seat, country-specific taillamp, M carbon fibre wheels and lightweight M battery.
  • The revisions cut weight down to just 193.5 kg from the standard bike’s 208 kg.

  • Standard electronic rider aid include Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race.
  • Options are the “Pro Modes” — Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 3 which includes DTC, ABS Pro, DTC Wheelie Detection, engine torque and engine braking adjustments.

  • Also available are race assistance modes such as Launch Control and Pit Lane Limiter.
  • Signature S 1000 RR smooth gearshifts are handled by the HP Shift Assistant Pro (standard).
  • New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia brought in the M Sport package as the introduction as the S 1000 RR is of limited stock worldwide. As such, BMW Motorrad Malaysia will send a bike to each dealer for customers to view and place orders.

The base S 1000 RR will arrive in Malaysia in 2020.

2019 BMW R 1250 RS (from RM 106,500.00) and 2019 BMW R 1250 R (from RM 102,500.00)

2019 BMW R 1250 RS

The R 1250 RS and R 1250 R completes the BMW Boxer family. The RS is the sport-tourer (the R 1250 RT is the luxury sport-tourer), while the R is the Roadster (naked street bike). We feel that the R 1250 RS’s smaller size will make it easier to ride as a daily commuter, as well.

2019 BMW R 1250 R
Highlights:
  • Features the new 1254cc Boxer with BMW ShiftCam technology.
  • Produces 136 bhp and 143 Nm of torque.

  • The engine is also economical, consuming only 4.75 litres of fuel per 100 km.
  • Two standard riding modes that adapt to riding style.

  • Automatic Stability Control is standard, as is Hill Start Control.
  • They also feature Riding Modes Pro which includes Dynamic and Dynamic Pro.

  • The Dynamic Traction Control ties in with the Riding Modes Pro selection.
  • New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

BMW Financing

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia provides financing for these new bikes. You can ride the S 1000 R from RM 1,690 per month, R 1250 R from 1,250 per month, and the R 1250 RS RM 1,300 per month. These amounts are based on estimates 80 percent loan for 4-year tenure.

  • MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli will join the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team squad for the FIM Endurance World Championship round in Sepang International Circuit.

  • He will join two other riders namely Hafizh Syahrin and four-time Suzuka 8 Hour endurance winner Michael van der Mark.

  • The round will take place from 13th to 15th December 2019.

MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli will join the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team squad for the FIM Endurance World Championship round in Sepang International Circuit.

Morbidelli’s draft ends months of speculation that he will be one of the riders for the Sepang stint. He will join two other riders namely Hafizh Syahrin and four-time Suzuka 8 Hour endurance winner Michael van der Mark.

The squad will be supported by the YART Yamaha EWC squad who were former winners of the EWC. As such, the three riders will play their parts in riding the Yamaha YZF-R1.

The 2020 EWC opens with the Bol D’or in France before heading to Sepang for the second round from 13th to 15th December 2019. However, the Sepang round has a large significance to the EWC as it will form the qualifying round for “irregular” EWC teams to qualify for the Suzuka 8 Hour race.

Additionally, the race also features an FIA World Touring Car Cup round back-to-back.

Morbidelli expressed his concerns about riding in an endurance race. “I’m curious to see how an endurance race format suits me, and am really looking forward to it.”

Team Principal Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali is confident about the team’s prospects given the two MotoGP riders in addition to a multiple Suzuka 8 Hour winner. “We have faith that Franco, Michael, Hafizh and YART will deliver and we’re targeting the very top step of the podium.”

Source: PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team

  • Auto Bavaria BMW hosted the S1K Malaysia club for track day at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

  • The S1K Malaysia club consists of BMW S 1000 RR superbike owners.

  • Participants rode on beautifully prepared bikes.

Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad hosted the S1K Malaysia club for track day at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

As its name suggests, the S1K Malaysia club consists of BMW S 1000 RR superbike owners.

