Mohd Zamri Baba is determined to silence his doubters ahead of Round Three of the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship at Stadium Sultan Mizan Gong Badak in Terengganu this 9 and 10 May.
The newly appointed Honda recruit explained there is a lot of chatter going around claiming he has been āunder-deliveringā despite earning a ride with Harian Metro Y-TEQ SCK Honda Racing, notoriously known as one of the best teams in the Cub Prix paddock.
Zamri however insisted it would take some time before he can gel with the team and further pointed out he is already making strong progress to finish the previous leg fourth behind podium winners, Ahmad Afif Amran, Ahmad Fazli Sham and Mohd Affendi Rosli.
āIts unrealistic people expect a rider to perform immediately after switching teams. This scenario is highly unlikely; it takes time for a rider to adapt with the team, itās dynamics, people and the bike. In my case, itās even more complex because I spent the bulk of my career riding with Yamaha,ā said Zamri.
He went on to add, āIn the end people will always talk so my aim is to just prove them wrong with good results and right now we are heading in that direction. So far Iāve finished the first two rounds 11thĀ (Batu Kawan) and fourth (Muar) and racked up 18 points. At the same point last year, I could only manage 10 points. I am confident by the time we hit the second half of the season I can be more competitive and consistent.”
When asked about how he is coping with SCK Racing which houses two-time CP130/Expert Champion, Norizman Ismail, Mohd Fitri Ashraf Razali and Ahmad Fazrul Sham, Zamri commented, āIām having a great time!Ā Everyone on the team is very professional and every rider is treated equally. IĀ don’t feel sidelinedĀ even though this is my first year with them.ā
Talking about his expectations for the race in Terengganu, Zamri did not shy away from the prospects stepping on the podium but also said he would be content to finish among top five.
āWe anticipate Terengganu to be a very tough race given the erratic weather lately. Nevertheless, I am certain about mounting a challenge at the front having recovered from my pre-season injuries.ā