Unexpected good luck
Moto2 rider Hafizh promoted to second in San Marino GP
PETALING JAYA: There’s more good news for Moto2 rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah.
The 23-year-old Malaysian has been promoted to second place in the San Marino Grand Prix after race winner Dominique Aegerter of Switzerland was disqualified due to an oil irregularity. The second-place finish is Hafizh’s best achievement in world motorcycling since his Moto2 debut in 2014.
In a statement late on Sunday, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) said they stripped Kiefer Racing rider Aegerter of the Sept 10 win after the second test sample also showed the same result.
Thomas Luthi of Switzerland, who finished second, was named as the race winner while Italian Francesco Bagnaia moved up to third spot.
Earlier on Sunday, Petronas Raceline Malaysia rider Hafizh put up a stunning performance under wet and tricky conditions to finish third at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi.
He is now ranked 10th in the overall stand- ings with 82 points with three races to go in the 18-leg championship.
“This is a boost to my efforts to do well in the last three races of the season.
“I am looking forward especially to my home race where I am expecting thousands of fans to come and support us (Malaysian riders),” said Hafizh.
The Australian Grand Prix takes place this weekend in Phillip Island followed by the Shell Malaysia Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from Oct 27-29. The finale is in Valencia, Spain, from Nov 10-12.