SEPANG – National Moto2 racer Muhammad Helmi Azman admitted that Malaysian riders still trail far behind international competitors at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP).
The 25-year-old assessed this gap based on his and fellow wild card entrant Khairul Idham Pawi’s performance at the ongoing race at Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
“I struggled to compete with the world champion and others – I’m only from the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and Cub Prix, while this is Moto2,” said Helmi. “Even on our home track, we’re clearly behind,” he told reporters after the Moto2 race, Bernama reported.
Helmi, representing MIE Racing RW, finished 23rd with a time of +49.239 seconds behind race winner Celestino Vietti of Red Bull KTM Ajo, who clocked 36 minutes 06.629 seconds.
Khairul Idham, unfortunately, was unable to participate due to a broken arm and possible broken leg injuries from a crash during Moto2 qualifying yesterday.
Despite his setback, Khairul expressed satisfaction with his progress: “I improved significantly from last year and hit my target lap time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vietti, 23, secured his third Moto2 title this season with a strong finish, having previously won at Austria and Emilia Romagna.
He crossed the line ahead of Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Aspar Team).
In MotoGP, Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia, known as Pecco, bolstered his title defence hopes with a crucial win.
His 10th victory this season, clocking in at 38 minutes 04.563 seconds, reduced his world championship gap to 24 points behind Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing, who placed second (+3.141s). Bagnaia’s teammate, Enea Bastianini, finished third (+10.484s).
With Martin leading the standings at 485 points and Bagnaia close behind with 461 points, the 2024 MotoGP championship title will be decided in the season finale. — November 3, 2024