The track day was to allow S 1000 RR owners the opportunity to utilize their bikes the way they were designed for. The racetrack is the best venue to find the the riders’ and the bikes’ limits, in a safe and controlled manner.

While it was a mixed brand track day, the S 1000 RR owners were the most heavily represented. Owners had shown up with bikes that have been customized with beautiful paintjobs, exhaust systems and even lightweight wheels.

Although the entire session was for three hours, it was apparent that they enjoyed the day out regardless of their pace. There were fast riders who dragged elbows and knees, and there were riders who didn’t drag anything, yet they all went away with smiling faces.

It was also visible that the S 1000 RR were extremely suited to track work and didn’t required the riders to fight with their bikes.

On the other hand, the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR has yet to make an appearance. Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad informed us that BMW Motorrad is having their hands full in order to satisfy demand.

PHOTO GALLERY

  • PETRONAS Yamaha SRT Principal Dato’ Razlan Razali said that many thought Fabio Quartararo was the wrong choice before the start of the season.

  • Fabio is currently returning unexpectedly great results to the team.

  • The PETRONAS Yamaha SRT outfits will be the home team in the Malaysian MotoGP round.

Things definitely looked different when the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO and PETRONAS Yamaha SRT Principal, Dato’ Razlan Razali announced plans for Malaysian MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 teams last year.

Now the MotoGP team is performing not just beyond expectations, but no one would’ve dared to even give a thought about where the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team is now. The scene was telling during the Yamaha Motorsport Launch at SIC just after the winter tests and prior to the season opener in Qatar.

While every journalist fielded questions to the factory Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP squad (mostly to Valentino Rossi, actually), Dato’ Razlan and his two riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo put up their best smiles while sitting quietly in between the factory and PATA Yamaha WorldSBK teams.

Because journalists know that the answers would’ve been, “We do not expect great results from the year ahead. We hope to finish every race and learn along the way.” Or anything to that effect.

Oh, how things have changed. Now every hack wants an interview with Dato’ Razlan and co.

The driving force is of course the super rookie Fabio Quartararo’s exploits. He’s been a consistent frontrunner and not afraid to mix it up with the Big Boys.

Photo credit – MotoGP.com

“When we announced him as our second rider, a lot of people told us we made the wrong choice – but now everyone agrees we made the right decision!” Dato’ Razlan said in an interview.

“There’s no way we expected to be in this fantastic position after only twelve rounds of the 2019 season. We were hoping for Franky to deliver top six performances and for Fabio to target rookie of the year. We didn’t expect both of them to do what they’re doing and we’re extremely happy and satisfied with them. To be able to deliver such strong performances for our title sponsor is key, and we’ve achieved even more than what was desired based on the targets we set at the start of the year,” he continued.

Dato’ Razlan is quick to credit the team, saying that the riders wouldn’t have performed so well without support. The team has since grown to 48-strong and enjoys good ambience and chemistry. But he is also quick to acknowledge that the team is young and nothing is 100%. Still, there’s no reason for him to feel proud.

“I also couldn’t be more proud as a Malaysian to finally have our own Malaysian MotoGP team. We can tell fans and media from across the globe that we’re Malaysian and we can act as our country’s ambassadors. We’re proud of that role and I’m honoured to be able to represent the country in the paddock.”

Speaking of the Malaysian MotoGP round, he added that, “The Malaysian Grand Prix is our home race, it’ll be the first time our MotoGP team will compete at Sepang, and we expect the riders to do well in MotoGP and Moto3, and if Pawi can come back in Moto2, then he can do well too!

“We’re already anticipating a bumper crowd with 200,000 spectators over three days, and 115,000 on race day. It’ll be a huge event for us, and we can’t wait.”

Dato’ Razlan concluded the interview by iterating that both Quartararo and Morbidelli will continue with the team in 2020.

  • The Sepang International Circuit launched the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP tonight.

  • Some 180,000 spectators and visitors are expected this year.

