Qabil eyes more podium positions after Moto4 progress

PETALING JAYA: Young motorsport talent Qabil Irfan is all psyched up to aim for more podium finishes after a breakthrough outing in the third round of the Moto4 European Cup at Jerez Circuit in Spain.

The 14-year-old earned his first podium on European soil with a third placed finish in Race 2 in Jerez over the weekend.

Qabil was almost caught out in a last lap crash, which took down several riders, but was saved by quick action to bring the bike under control to secure the podium.

Qabil, who finished seventh in Race 1 earlier, is now in sixth overall position on 51 points after three rounds.

“I’m so happy to be on the podium finally after finishing fourth twice in the previous rounds (Estoril, Portugal and Barcelona, Spain).

“There is a chance for a top three overall finish as the gap is not too far, only a few points separating the third placed rider Mateo Marulanda of Colombia (59 points).

“I will continue to work hard to improve and hopefully be able to be consistent from the start of practice.

“Jerez also suits my riding style and I was optimistic of a good show as it was here that I won the WSBK Talent Cup last year,” said Qabil.

There are four remaining rounds in the championship.