Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, a 30-year-old Malaysian rider, made history by securing the first championship victory for JDT Racing Team in the 2024 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Zhuhai International Circuit in China. Riding a Ducati Panigale V4R, Hafizh dominated the practice sessions, setting the fastest lap time of 1 minute 34.798 seconds in Practice 3, outpacing seven other riders ahead of the qualifying session on Saturday.
Hafizh's standout performance in Round 1 propelled him to the lead in the overall standings. He expressed satisfaction with his result, especially considering it has been 11 years since he last raced on this track. Hafizh dedicated the win to Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Crown Prince of Johor and team owner of JDT Racing.
The arrival of Valeriano Rodriguez as the new Technical Director of JDT Racing has helped reignite Hafizh's enthusiasm and confidence. With Rodriguez's guidance, Hafizh aims to deliver the best performance for the team and its owner as they compete in the highly competitive ARRC.
Why this matters: Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah's historic win marks a significant milestone for Malaysian motorsports and the JDT Racing Team. The victory showcases the talent and potential of Malaysian riders on the international stage and could inspire a new generation of racers in the country.
Following his triumph, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah said, "I am very happy with this result, and I want to dedicate this win to Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who has given me this opportunity to race for JDT Racing. The team has worked incredibly hard, and the arrival of Valeriano Rodriguez has really boosted our confidence. I am excited for the rest of the season and will give my all to bring more success to the team."
Key Takeaways
- Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah wins 2024 ARRC championship for JDT Racing Team in China.
- Hafizh dominated practice sessions, setting fastest lap time of 1:34.798 in Practice 3.
- Arrival of new Technical Director Valeriano Rodriguez reignited Hafizh's enthusiasm and confidence.
- Victory marks significant milestone for Malaysian motorsports and JDT Racing Team.
- Hafizh dedicates win to Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Crown Prince of Johor and team owner.