  • It’s a great chance for Malaysian fans to cheer on our home team and riders.

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is working hard to prepare for the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP from 1st to 3rd November. As many as a recording breaking number of 180,000 spectators and visitors are expected this year.

It is also a heady time as this year’s edition marks the 20th anniversary of MotoGP in Malaysia. Adding to the historical aspect is the 70th anniversary of the MotoGP championship, as a whole.

2019 also celebrates the 10th anniversary of Shell’s association with motorcycle grand prix racing in Malaysia.

Another significant aspect is the “homecoming” of our Malaysian teams in all Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP classes. The PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team (SRT) in MotoGP is currently flying high through the heroic exploits of rookie sensation Fabio Quartararo. The PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team in Moto2 is picking up and we already saw one victory via John McPhee in the Moto3 class.

Apart from the racing, SIC is in the midst of replacing or repairing the roofing over the main grandstand so that fans will have nothing to worry about.

SIC officially launched the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP tonight at Publika.

Tickets can be purchased on www.sepangcircuit.com while international fans can either purchase it online or visit the nearest registered travel agents for the best Motorsport Tourism holiday in Malaysia this November.

BEGIN PRESS RELEASE

PLENTY FOR TWENTY: SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT GEARS UP FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF MALAYSIA MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX FROM NOVEMBER 1 – 3, 2019

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 July 2019– The MotoGP fever is back in Malaysia as the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) readies for the 20th edition of the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix from November 1-3 2019.

In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Grand Prix in Malaysia, the organisers Sepang International Circuit has gone to great lengths to ensure it will be a special and memorable event for fans and riders alike.

The event this year will also be special as it will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the MotoGP, which was born in January 1949 with events consisting the Isle of Man TT, Swiss Grand Prix, Dutch TT, Belgian Grand Prix, Ulster Grand Prix and the Grand Prix of Nations at Monza.

Sepang International Circuit Chairman, Tan Sri Azman Yahya said the historical moment is bound to be a special occasion.

“It will be such a great honour to witness the 20th anniversary of the Malaysian Grand Prix this year – and also the 70th anniversary of the MotoGP,” said Tan Sri Azman.

“For 20 years we have worked hard to ensure that the quality of the Malaysia Grand Prix are at the highest level and we have proven that with our success as the Best Grand Prix in 2012 and 2017 as awarded by the Grand Prix Commission.

This year will also mark the 10th year Shell becomes the title sponsor for the Malaysia Grand Prix.

“I’m grateful to have a loyal partner like Shell, who has been with us since 2009,” added Tan Sri Azman. “We have seen waves of success during the 10 years together and I thank you for that.”

As a build up to the celebration, SIC and Shell Malaysia announced at the Official Launch in The Square Publika today, special off-track activities for fans will be arranged. The campaign kicks off with SIC announcing the MalaysianGP Superfan Contest where two lucky winners will win a fully paid trip to watch the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix with exclusive behind-the-scene experience.

“This is our 10th year as title sponsor for the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix and we are excited to celebrate Shell’s long-standing involvement in world motorcycle racing with all motorsports’ enthusiasts through our collaboration with SIC,” shared Datuk Iain Lo, Chairman of Shell Malaysia.

“MotoGP is more than a race, it’s a platform for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate their passion for motorsports. To fuel this passion and commemorate a decade of our commitment towards motorsports development in Malaysia, we will be having exciting activities to reward our customers who have been continuously supporting us all these years,” added Datuk Iain.

The Shell Biker Chop Chop promotion which kicked-off in June will run until August and it offers bikers the opportunity to purchase discounted Shell Hillstand MotoGP tickets as well as a chance to win exclusive Ducati merchandise and other limited-edition items. To qualify for the promotion, customers need to collect digital stamps via WeChat by collecting an accumulative of: two (2) Lubricant stamps by purchasing Shell Advance AX5, AX7 or Ultra and three (3) Fuel stamps by fueling RM6 worth of Shell fuels in a single receipt.

