KUALA LUMPUR: After a torrid outing at the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix last weekend, Moto2 rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah is keeping his fingers crossed for a better showing at the Doha Grand Prix this weekend.
At Qatar's Losail International Circuit, an engine problem forced him to retire after 11 laps.
Hafizh said he is still trying to get used to his new Moto2 bike and Dutch-based team crew. The team had also struggled during pre-season testing last month.
The Ampang-born Hafiz, who raced for Aspar Team last season, said he has to adapt quickly.
"Last week I struggled to control the bike from the start. I felt a lot of shuddering when I entered and exited corners. I struggled to stay with the group ahead. Unfortunately the engine stalled during the race," said the 26-year-old today.
"I hope to adapt to the bike faster. At the moment, I don't have much data and I hope can learn about the bike faster."
Hafizh has signed a one-year deal with the Dutch team which will see him riding alongside Belgian teenager Barry Baltus.
RW Racing are relatively new to Moto2, having only joined the intermediate class in 2017. They are working on developing their NTS chassis.