Petronas Yamaha ‘ambitious underdog’ in new MotoGP era for SRT

Sepang CEO Razlan Razali describes the new Petronas Yamaha MotoGP team as an ‘ambitious underdog’ at its 2019 launch to mark a new era for the Malaysian squad.

The Sepang-run team expands into MotoGP for 2019 taking over the satellite Yamaha role, after securing grid slots from Aspar, with Tech3 switching to KTM machines from this season.

Having made its testing debut in Valencia and Jerez last November with riders Franco Morbidelli and rookie Fabio Quartararo, the team has been officially unveiled with its 2019 team colours alongside the outfit’s Moto2 and Moto3 riders at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Speaking during the team presentation, Razali reflected on how the MotoGP team transform from an idea to a reality in under six months and while he targets being the top satellite team in its rookie campaign he’s eager to see the squad lay foundations for a long-term partnership.

“While the new Petronas Yamaha MotoGP remains an underdog we are ambitious with our targets,” Razali said. “It is important to start and perform in our first year well with the strongest confidence and trust in our two riders of Franco and Fabio.

“The Petronas SIC Racing team across all three classes is now the biggest non-factory team in the paddock. We have grown to a team of more than 50 people across over 10 different nationalities with riders that represent five nationalities of Malaysia, Italy, France, Japan and Scotland.

“We hope that our riders can further help the development of the evolution of the Yamaha R1 and have a successful and winning year with this partnership.

“The collaboration between SIC, Petronas and Yamaha is huge. It has brought additional excitement and freshness to MotoGP. You have the three biggest names in two and four-wheel motorsport working together. It has changed the landscape of two-wheel motorsport in South East Asia and globally. The three partners can now leverage on each other and explore the vast opportunities that are waiting to be capitalised on.”

Razali also set out goals for its sole Moto2 rider Khairul Idham Pawi, Malaysia’s first and so far only grand prix winner, and its two-rider Moto3 squad in John McPhee and Ayumu Sasaki.

“For our sole Moto2 rider, Pawi, you know what it takes,” he said. “One of these two MotoGP rides is for you to take, to seize, and for you to be the first Malaysian rider in this MotoGP team.

“This is your chance to reset, refocus and we will help you to be the best that you can be. Before you know it, you can realise your dream to be a MotoGP with Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.

“In the Moto3 team we now expect to see strong results. We expect to see both riders John and Ayumu to challenge for the world championship. This target is probably the toughest within the team. Achieving these targets will see strong continuation within the team to reach Moto2.”