PETALING JAYA: Petronas Sepang Racing Team principal Datuk Razlan Razali hopes local fans will be patient as they wait for a Malaysian rider to come up the ranks.
Next season, there will be no Malaysian despite Petronas maintaining their presence in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3.
Moto3’s Khairul Idham Pawi bowed out with the conclusion of the Valencia Grand Prix last Sunday and will be replaced by South African Darryn Binder. The outfit have retained Scotsman John McPhee.
The line-up for Moto2 is unchanged for next season with British rider Jake Dixon and Spaniard Xavi Vierge while the premier class will see an all-Italian line-up with Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi switching team with Fabio Quartararo to race alongside Franco Morbidelli.
“I hope local fans will be patient. Our second liners are not ready for the 2021 world championship yet, ” said Razlan.
“Our development programme are running as usual in the CEV Europe championship but it’s going to take time. Hopefully, one or two will be ready to be absorbed into the team in 2022.
“It’s not easy as Malaysians will be quick to praise when the rider makes his way into the world championship but will also be quick to condemn if he is not able to perform. It will ruin his confidence if he is mentally not ready to compete at this stage, ” said Razlan.
Adam Norrodin and Syarifuddin Azman are currently racing in Moto2 and Moto3 in the CEV Europe championships. Muhd Sharul Ezwan Sharil was also sent abroad this year to gain exposure in the European Talent Cup.
