IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia’s endeavors in Malaysian Grand Prix abruptly ended on the opening lap. Local favorite Khairul Idham Pawi started well from 22nd grid, but he was hit from the inside at Turn 1, sent into the gravel. Teammate Takaaki Nakagami, who was off to a decent start from 8th grid, was also hit – by another rider from behind – between Turns 5 and 6, and the Japanese rider’s race was also ended.
The final showdown of the 2017 Moto2 championship, the Valencian Grand Prix commences on November 10 at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, with Free Practice 1 for the intermediate class starting at 10:55 local time (GMT +1).
Takaaki Nakagami （DNF）
“There is nothing to say because my race finished just at Turn 6 on the opening lap. I grazed my leg, but fortunately, it was not serious at all. The next weekend will be my final Moto2 race so that I will do everything to wrap up the season the best way with this team.”
Khairul Idham Pawi （DNF）
“I had a good start, but someone hit me from the inside at Turn 1, and my home grand prix was finished there. I am very disappointed and feel sorry for my family, my friends and all the people in Malaysia who came here to support me. Apart from the race, we made solid progress this weekend, so we will keep this momentum in Valencia.”
Tadayuki Okada – Team Manager
“I feel sorry for Taka and Pawi because both crashes were not their fault. Pawi could not avoid the hit from inside at Turn 1. It’s the same for Taka, too. He could do nothing when he was hit from behind entering Turn 6. It was just lucky that both of our riders weren’t seriously injured. We will get over this disappointment in the final weekend in Valencia.”