CUB PRIX ROUND 2: TENGKU AMIRUL SKIPS MALACCA

Tengku Amirul Haffiruddin will be skipping the second round of the 2013 PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship at Stadium Hang Jebat, Malacca this weekend due to injuries.

The Motul Yamaha YY Pang rider who owned Round 1 in Batu Kawan earlier this month was force to withdraw from this weekend’s race by medical officers after crashing in the opening round of the PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship at Sepang two weeks ago.

Although slightly disappointed to be missing the upcoming race, Tengku Amirul believes it is best for him to focus on recuperating as there is still eight rounds for him to fight for the podium.

“It’s quite unfortunate to get an injury but fortunately, we are still in the early parts of the season. I still have eight rounds to fight for the podium but it is crucial that I fully recover first. If not I can never perform a 100 percent,” said the 17-year old.

Despite bagging his maiden CP115 win, Tengku Amirul views that early success can still mean plenty of hard times ahead especially when racing in the intermediate class where he faces a grid of highly experienced riders.

The Terengganu born rider feels even more grounded having went through a dreadful season racing in the CP115 back in 2011 where he struggled to stay competitive, concluding the season 19th overall with a best finish, fifth.

“Indeed I enjoyed my victory in Batu Kawan but we should not get carried away considering it is only the first round. We still have a lot of races to go through and from now on things are only going to get more difficult,” said the 17-year old.

“As we can see, although I won Round 1, Hafiz Nor Azman (PETRONAS Syntium Moto Yamaha AHM) was very close to me. In fact, he started the race from pole but I was fortunate to get the holeshot and lead the race,” added Tengku Amirul.

“In that sense, it’s hard to say if I have a strong chance to be among this seson’s title favourites. In fact I do not want to think about the championship. My focus is to take the battle race-by-race and do my best because there is no telling what will happen.”

Tengku Amirul currently leads the CP115 overall standings with 25 points followed by Hafiz second and Ahmad Afif Amran (PETRONAS Yamaha – CKJ) third, 16 points.

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