Helmi and Khairul out to better their times in today’s qualifying

Hard landing: Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Marco Bezzecchi flies off his machine after crashing during the second free practice session of the Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit. Below: Khairul Idham Pawi. — Bernama

SEPANG: Moto2 wildcard riders Mohd Helmi Azman and Khairul Idham Pawi encountered contrasting fortunes on the opening day of the Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit.

Helmi was placed 29th in the morning practice session after clocking 2:09.550s in the penultimate race of the World Motorcycle Championships but Khairul, who clocked 2:10.195s, ended in last spot in the field of 32 riders.Helmi managed an improved 2:08.727s in the afternoon session to place 29th again while Khairul stayed in 32nd spot in 2:10.045s.