WTCR: Hafizh Syahrin Completes Test Ahead of History Making Weekend

Former MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin has completed his debut test in the Hyundai i30 N TCR. The Malaysian will compete in the FIA World Touring Car Cup at the Sepang International Circuit later this week. He will be the first person to compete on both a two and four wheel event in the same weekend.

Syahrin’s debut outing took place during a wildcard test session under the newly installed floodlights on Monday evening, and again on Tuesday morning, as the newly signed Moto2 rider took to the 3.44-mile circuit in the WTCR car.

He is well known for becoming the first Southeast Asian to race in MotoGP, where he competed on a Yamaha and KTM in 2018 and 2019, where he’d previously been a Moto2 mutliple podium finisher.

Speaking after the session, the Malaysian commented:

“There are still some places I can improve and I will check with my crew chief to see which parts we lose on the track but it was amazing, a nice experience for me and also we tested in the night. As we have one race in the night, Race 3, it’s a good opportunity that we have a test here. At the same time, we have 20 kilos more in the car [in accordance with the wildcard regulations] so it’s not easy but I will try to improve step by step,” – Hafizh Syahrin.

Syahrin will be competing in the FIA World Touring Car Cup this week, as well as competing on two wheels in the Sepang 8-hour onboard a YART prepared Yamaha R1.

Speaking about the doubleheader this weekend, he said:

“I cannot wait to arrive in a good shape on the weekend to jump on the bike and suddenly jump in the car, this will be complicated but I will try to build my confidence, keep calm and make sure everything is under control,” – Hafizh Syahrin.

His fellow Hyundai Team Engstler driver Mitchell Cheah was also out on circuit along with the third of three Malaysian wildcards Douglas Khoo. The Malaysian’s were joined by Brazilian driver João Paulo de Oliveira who completes the one-off racers taking part in the WTCR Race of Malaysia season super-finale.

The 8 Hours of Sepang kicking off on Saturday 14th December at 13:00 local time, before jumping into the car (Sunday 15th December) for three FIA WTCR races which conclude an action-packed schedule at the Sepang International Circuit.