CHALLENGE IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN – FARID HAKIMI
“We are teammates, we are also healthy rivals.” This is how Farid Hakimi of Boon Siew Honda in MSBK250 A class described his main contender, Muhd Irdan Haykhal who is 10 points ahead of Farid.
Farid is no stranger to the motorsports scene. He emerged into two-wheel racing professionally at the age of 12 and made his debut in the Mini-Cub Prix at the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix in 2018. Since then, the young lad showcased a gradual improvement throughout the years.
“Since I was young, I really liked motorbike racing and always watched MotoGP on TV every weekend. I started to learn about two-wheel vehicles as early as 6 years old when my father bought me a pocket bike and brought me to every state to participate in various competitions so that I get enough exposure. My journey professionally began in 2018 when I first joined Mini-Cub Prix in 2018 and I managed to finish 5th overall.
“The following year, I made it into the Honda One Make Challenge, where I successfully captured the eyes of Boon Siew Honda with my overall championship title and the rest is history!
“It may look like it was an easy journey but I had a fair amount of struggles, frustrations, and pain throughout my journey in the motorsports. Neither I know where to begin nor how to explain the struggles that I have had in these 5 years. Starting from the joys and sorrows of winning and losing, I continued my battle and never once I have thought about giving up. And of course, the presence of family and friends made so much impact in my growth.
“When I got the chance to participate in MSBK, that’s the moment I felt all my hard work and effort has been paid off. I am spreading my wings higher and this isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.
Making his debut in MSBK250 A class, alongside his teammate, Irfan for the 2023 season, Farid seems pretty excited to try out the new machine.
“This category is something I was looking forward to for a very long period. Thanks to Boon Siew Honda for giving me this opportunity. This category is totally different from Cub Prix, a different machine with different specs and the riding style especially. So, it’s a whole new experience for me. There is so much to learn and absorb.
“Riding alongside Irfan is really challenging but in a very healthy way because he has been fired up since round 1. He is a very experienced rider, he rides AP250 in ARRC. So, I learn so much from him on and off track. Usually after the race, we watch the videos to figure out what the mistakes we have made, and it’s common.
“I take Irfan’s riding skills as an example to figure out my mistakes and where I have to improve. I know there is so much room for improvement. As Irfan is leading the MSBK250 class at the moment with 10 points ahead of me, I hope I will be able to give a tough fight but a safe one so that it doesn’t impact both of us because we are from the same team.
“So far two podiums in two races of Round 1, it’s a positive beginning. I believe I can keep up the momentum. I always make sure to have proper communication with the team. They have been working so hard to provide us with the best set-up. I will try my best to collect as many points as I can and to get a podium at every round.” said Farid
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