Another highlight this year will an exciting addition to the live viewing for the upcoming MotoGP races, where fans can gather and follow the races before the upcoming Malaysian round. For the first time, Shell has decided to bring one of its live viewing sessions outside Klang Valley, to Kuantan, Pahang, with the aim to extend the MotoGP excitement to a larger group of fans. Fans can learn more of these viewings at Shell’s social media pages.

This year, Shell is back with its Shell Hillstand, an exclusive viewing area at the circuit which provides motorsports enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a differentiated experience while watching the race. In the past, the hillstand offered a series of activities comprising a display of Ducati motorcycles, a wide-range of family-friendly activities and a variety of food and beverages, inclusive of Shell’s popular deli2go freshly-baked pastries and Costa Coffee. The company is looking to do all of this and more this year, to provide a bigger and better Shell Malaysia MotoGP experience for its customers.

Race week will start with the pre-event; a friendly football match between Team SIC All Stars showcasing talented MotoGP riders against Team Media FC at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. The match will be made open for fans to come and support the MotoGP riders in action.

The ever-popular riders’ autograph session and riders fan forum will take place at the Sepang International Circuit on November 1 (Friday) and 2 (Saturday) where fans can get up close and personal with their favorite riders like Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and also our Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah and more.

The much awaited Mega MotoGP Carnival also provides an array of products and promotions with over 90 brands participating this year. The carnival has become an event of its own where two-wheels fans look forward to each year to get their hands on special merchandise items including new motorcycles to take home.

The popular #KamiGearKe7 campaign will be back this year as a way for fans to show their support towards Malaysian riders and team challenging for honours at their home race. It follows the concept of fans as the 12th man on the pitch on football matches to support their teams, the #KamiGearKe7 will provide the avenue for fans to show the support for Malaysian competing in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

“The hype will be much bigger this year as we have a Malaysian team racing in three different categories of the championship,” added Tan Sri Azman.

“The Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team just bared their fangs when Fabio Quartararo finished second at the Catalunya Grand Prix and with Hafizh Syahrin and Khairul on the grid, Malaysians will have more to cheer for.

“It will also be something of a spectacle for the Indonesian fans out there as they will get to see their star Dimas Ekky Pratama racing in the Malaysian round in his first full season as a Moto2 rider. I’m sure many of them are eager to see what Dimas can do after stints in 2017 and 2018.”

Tickets for the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix was launched in October 2018 and is selling fast. “This year, though tickets remain at the same price for the MalaysianGP, there is an addition of 25% entertainment tax imposed by the state government. However, the event remains to be a much awaited one and tickets are selling fast. I encouraged all fans to start getting theirs now before it sells out”

“To ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for the fans, works has also started to fix the roofing of the Main Grandstand and better fittings for the public toilets. We are excited to see the new and improved roof during the race this year” Tan Sri Azman added.

Tickets can be purchased on www.sepangcircuit.com while international fans can either purchase it online or visit the nearest registered travel agents for the best Motorsport Tourism holiday in Malaysia this November.

  • Litar Antarabangsa Sepang dan Institut Sukan Negara telah menandatangani satu perjanjian kerjasama strategik rasmi.
  • ISN akan menyediakan perkhidmatan kesukanan buat pasukan PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team dalam MotoGP dan juga untuk program pembangunan bakat SIC.
  • SIC berharap yang fasiliti ini akan membantu penunggang mereka untuk terus berkembang menjadi penunggang MotoGP pada masa yang akan datang.

(more…)

  • Sepang International Circuit and National Sports Institute Sign Official Strategic Partnership.

  • The NSI will provide sports services to the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team in MotoGP and also SIC’s talent development programs.

  • SIC hopes that these facilities will assist their riders in growing to be future MotoGP riders.

The National Sports Institute (NSI) announced the participation of Sepang International Circuit (SIC) as an official strategic partner.

