Since the MotoGP championship is on the summer break and there will be no races until August, it is a good time to sit down with team principal Razlan Razali to discuss the season so farwhat the current driver market looks like, the importance of promoting young talent and of course the MalaysianGP …
How would you rate the first nine races of the 2021 season in each category?
“With six riders in the three categories, it’s difficult to give a general summary of the team’s performance – but I’d say we’ve had our ups and downs this year.
This season has been tough for us in MotoGP, especially given the strong results from our first two years in the category, including Franco Mobidelli who finished runner-up in 2020. The 2021 season wasn’t quite what we expected. Franco struggled with the bike on the first lap but came back strong and took the team’s first podium of the year at Jerez. Unfortunately, he then struggled with his knee problem, which worsened and eventually resulted in an operation. It hinders our aspirations for the rest of the season but we hope he comes back strong. We saw good qualifying pace from Valentino Rossi at the season opener and some improvements in the last few races, but we know it was difficult. We will continue to support him as much as we can in the second half of the year.
It’s probably one of the closest championships of the season, and small differences can take you to the top; Even if it was difficult in the first half of the season, we as a team will continue to give our drivers the best possible support so that they can give their best and fight for positions lap after lap.
Our Moto2 season started with ups and downs, but finally with Xavi virgin We have achieved our first podium in the intermediate class since we entered the championship, and we are very happy about that. Unfortunately, Xavi couldn’t take that momentum with him after his first podium of the year, but before the summer break he drove a very good race to catch up from 23rd to eighth place at the Assen GP. This really helped keep him as high as possible in the championship standings ahead of the second half of the season. Jake Dixon surprised us with an impressive performance at the start of the year, but after that he seemed to be struggling. We made some changes to help him and there was a prospect of something positive but the bad luck with penalty shootouts prevented us from seeing the real potential of the change. We hope that the summer break is good for him and that he can continue this development in the second half of the season.
Darryn Binder started our Moto3 season with two consecutive podiums, but bad luck and penalties prevented John McPhee also about getting great results. However, he managed to regain his form and was more consistent in all sessions of the GPs. We got some solid points in the last few races, but here too we suffered from some unfair penalties and decisions. The Moto3 championship is tough because it’s very competitive and the race is close. That certainly gives the audience a good show, but sometimes it prevents the riders from showing their true potential. “
How do the team, crew and partners face this challenging season?
“The good thing about having drivers in all three categories is that a good result can strengthen the whole team and keep them motivated. It is important that everyone stays motivated and that we have realistic goals. We may need to tweak the goal posts a bit, make sure things are achievable and stay positive. I know it’s harder for the MotoGP guys because Franco has his injury. but I hope that some successes in Moto2 and Moto3 can help you. We are a team and it doesn’t matter who gets a good result, because everyone celebrates together and lends a hand to help when necessary.
It’s similar with our partners. There may have been some expectations based on previous results in our first and second years in MotoGP, however We have long-term commitments of them and they know the nature of competition and can also celebrate success in Moto2 and Moto3. “
What are the goals for the end of the season?
“We are now more focused on goals for the whole team than on the results of individual riders. I think we will try to be in the top 5 in all possible categories now, although I know MotoGP will be tough. For the premier class the focus is on the top three in the Independent Team category, we know that it will be difficult to catch up in the second half of the season. In Moto2 and Moto3 we need our riders who are consistent and help Series in the top 5. We have the potential to significantly improve our results. “
How is Franco Morbidelli? When can we expect his return?
“Franco is recovering well from his knee surgery. We want to make sure he’s at 100% before he comes back so I think we don’t expect him to race again before Misano – although I wish it was earlier. This is a track he loves, he knows it well and should be good to see him return. We all wish him all the best for his recovery and will only come back when he feels completely fit.
As for the MotoGP rider market, what is the team’s position right now? When would you like to announce the complete line-up for 2022?
It is important to remember that we are still waiting for Valentino and Yamaha’s decision for next year. Anyway, and as is customary this time of year, the latest news on the MotoGP rider market has certainly opened up all the possibilities! It’s an ongoing discussion between Yamaha, us and our current MotoGP riders, and we’re in no rush to announce anything.
We have received interest from a lot of riders and even riders who are currently outside of the MotoGP championship who want to join our team. We believe we have the time and are able to choose the luxury; Everyone knows the package that Yamaha can offer and what a young driver can do as part of our team. We have the structure and the package to enable young drivers to make their dreams come true. We saw it with both Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo so with all this interest we will take the time to rate any driver we want. There will only be a possible line-up after the next races. “
And what about Moto2 and Moto3? Are you planning any announcements soon?
“Firstly, we have to analyze and discuss our drivers’ situation. Second, the scenario is similar to the MotoGP category, with a lot of young riders who would like to be on our team – especially with the advancement in the series that we can offer. The path is clear as we have riders in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP so it’s perfect for young riders in championships like FIM CEV. We are spoiled for choice, so again we are in no hurry to make a decision, but maybe some announcements can be made soon, during the Austrian or British GP. Let’s see how it goes. “
How important is it that the Malaysian youth development program achieves good results at the FIM CEV and the Asia Talent Cup?
“As a Malaysian team we would of course like to give a place in Moto3 or Moto2 to a competent and competitive Malaysian driver as much as possible.” – hence the development program in FIM CEV and Asia Talent Cup. It is very important for all drivers to get good results so that they can move up from the Asian championships to the European championships and increase their competitiveness. In doing so, they are demonstrating their World Championship potential and should be competitive in Moto3 and Moto2. “
What can you say about the updated calendar for the second half of the season? How important is it for the team to participate in the MalaysianGP?
“The current pandemic is still affecting the championship, if not as much on the European rounds. Asian countries are still facing a challenging situation and the Australian round has been canceled. However, we are confident that the Malaysian run will still be placed, plus the GP in Thailand. I think it’s very important for the championship to be able to compete in some of these high-flyer races – like in America, Malaysia and Thailand. Having a home GP is hugely important to us for obvious reasons: we are a Malaysian team, we have a Malaysian title partner and Malaysian staff. But above all we want to see our home fans and offer them a good home GP. We’re really looking forward to racing in Sepang. “