The 17-year-old Honda Team Asia rider clocked 41 minutes and 35.452 seconds in the 21-lap race at the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit in Argentina.

Spaniard Jorge Navarro of Estrella Galicia, Honda and South African rider Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Ajo came in second and third after posting 42 minutes 1.622 seconds and 42 minutes 5.512 seconds respectively.

Another Malaysian rider, Adam Norrodin of Drive M7 SIC Racing Team, showcased a remarkable fight back to finish in 11th place despite being involved in a crash on the final corner of the race.

Khairul, who had made his third appearance in a Moto3 race, was truly ecstatic with what he felt was an unexpected victory.

“Obviously, I am really happy and grateful to get this result today and it feels great to get my first win. The setup of my bike was very good and it gave me a lot of confidence to push hard.

“I did not feel pressured. I just tried my best to keep my focus and maintain my lead,” said Khairul in a post-race interview.

The rookie rider clocked the fourth fastest lap in the qualifying session on Saturday but was demoted to seventh place in the starting grid after he was penalised by the race director for riding slowly in the first free practice session on Friday.

The victory sees Khairul collecting 25 points, which puts him in fourth place while Adam Norrodin remained in 19th place with five points in the Moto3 standings after the second leg of the race.

Circuit of the Americas in Central Texas, United States, will host the third leg of the race from April 8 to 10.

– BERNAMA

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