This partnership between is the first ever joint venture held in the field of high-performance sports services for motor sports.This collaboration is also a positive step in promoting the country’s motor sports. The scope of the strategic cooperation covers:

  1. NSI will provide high performance sports services by planning and implementing sports science and sports medical programs to PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team riders and riders, and also riders under the talent development program SIC, such as Dream to MotoGP (Impian Ke MotoGP). The Dream to MotoGP program consists of preparation in various tournaments such as the Spanish CEV Teen Championships (CEV), European Talent Cup, Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC).
  2. The NSI will provide comprehensive and systematic application of sports science based on best practices and research in specializations such as nutrition, psychology, gymnastics physiology, biomechanics and physical fitness for motorsport.
  3. The NSI will provide sports medical services such as health screening, injury treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation treatments and clinical trials.

Both parties expect more exchanges of experience and high-performance sports research for motorsports can be implemented through this collaboration. In fact, this collaboration is an important step for the exchange of information, experience, knowledge and the latest research into the development of the national motor sports industry.

Dato’ Razlan Razali, CEO of SIC said, “To ensure that SIC talents in 2- and 4- wheels (racing) are fully prepared, physically and mentally fit, we are pleased with the strategic partnership with NSI. NSI has the best place and facility to produce world class athletes and they are proven with a number of success stories. Hence, with a whole suite of services offered for our motorsport talents to utilise, we have a complete chain of ecosystem and structure to ensure that our motorsport athletes are prepared to compete in their respective championships. There are simply no excuses now for these athletes as we have provided nearly everything for them to ensure they are competitive and aspire to be champions.”

  • Litar Antarabangsa Sepang akan menganjurkan dua pusingan perlumbaan FIM World Endurance Championship dan FIA World Touring Car.
  • Acara ini akan berlangsung dari 13 hingga 15 Disember 2019.
  • Para penunggang dan pemandu negara akan mengambil bahagian dalam kedua-dua perlumbaan motosikal dan kereta ini.

(more…)

  • The Sepang International Circuit will host round 2 of the FIM World Endurance Championship and FIA World Touring Car double-header.

  • The event will take place from 13th to 15th December 2019.

  • Malaysian riders and drivers will take place in both motorcycle and auto races.

The Sepang International Circuit will host two international race events back-to-back in December 2019. The FIM World Endurance Championship and FIA World Touring Car Races double-header will end under the floodlights at the circuit.

As announced earlier, the prestigious FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) is set for its debut on Malaysian soil. This is the best opportunity to see your favourite superbikes being hammered to the limits for hours on end.

The 8 Hours of Sepang, as the event is called, will play host to the best Asian motorcycle endurance teams fight to qualify for the infamous Suzuka 8 Hours Grand Finale alongside regular EWC teams and riders.

The signature ferris wheel at Suzuka – courtesy of fimwec.com

Sepang is the 2nd round of the 2019–2020 FIM EWC calendar; preceded by the Bol d’Or and superseded by the 24 Hueres Motos. The schedule is part of Eurosport Events’ reworked winter calendar.

In case you didn’t know, there were Malaysian riders who took part in last year’s Suzuka 8 Hours race. Zaqhwan Zaidi teamed with Indonesian Andi Farid Izdihar and Australian Tory Herfoss in the Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team to finish 7th. The team is set to race in the event again this year.

There will be more Malaysia riders at the Sepang round this December. SIC CEO Dato’ Razlan Razali said that they will field the riders from the just-launched PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team and Khairul Idham Pawi from the Petronas Sprinta Racing Team.

Endurance racing is different from the usual “sprint” races from the aspect of the unknown, from which drama springs. For example, the leading bike may suddenly find the radiator leaking and the crew clamoring like madmen to fix the problem. Fans can expect to see the riders riding as if possessed to make up for lost positions.

But that’s not all. One the very next day, the FIA World Touring Car/OSCARO (WTCR) super-finale takes place under the floodlights for the inaugural time.

