Syahrin: 'I want to learn from Toprak', feels no pressure as ex-MotoGP rider

Ahead of his debut WorldSBK campaign, ex-MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin says he feels 'no pressure', while also wanting to learn as much as possible from the likes of world champion Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea. 

While the Malaysian is unlikely to be rivalling Razgatlioglu and six-time world champion Rea for wins during his rookie season, it has not stopped the former Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider from looking at both riders as the ones to analyse the most.

Syahrin, who is yet to take part in any pre-season test due to MIE Honda Racing expanding from a one-rider to two line-up - bike’s are still being developed according to Syahrin - will compete in his first premier class season since 2019 after having spent the last two seasons in Moto2. 

And although Syahrin brings a wealth of experience and MotoGP pedigree, as does another Honda rookie in Iker Lecuona, the 27 year-old claims to be feeling no pressure. 

"It’s very exciting. There’s no pressure but I’m the only one like two years ago when I raced in MotoGP as the first Malaysian rider," Syahrin told WorldSBK.com. 

"I will try to do my best. I know my rivals, like the other rookies, have already done a few tests. I’m the only one, I think, who lacks a bit of testing because we know the team is preparing the bike. Last year, there was only one bike, so they’re preparing two bikes now."

Despite being behind schedule compared to most of the other riders who have either tested or will test during a two-day Misano outing (March 16-17), Syahrin has outlined clear goals for his rookie season which include regular top ten results, something his team-mate Leandro Mercado struggled to achieve in 2021. 

Syahrin continued: "First of all, I haven’t tried the bike yet, but I believe from the middle of last season the bike is getting better. 

"It improved race by race. I want to finish in the top ten in every race and try to give some challenge to everybody. 

"I know some rivals from a few years ago, especially like Locatelli, Alvaro Bautista and some others who raced in the MotoGP paddock and then moved to WorldSBK. 

"And new rivals, for sure I want to learn from Toprak especially as he’s young and very fast, and a legendary rider in WorldSBK, Jonathan Rea. 

"It’s a big challenge for me but I’ll try to give everything I have. My experience from MotoGP, I’ll try to use it in WorldSBK."