Beyond expectations: Fabio Quartararo from Petronas Yamaha SRT team celebrates on the podium after finishing third in the MotoGP class of the Austrian Grand Prix on Aug 11.
When the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) was named as Malaysia’s first-ever team to participate in world motorcycle premier class, no one could have envisaged the team’s rapid progress. Sepang International Circuit chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali, who made the announcement a year ago during the British Grand Prix, is certainly surprised as SRT are going great guns in the MotoGP category. Datuk Razlan gives his take on his hopes and aspirations for the team.
Q: Did you expect to see the amazing progress of the team in the first year?A: There is no way we expected to be in this fantastic position after only 12 rounds of the 2019 season. We were hoping for Franco (Morbidelli) to deliver top six performances and for Fabio (Quartararo) to go for the Rookie of the Year award. We didn’t expect both of them to do what they’re doing and we’re extremely happy and satisfied with them. To be able to deliver such strong performances for our title sponsor is key factor. We have achieved better than the targets we set out to do at the start of the year.
Datuk Razlan Razali said the results from Malaysia’s first racing team is above what was targeted. — AgenciesQ: What has been the biggest surprise of the move to MotoGP?A: Without a doubt the biggest surprise has come from Fabio. When we announced him as our second rider, a lot of people told us we made the wrong choice but now everyone agrees we made the right decision!
He’s delivered the biggest surprise of the year, with a series of podiums, pole positions, top fives and top tens. He has been fabulous and he is truly talented. Having pole position and second place at only the first European round in Jerez, Spain earlier this year was exceptional.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
