Zaqhwan banking on familiarity in Moto2 charge

Malaysia's moto2 world championship racer Zaqhwan Zaidi posing with his Suter bike with Suter Racing CEO Eskil Suter during the unveiling of JPM Moto Racing team in KL on Monday. - FAIHAN GHANI/ The STAR

KUALA LUMPUR: Zaqhwan Zaidi loves life in the fast lane.

The 19-year-old is set to make his debut in the Moto2 World Motorcycle Championship at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on March 29.

“This will perhaps be the most challenging season in my racing career and I aim to take this challenge with a positive attitude,” said the Asian Road Racing Cham­pionships 600cc Supersports reigning champion.

Zaqhwan will feature for Malaysian-backed JPM Moto racing team this season and is aiming for a top-15 finish. He will ride the Swiss-built Suter bike.

Last year, Zaqhwan bagged three titles. He romped his way almost unchallenged to the CP130 title in the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championships with five wins in 10 races.

He then won the Superbike crown in the Malaysian Super Series at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in November before bagging the SuperSports 600c title in December.

“I hope my familiarity with the Sepang and Qatar circuits will give me an added advantage. “It’s my first season and I need to make some adjustments using the Ohlins suspension instead of KYB,” he said.

JPM Moto racing team founder JP Chin is looking forward to working with Zaqhwan. “We’re glad to have him on board and that we can make his dream of competing on the world stage a reality. “We all know he is a good rider and perhaps the best in the country now,” he said.

Suter Racing, who manufactured Zaqhwan’s new Suter MMX2 bike, have constructed bikes that have won three Moto2 constructor’s championships.

And Suter Racing chief executive officer Eskil Suter, a former racer, believes Zaqhwan can achieve great things.

“He’s a talented rider. “If he can keep his focus, learn the new tracks fast and not put too much pressure on himself ... he can do great. “But he needs time to mature as Moto2 is not easy.”

-thestar online.

http://jpmoto.com.my/index.php