Razlan Razali, CEO, Sepang International Circuit, said: “With the departure of F1 in Malaysia, we were tasked to look into other world-class events to include in our annual calendar. Through fan voting and further feasibility study, FIM EWC and FIA WTCR were the top two selected events, both promoted by Eurosport Events.

“This special collaboration with Eurosport Events will make the race exclusive and one of a kind which will create history for Malaysia to host two world championships together in one weekend.

“Both races will take place until sunset and the chequered flag will be waived under the new SIC Circuit Lights. Tickets are now available for purchase through SIC’s website and we encourage all fans to come and witness these exciting world-class championships as they make their #RoadToMalaysia.”

Dato’ Razlan made the statements during the recent Petronas SIC Motorsports Association of Malaysia Award 2018.

Tickets for the FIA WTCR and FIM EWC double-header event are now on sale. Prices start from RM275 for the main grandstand and more information is available from the SIC website by following this link: https://www.sepangcircuit.com/ticketing/wtrc-ewc.

Khairul Idham Pawi yang sedang menguji jentera Moto2 yang baharu – Sumber imej: PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team
  • Pasukan PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team bagi kelas Moto3 dan Moto2 telah menjalankan ujian pra musim persendirian mereka.
  • Ujian ini telah mengambil tempat di litar halaman pasukan berkenaan, iaitu Litar Antarabangsa Sepang.
  • Ujian ini telah diadakan sebelum bermulanya ujian pra musim Moto3 dan Moto2 rasmi di Jerez.

(more…)

  • The PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team for Moto2 and Moto3 are currently conducting private pre-season testing.

  • The tests are taking place at the team’s home track, Sepang International Circuit.

  • The tests are ahead of the first official Moto2 and Moto3 pre-season tests at Jerez.

PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Teams for Moto2 and Moto3 took to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in private pre-season tests starting 11thFebruary. SIC is the team’s home track.

Team riders are Khairul Idham Pawi for the Moto2 class, and Ayumu Sasaki and John McPhee for the Moto3 category.

Their tests sessions followed in the footsteps of the third official MotoGP test which took place from 6thto 8thFebruary. The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo put their Yamaha YZR-M1s through their paces for the upcoming season. The Yamaha factory later announced on 7thFebruary that Quartararo will also ride the 2019 Yamaha YZR-M1 like his teammate Morbidelli’s and those of the factory Yamaha team.

Franco Morbidelli at Sepang Winter Test 2019 – Photo credit MotoGP.com

Khairul Idham Pawi #89 – Moto2

Khairul Idham Pawi and his crew continues their work on the new Kalex machine which is powered by the new Triumph three-cylinder engine. The tests will allow Pawi to familiarize himself further to the machine. He improved his pace as the day progressed.

Pawi testing new Moto2 bike – Photo credit PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team

The tests focused on the new engine initially, before moving to chassis, geometry and suspension set-ups.

Ayumu Sasaki #71 and John McPhee #17 – Moto3

The Sasaki/McPhee pairing concentrated on obtaining the optimum motorcycle base settings on the new 2019 Honda. Work focused on learning the new engine, chassis, and chassis geometry.

McPhee testing new Moto3 bike – Photo credit PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team

Both riders put in many laps to obtain the sizeable data required. Sasaki logged 51 laps while McPhee logged another 38.

Next Tests

Testing continues today and tomorrow. The two Moto2 and Moto3 teams will head to their official tests at Jerez, Spain beginning 20thFebruary and Losail, Qatar from 1stMarch. As for the MotoGP team, the final official pre-season test will begin from 23rdFebruary. The 2019 MotoGP season kicks off in Qatar from 10thMarch.

  • KTM organized a Meet the Fans session at the Sepang International Circuit.

  • There was also a special press conference.

  • Hafizh’s Tech 3 team has switched to KTM for the 2019 MotoGP season.

