It was a triumphant triple celebration for fans of Indonesia at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) last season when all three spots of the overall standings in the Asia Production 250cc were swept by their countrymen. Even more so, when Andy Muhammad Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team emerged champion for the second consecutive time.
Andy’s advice to the riders of AP250 race category, “You know you are fast and talented, yes, but pay great importance to physical fitness and hard work. Having the right attitude and utilising the heart intelligence will take you one step ahead. When you enter the paddock with hope and optimism, you are ready to be a champion.”
“The important lesson that I have learnt would be to take a step back, when necessary, before taking two steps forward. The mental strength is crucial when it comes to riding and that would allow you to maximise your potentials. I have many moments to celebrate as I recall but the best would be my first podium in 2019, Australia that led to my champion title in 2019 and 2022. If I could do it again, it will be a race to the top.”
Andy will move forward with bigger aspirations this season in the SuperSports 600cc race category with YAMAHA Racing Indonesia.
With Andy out of the equation, would it be an opportunity for ASTRA HONDA Racing Team’s rising stars? Rheza Danica Ahrens and Herjun Atna Firdaus have made striking impact last season in the AP250 race category when they charged relentlessly and competitively, spiking intensity and potential threat to the leading opponent. This season, the ball may just be in their court. Getting on board with the team for the season would be 15-year-old Veda Ega Pratama who bagged the third spot in the Asia Talent Cup Championship last season.
Rheza commented, “Season 2023 comes with an additional round and consistency is a challenge that needs to be mastered. I joined AP250 since 2017 and moved to SS600 in 2019. Last season, coming back to AP250 posed some difficulties but I am happy to have made it thus far. My goal is to become the next AP250 Asian Champion and from the experience last year, I am confident that I can achieve it.
As for Herjun, “I have enjoyed all the races in the AP250 race category. The machine was excellent, the speed was powerful. As a rookie rider, I was surprised with my performances throughout last season and making it at the third place was an amazing achievement for me. Of course, it was tou gh in the beginning of the season, not just for me but also for my mechanics. Nevertheless, the team came up with good setup and I was able to complement that with my achievement. This year, I hope to further establish my skills and enjoy the ride. Can’t wait to once again ride past the last corner – my fav spot!”
Injecting pressure into the AP250 race category scene is Chinese Taipei’s lady riders in EEST NJT Racing Team and Motul Sniper Manual Tech team alongside Japanese and Thai’s best females in SDG MS Harc-Pro.Honda.Ph. team and Honda Racing Thailand team, respectively. Will the lads be fuelled further this season? The game will usher in a new experience for its riders and fans are sure to be entertained this season.
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