Yamaha’s Kyle Paz completes ‘challenging yet rewarding’ Round 1 of FIM JRGP

MANILA: Kyle Paz is competing at the FIM JRGP with a new team after signing with Yamaha Philippines Stylo Bike Racing Team.

He has been out of the country — training for months to gear up for this racing season. Paz put himself through a rigorous routine to improve his physical and mental strength. For the next two years, his team will concentrate on his riding development. After a successful debut season, the Filipino prodigy's best is yet to come.

Starting off Round 1 in Portugal did not go as planned, as he was penalized during the qualifying time trial and had to start from the back of the grid in Race 1. However, this did not deter "The Wonderboy," who demonstrated his innate skills versus competitors. He made his way from P31 all the way to ninth place. That great finish was followed by an even better performance in Race 2, where he finished eighth.

For his first two races of the season, he put in a “challenging and rewarding” performance. Alex Escrig, his new teammate, also performed impressively, finishing third and seventh. Although the race day was disrupted by red flags, the racers persevered and finished.

Paz attended a virtual press conference with Yamaha Racing Philippines Manager Jordan Cornista and Stylo Bike Racing Team Director Tono Del Val during a brief break on race day.

They responded to questions from members of the Philippine media and motovloggers who gathered for "Race your Flag: On the Grid," Yamaha Philippines' official watch party for round one of the FIM JRGP. Paz asserted that apart from the intensive training he is getting, it is the motivation from his loved ones that keeps him going. This was made even more remarkable because it was Mother's Day, and his mother, Ayet Paz, was also present at the viewing party.

It was a fantastic start for the first Filipino to compete in the FIM JRGP. Yamaha continues to develop all of its racers, and advancement of today is the key to success for the next generation of riders. Paz will not be able to relax for long because he will "Race our Flag" on May 22 at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

Photos from Yamaha Philippines

Also read: Pinoy riders gear up for 2nd round of ARRC in May