PETALING JAYA: Petronas Yamaha CKJ riders need a better team strategy.
That’s the opinion of rider Ahmad Syukran Aizat ahead of Round 3 of the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship at the Dataran Tanjung Emas Muar in Johor Baru this weekend.
Ahmad Syukran stressed that team work would be crucial in their bid to close in on Motul Yamaha YY Pang’s Tengku Amirul Haffiruddin, who dominated the first two rounds of the championships.
“It will be an uphill task if we fail to have a team strategy. We need each other’s assistance,” said Ahmad Syukran, whose team-mates include Mohd Azam Omar and Izrul Huzaimie Amran.
In Round Two, Ahmad Syukran finished second in Batu Kawan. Mohd Azam did not start the race due to an injury sustained in qualifying while Izrul Huzaimie retired following a pile-up in the opening lap.
Tengku Amirul leads the overall standings with 50 points, followed by reigning CP115 champion Izzat Zaidi with 29 points and Ahmad Syukran third with 26 points.
“YY Pang riders know how to stick together and that gives them an advantage over the rest. It’s clear from the last two rounds that Tengku Amirul, who has better pace, will lead while Izzat will cover him,” said Ahmad Syukran.
“It’s important for us to adopt a team strategy so that we can close the gap on them. Battling alone at the front has been difficult and, if it continues, YY Pang will pull away from the rest in the standings.”
Ahmad Syukran is also quietly confident that he can finish on the podium in the 15-lap race in Johor Baru.
“I’m looking forward to a top-three finish, but there’s a lot of work to be done because it’s a new venue.
“It has a lot of straights, so top speed and engine durability is crucial. Hopefully, the engineers can help prepare a competitive bike,” he said.
