KUALA LUMPUR: Rider Helmi Azman is determined to make a bigger impact at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia after receiving a Moto2 wildcard for the second year in a row.
Helmi, who will again ride in Petronas Mie Racing colours this weekend, said his debut outing in the intermediate class last year was an eye-opening experience.
The Malaysian GP will begin at Sepang Circuit on Friday (Nov 1).
"Last year was the first time I had raced a Moto2 bike and it was a lot to digest in a weekend," said Helmi when met in Kuala Lumpur today.
"Moto2 bikes are completely different from the production bikes I race in the Supersport 600 class. The chassis is a lot stiffer and the geometry is also different.
"Finding the right suspension setup for me in such a limited time frame was not easy, I had to really change my riding style.
"It was like I wasn't riding the bike, but the bike was riding me.
"Now I have a better idea of what to expect, I hope to make much more progress in each session, beginning with the first practice on Friday.
"I want to close the gap with the other guys and hopefully be able to fight for the points."
Helmi, who is a full-season rider in the Asia Road Racing Championships (Supersport 600 class), placed 23rd from 31 riders in the Moto2 race at last year's Malaysian GP.
Khairul Idham Pawi, who is currently a full-season rider in the Supersport World Championship, has also received a Moto2 wildcard for the Malaysian GP.
The duo attended a meet and greet session with fans at the Petronas Twin Towers today.
World Championship riders Enea Bastianini, Aleix Espargaro, Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Quartararo, Ai Ogura, Aron Canet and David Alonso also attended the event.