It was a shock when Tech 3 announced their move to the KTM after being associated with Yamaha for 20 years. The announced was made almost immediately after the signing Malaysia rider Hafizh Syahrin to the team when it was called Monster Energy Tech 3 Yamaha.

But Hafizh’s determination shone through in his rookie season when he very nearly captured the Rookie of the Year crown, instead of Franco Morbidelli.

For the 2019 season, the now Red Bull Tech 3 KTM team retains Hafizh’s services. He is set to partner Miguel Oliviera who stepped up from KTM’s Moto2 team.

Anyway, KTM Malaysia, the KTM regional office, dignitaries and Tech 3 teams members held a special conference for the Malaysian media featuring Hafizh Syahrin on the eve of the shakedown run which begins from 1st through 3rd February 2019.

KTM motorcycle owners also supported the event, and were rewarded with Hafizh Syahrin and Pol Espargaro’s autographs.

The Q&A session was held between Hafizh Syahrin and the emcee.

It was apparent that Hafizh is a competitive person. When asked why he started racing, he replied succinctly, “Because I like to race. I’m determined to procure what I want so racing fits into my character.”

There were questions into his preferences, including his race number 55. “Personally, race numbers should mean something. My race number is actually my birthday – 5th May 1994.”

On his nickname El Pescao, “I was in the Spanish CEV series in 2012. I was very new and alien to what needs to be done. My first race was wet, and my crew was doing the best to replace the tyres. I started from the pits in 24th position but charged up the field to finish 5th. The crew had trouble calling my name one of them decided to call me El Pescao, which means fish in Spanish.”

“I felt that El Pescao looked good when designed as graphics, so I decided to stick with that nickname.”

However, Hafizh is associated with another nickname recently called, “#BO55KU.” “It started in Sabah. I was training with the National Cycling Team and they kept using the term ‘Bossku’,” elaborated Hafizh. “It can mean ‘Bro’ and also ‘Boss’. I started using it a year ago and it’s now viral.”

Back to business, Hafizh was queried on how he felt about his 2018 season. “I didn’t expect to be in MotoGP in 2018. I’d like to say thank you to Dato’ Razlan (Razali, CEO of Sepang International Circuit) and also Hervé(Poncharal, Principal of Tech 3 Racing) for making this happen.”

Syahrin, Jerez MotoGP test, 2018

Of course, the question we expected was asked, “What is the difference between the KTM RC16 and Yamaha YZR-M1 last year?”

Hafizh: “The KTM RC16 really looks good (he’s probably alluding to ‘if it looks good, it goes good).” He added, “The Yamaha felt soft when accelerating off corners but the RC16, being a V-Four has more torque at the bottom (of the RPM range). It feels more aggressive.”

“I did enjoy myself on the bike (during the Valencia and Jerez post-season tests) but I need more time to fully learn it.”

Syahrin, Jerez MotoGP test, 2018

“It’s not easy for me and the team as they have been with Yamaha for more than 20 years. The bike itself is new, the chassis, suspension (WP instead of Öhlins). However, I’m happy to be with this team because they provide me with many things to understand the bike. The crew went to the KTM factory in Austria during the 2-month break to improve the bike.”

“I got some feedback from the team and can’t wait to try the bike beginning tomorrow, for 6 days (including the first pre-season test). 6 days may seem a lot but it allows use to work more on the bike.”

Syahrin, Jerez MotoGP test, 2018

The question on everyone’s minds, Malaysian KTM fans in particular is whether there will be a “Hafizh Syahrin” replica. KTM Malaysia will issue a special liveried RC 390 which mimics the Winter Test bike. It will be announced later in the year and will wear Hafizh Syahrin’s colours.

“We have new colour that’s very nice. I think it’s different from everyone else’s. I hope you guys can wait until 12thFebruary as we are launching the new MotoGP bikes in Austria.”

“Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, including my fans. For sure I will do my best in 2019. I made some rookie mistakes last year which cost me some good positions. I’ve learned from my mistakes and hope not to repeat them.”

PICTURE GALLERY

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