iMotorbike had the opportunity to meet the first Southeast Asian MotoGP racer, Hafiz Syahrin and here is what he told us about his life and career.
Hafiz Syahrin aka Southeast Asia’s first MotoGP racer started his racing career with minimoto riding at the age of nine. He was so good, he was labelled as the “King of Pocket Bikes” locally in Malaysia. Later in 2019, Hafizh Syahrin took part in Malaysian Underbone series received numerous podium posts.
Following this, in 2010, he moved into Asia Road Racing Championship and finished 12th. A year later, Hafiz moved all the way up to fourth place in the same racing series. Thereafter, in 2012 Hafiz made his way to FIM CEV Repsol, where he competed under European Moto2 category. He also put in a wildcard appearance in the Moto2 round in Malaysia, where he finished third overall and got his first-ever podium. In 2013, Hafiz ended CEV season third with two wins before moving into Moto2 World Championship with Petronas Raceline Malaysia for 2014. Later in 2017, Hafiz took two podium finishes under Petronas Raceline. A year later, Hafiz moved into MotoGP with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team to replace Jonas Folger. This was a proud moment for Malaysia as Hafiz became the first-ever Southeast Asian rider to participate in the MotoGP category.
We got the opportunity to talk to the much loved Malaysian racing hero, Hafizh Syahrin. We asked him a few questions regarding his racing career and personal life and here is what BO55KU told us.
Hafizh Syahrin in swift recovery after a horrific crash in Austria
iM: When did you first ride a bike?
Hafizh: “As I remember, I first rode a bike when I was eight years old.”
iM: What was your first bike?
Hafiz: “My riding journey initially started with a pocket bike.”
iM: What was your childhood dream?
Hafiz: “I have always wanted to be a professional motorcycle racer, which I am now.”
iM: When and how did you start your racing journey?
Hafiz: “It all started back in 2003 when I was 9 years old. One day my father found out about a race through his friends from Port Dickson and I went to participate. That was my first race and I became the champion in that race, this is where it all began.”
iM: How do you feel about being known as the first Malaysian/ Southeast Asian racer who got into MotoGP?
Hafiz: “I’m really happy to be able to join Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the first place and I’m humbly proud to be known as the first Malaysian/ Southeast Asian to get into the MotoGP category first.”
iM: How did you feel when you first got into Moto2 back in 2011 and MotoGP in 2018?
Hafiz: “I felt excited and happy.”
iM: How do you find the transition from MotoGP to Moto2?
Hafiz: “Good, the transition is mainly on the differences in the bikes and how they perform.”
iM: How do you feel about your new team, Aspar?
Hafiz: “They are very experienced. I’m positive about this team and the new machine I’m using.”
iM: How is your and your team’s preparation for the next race?
Hafiz: “I feel energetic and positive.”
iM: How do you feel about getting back on track after the COVID-19 outbreak?
Hafiz: “I’m very happy to be back but because of the outbreak I must ensure my self-safety like social distancing, self-cleanliness and so on.”
iM: Tell us something that you learn from this sport that helps you in your life?
Hafiz: “I can fix my own bike now. I also learn about teamwork which helps me work with people better in general. Aside from this, it also helps me with my career where I need to work with many people like the team manager and the rest of the team.”
iM: If you had to pick a different career outside of racing, what would it be?
Hafiz: “If I were to pick a career outside of racing, I think I would go with being a football player.”
iM: What’s your favourite holiday destination? And Why?
Hafiz: “I really like London and Japan. I really like Japan because of the food, culture and unique landmarks.”
iM: What’s your dream bike?
Hafiz: “My dream bike is a Yamaha R1.”
iM: Who is your racing idol?
Hafiz: “Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.”
iM: Aside from bikes, how do you feel about cars and racing cars?
Hafiz: “I’m very interested in cars and racing cars too.”
iM: What do you do when you are free? Do you have any hobbies?
Hafiz: “I play football and futsal when I’m free. Aside from this, I also like cycling and bowling during my free time.”
iM: Would you like to say anything to your fans?
Hafiz: “I would like to thank my fans for always supporting me and wishing the best for my career. I’m truly grateful.”