MOTO2: SUPERKIP, HELMI RELISHING RIDING ON WET TRACK SURFACE

SEPANG, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The adverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms, expected to hit the Sepang International Circuit this weekend could very well play into the hands of Malaysia's two wildcard riders - Khairul Idham Pawi dan Muhammad Helmi Azman - at the 2024 Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix (GP) Championships.

PETRONAS MIE Racing RW team manager Razmin Masli Abdul Razak said Khairul Idham, better known as SuperKIP, and Helmi had told him that a wet track surface could work in their favour as they seek to shine on home ground.

"According to MetMalaysia (Malaysian Meteorological Department), there is a possibility of thunderstorms this weekend.

"But, I feel that our riders may be comfortable riding in wet conditions,” he told reporters here today.

Khairul Idham had previously produced a surprise on his Moto3 debut by emerging victorious in the Argentina and German GPs which, unsurprisingly, were held in rainy conditions.

Khairul Idham used to compete in Moto2 with the Idemitsu Honda Team Asia from 2017 to 2019.

Last season saw Helmi, who competed in the 2024 Asian Road Racing Championships, make his Moto2 debut via a wildcard in the Malaysia GP, where he finished 23rd out of 31 riders.

Meanwhile, Razmin gave an assurance that his team have provided the best Moto2 bikes for Khairul Idham and Helmi to give their best on race day this Sunday (Nov 3).

He said both the riders would be supplied with machines modified according to the latest specifications, including the electronic system and 2023 chassis.

However, he admitted that Khairul Idham and Helmi still needed time to get used to the bikes based on their performance during training this morning.

Helmi was 28th fastest in 2 minutes 09.55 seconds (s) while Khairul Idham was slowest in 2:10.195s.

-- BERNAMA