Malaysian youngster Qabil Irfan Azlan is determined to build on his encouraging form when he returns to one of his favourite circuits for Round 3 of the 2026 Moto4 European Cup at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, taking place from 3-5 July.
The SIC-GRYD Racing rider heads to Spain full of confidence after an impressive recovery ride at Estoril, where he fought back to finish fourth in Race 2. With 26 championship points, Qabil currently sits sixth in the overall standings, just four points adrift of the top five, and believes Jerez presents the perfect opportunity to secure his first victory—and first podium—of the season.
Jerez holds special memories for the Malaysian teenager. The circuit was where Qabil launched his successful 2025 ESBK Talent Cup campaign with a stunning victory in the season opener before returning later in the year to claim a third-place finish in the final round, helping him secure the overall championship title.
Those performances have given the young Malaysian added confidence as he prepares for another crucial weekend.
Although he acknowledges that the Moto4 European Cup features an even stronger field packed with Europe’s best young talents, Qabil believes his previous success at Jerez can provide a valuable psychological advantage.
Throughout the opening two rounds of the current campaign, he has consistently demonstrated the pace to challenge near the front, only to see podium opportunities slip away due to race incidents.
Ahead of Round 3, SIC-GRYD Racing has focused heavily on analysing data gathered during the Estoril weekend to optimise Qabil’s machine from the opening free practice sessions.
The team’s primary objective is to maximise points while closing the gap to the championship leaders.
The 2025 ESBK Talent Cup champion believes familiarity with the circuit could prove crucial.
“I’m really excited to return to Jerez because it’s a circuit that suits my riding style very well. Last year I won the opening race of the ESBK Talent Cup here and finished the season on the podium before becoming the overall champion. Those memories give me a lot of confidence.
“However, I know this challenge is different because the level of competition in the Moto4 European Cup is much stronger.
“Together with my team, we have reviewed our performance in Estoril and identified several technical areas that need improvement ahead of this weekend. My focus is to perform at my best right from the first free practice session so we can find the ideal bike setup before qualifying.
“My target is to stay consistently with the leading group, score maximum championship points and, if the opportunity comes, fight for my first podium of the season.
“Thank you to all my sponsors, the SIC-GRYD Racing team, my family, and all the supporters who continue to stand behind me.”
Qabil’s steady progress throughout the opening rounds has underlined his growing maturity against one of the most competitive junior grids in Europe.
Another strong performance at Jerez would not only strengthen his championship challenge but also reinforce Malaysia’s reputation for producing exciting young motorcycle racing talent capable of competing on the international stage.
With confidence high and past success at Jerez firmly on his side, the Malaysian prospect will be aiming to convert his pace into silverware as the Moto4 European Cup resumes this weekend.
Credit Photo : ZK Racing
