Hafizh Syahrin ended his maiden outing on MotoGP machinery in a positive mood having made steady improvements throughout Friday in Thailand on the Tech3 Yamaha.
The Malaysian has been called up by the satellite Yamaha outfit for this test, as rumours of the triple Moto2 podium finisher being chosen as the full-time replacement for the absent Jonas Folger continue to gather momentum.
Spending the first day of testing at the Buriram track simply adjusting from Moto2 to MotoGP machinery, Syahrin capped off the day last of the 24-runners, though only 2.3 seconds from the best pace and just four tenths down on fellow rookie Xavier Simeon on the Avintia Ducati.
Syahrin expressed his amazement at the speed of the M1 compared to the 600cc Moto2 bike he is used to, and admits he is keen to delve deeper into the bike's electronics.
“The first thing, it's an amazing bike,” enthused the Malaysian.
“[It's] so much faster (than a Moto2 bike). Every time I go [on the throttle] it's like a jet down the straights.
“There's a lot of difference in the tyres, we have launch and traction control. For me it helps a lot on the exit [of a corner] – when you open the gas the bike is calm.
“I'm looking forward to understanding it more.”
Syahrin – who is the first rider from Malaysia to take part in an official MotoGP test session – says he is already feeling at ease with the bike and his new surroundings, and is satisfied with his progress over the course of Friday's running.
“I feel good with the bike and with the team,” he added.
“They understand me because it's my first time here. It's not bad, I improved every session I went out and for my first day I think it was very positive.
“I'm not so far from the front, I'm not so far from (Tom) Luthi, but I'm trying to get closer step-by-step.”
Discussion about this post