Wide Gap In Terms Of Performance Between Malaysian And International Riders - Muhammad Helmi

SEPANG, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- National moto2 racer Muhammad Helmi Azman admitted that the performance of national racers were still far behind that of international riders, who will likely be to do well in the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix (GP). 

The 25-year-old said he came to that conclusion based on his performance and that of compatriot Khairul Idham Pawi, both wild card entries at the prestigious race currently underway at Sepang International Circuit (SIC). 

“I strugged to race against the world champion and the others, as  I’m not at their level, I’m only from the Asia Road Racing Championship (AARC) and Cub Prix and this is moto2.

“Even though this is our track, we have to admit, we are lagging far behind,” he told reporters after the Moto2 race at the SIC here today.

Petronas MIE Racing RW racer Muhammad Helmi had a disappointing race, finishing 23rd with a time of +49.239 seconds (s) behind race winner Red Bull KTM rider Ajo Celestino Vietti’s 36 minutes 06.629 s, while Khairul Idham lost out on racing as he broke his leg arm and suffered injuries to his leg in an accident at the end of the first Moto2 qualifing round yesterday. 

Khairul Idham did however, express satisfaction over his performance, as he was able to improve his time and race position.

“For this race, I’m satisfied as I was at maximum compared to the first day and yesterday. I also improved a lot from last year and I achieved my targeted lap time,” he added.

-- BERNAMA