Former World Championships rider Khairul Idham Pawi needs more time to rediscover his form in the Petronas Malaysia Cub Prix.
After seven years away, Khairul has returned to the national underbone series this season and is competing for SCK Honda Racing Team in the CP150 category.
The opening day of the season, however, proved challenging for Khairul, who settled for 17th in qualifying at the Sepang Circuit (North layout) after clocking one minute, 18.241 seconds yesterday.
The Perak-born was placed 22nd (1:19.661s) and 21st (1:19.962s) in free practice One and Two.
The 23-year-old had raced in the Moto2 and Moto3 categories of the World Championships between 2016-2020.
However, he had struggled with injuries and form in his final two seasons and found himself without a seat for the 2021 season.
Khairul, who will also compete in the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) this season, said he is taking things one step at a time.
"I am trying to start (racing) again after taking a year off to rest at home and recuperate after what had happened in the World Championships," said Khairul, who won the Cub Prix Wira category in 2014.
"It was quite challenging for me from the first practice today (yesterday). It will take time for me to adapt to this bike.
"This race (round) is for me to find my rhythm with the bike.
"Cub Prix is tougher for me due to my bodyweight, which is far different from the other (lighter) riders. I will still try my best here and will also aim to do well in the ARRC."
Onexox Racing Team's Izam Ikmal Izamli topped the premier class qualifying timesheets on a solid 1:17.025s, with last year's overall champion Azroy Hakeem Anuar (Honda Yuzy Idemitsu Team) coming in second on 1:17.068s.
Ahmad Afif Amran (Petronas Sprinta Yamaha-CKJ Racing) rounded out the top-three on 1:17.207s.