Qabil misses podium in first Moto4 Cup race in Barcelona

KUALA LUMPUR: Young Malaysian rookie Qabil Irfan just missed out on a podium in his first European Moto4 Cup race at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

The 14-year-old showed maturity beyond his age by fighting with the leading pack all the way to the chequered line to claim a strong fourth place finish on Sunday.

Spaniard Alvaro Lucas won the 13-lap race ahead of Italians Edoardo Savino and Lorenzo Pritelli.

Qabil, who represents the MLav Junior Team, was pleased to show he can compete with the world’s best riders from the start.

Qabil had qualified 10th on the grid after placing fourth in the second qualifying group on Saturday.

The main race was only for the top 30 riders from the 54 who took part in the practice and qualifying sessions.

“I achieved my target to be in the top 10 in qualifying. I was the only rookie to finish in the top five, so I am very excited to look forward to the remaining races to come,” said Qabil.

“My target is to be able to stay and compete in the front group at least.”

The talented rider, who has won back-to-back titles in the FIM MiniGP Malaysia 190 Championship, underwent several training sessions with his new team earlier to adapt to the Moto4 machinery.

The European Cup involves seven rounds in Spain before the curtain draws to a close in Italy in October.