WithU will go far – Yamaha RNF team get motor running for debut season

Calm before the storm: WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP’s Andrea Dovizioso at the winter testing session at the Sepang International Circuit on Feb 5. — AFP

PETALING JAYA: Bring on the debut season challenge. The WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP team are optimistic they can be competitive right from the start after going through two MotoGP pre-season testings at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in Malaysia and the Mandalika Circuit in Indonesia.

WithU RNF team founder and principal Datuk Razlan Razali said both riders Andrea Dovizioso of Italy and Darryn Binder of South Africa showed gradual improvements from their lap times as the team tested new parts.

“We went through three good days of testing at the Mandalika Circuit. Our riders improved their timings day by day.

“This is the most important thing for us even though the conditions on the track were not so good,” he said.

The MotoGP season starts with the Qatar Grand Prix at the Losail International Circuit from March 4-6 before the Mandalika Circuit hosts the second stop and its debut race from March 18-20.

Dovizioso rode to his best time of 1:31.890 while Binder posted his best effort in 1:33.049.

“I believe we will improve on the track and in other areas by then,” said Razlan.

“Everything went well in terms of adjustment and compatibility.

“Especially for Darryn as he still needs to get to know the bike and try to understand the circuit as this will be his debut season.

“Andrea is trying new stuff to make himself comfortable while riding the new bike.”