PETALING JAYA: Adam Norrodin may not be a winner, but he was given a standing ovation at the Grand Prix of Argentina.
The 17-year-old rookie crashed with 30m to go on the last lap while in second place behind fellow Malaysian Khairul Idham Pawi in the Moto3 class at the treacherous and wet Termas de Rio Hondo track on Sunday.
Despite being injured, Adam picked himself up and pushed his bike to the finish line for 11th place. It earned him five World Championship points and applause from the fans and pit crews.
Khairul won the race to become Malaysia’s first winner in the World Motorcycling Championship. Spain’s Jorge Navarro finished second while pole-sitter Brad Binder of South Africa was third.
It was nevertheless a gutsy show by Adam as he started the race from 17th place on the grid.
Still, the Drive M7 SIC Racing Team rider was heartbroken as he could not complete a 1-2 finish for Malaysia.
“You never know when you’re going to have this chance again,” lamented Adam, who is from Parit Raja in Johor.
“I made a good start. I felt really comfortable with the bike so I pushed hard. I finished the first lap in third place behind Jorge.
“I managed to pass him on the final lap’s last corner. But as soon as I touched the throttle, I high-sided.
“I’m so disappointed and angry. I thought I would be on podium today,” said Adam.
“But luckily I still managed to get five points. I want to thank the team for all their support and belief in me. I will learn from what I lost today. I will do better next time,” added Adam, who finished 20th in his debut race in the season opener in Losail, Qatar, last month.
Drive M7 SIC Racing team manager Johan Stigefelt said he felt so sorry for Adam.
“He rode a fantastic race. He showed so much courage and even after the crash he picked the bike up and ran over the line.
“He didn’t give up and that’s a big credit to him. I am a bit sad for what could have been but still he took five points and showed great potential,” said the Swede.
