KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas have confirmed that they have parted ways with Moto2 rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah as they look to focus on developing up-and-coming riders.
In a statement today, Petronas believe they have achieved their objective in developing a competitive, marketable and independent Malaysian rider in the world championships with Hafizh.
The 23-year-old has been under Petronas' Talent Development Programme since 2009 and spent the last four years as a full season rider with Petronas Raceline.
"Hafizh and Petronas have enjoyed nine fantastic seasons of racing in the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, Asia Road Racing Championship, Spanish National Championship and Moto2," said the statement.
"Petronas is proud of Hafizh’s achievements and wishes him the very best in his future.
"Petronas would also like to express their gratitude and appreciation to Raceline Malaysia which have played a vital role in molding Hafizh into what he is today, a Malaysian pride in the international motorcycle racing arena."
Hafizh will continue to race in Moto2 next season with the newly setup SIC Racing Team. SIC are hoping to groom him to make the step up to MotoGP in 2019.
Petronas will continue their sponsorship in Moto3 with the Petronas Sprinta Racing team, which features Adam Norrodin and Ayumu Sasaki, in addition to their well-established Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.
"Moving forward, Petronas will focus their resources in the development of new talents though its existing grassroots programme, the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, and through its collaboration with SIC in Moto3 via the Petronas Sprinta Racing Team.”