PETALING JAYA: Mohd Fitri Ashraf Razali has taken a step up in his racing career after being given the opportunity to test the Honda CBR600RR at the Sepang International Circuit recently.

The tryout on July 17-19 was the first for the 17-year-old, who is currently racing on 250cc bike in the Honda Dream Cup in conjunction with the Petronas Asia Road Racing Championships (ARRC).

Honda Malaysia saw the potential in the youngster following his progress in the Asia Dream Cup, where his two fifth placings after two rounds of racing earned him a tryout on the CBR600cc machine together with Sasitharen Sukumaran.

“It has always been my dream to ride a 600cc machine but I did not expect the opportunity to come this soon, so I’m really happy about it,” said Fitri.

“It was something new and refreshing because I’m more familiar riding underbone bikes in Cub Prix and the 250cc bike ... it took me a while to adjust to the bulky frame and speed.”

Fitri is hoping the experience gained from the testing will spur him on for the next round of the ARRC at the Zhuhai International Circuit this weekend, where he will look to collect more points to improve on his ninth placing in the standings on 29 points.

Japan’s Hikari Okubo leads the standings on 76 points, followed by compatriot Hiroki Ono (75) and Thai rider Apiwat Wongthananon (52).

“I got close to finishing among top three in Indonesia (Round 2) but I blew it due to my lack of experience. Hopefully, all that will change in Zhuhai this weekend,” said Fitri.

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