The Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is heading towards its season opener at Chang International Circuit this weekend. The highly anticipated Underbone 150cc race category will return once again with its nip and tuck as riders pick from losses and failures, winnings and successes to embrace an all new-season thrill and challenges.
With renewed strength and another mission to accomplish, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, defending champion is all prepped to raise the benchmark. His teammate, Murrobil Vittoni who was also his contender may be out of the picture, taking a leap in the AP250 race category but the likes of Akid Aziz from team PITSBIKE SUPERFAST JRT RACING TEAM, whom he formed rivalry with towards the end of the season will be back to ensure the hurdles are up all the way. Along with them, Adytya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING will pair up with Kiki Sudarman to ensure the excitement never ceases.
Fahmi said, “I can’t wait to be back in the scene to dominate the CP150 race category once again. While I know the stakes are high, my mission is to give 100% of my ability to fight against the odds. I want to defend the championship title, that’s the ultimate goal. There is a lot of work to be done of course in terms of my physique ad well as my mental strength. The strategies may not change significantly but I will work on the required needs as and when it’s needed during the race. The entry list is quite intimidating because I know all of them are highly equipped with the necessary skills and calibre. But most importantly is fixing my limitations so that I can compete on par with the rest of the troop.”
Akid said, “Reflecting on last season, I would say that some of the important lessons for me revolved around consistency, adaptability, and mental toughness. Small mistakes have a major impact, so to me, it is all about maintaining focus and minimizing errors throughout the season. Different circuits require different riding styles. It is all about identifying the strengths on different grounds and optimising where possible. To me, that is the challenge which I would seek to overcome this season. I missed out on my chances last season but I am certainly keeping my fingers crossed to rise above it all to claim the victorious title.”
Nazirul Izzat of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM on the other hand may have faced an unfortunate incident last season that kept him out of the equation but this season, dexterity coupled with luck, it may turn out to be exactly what is needed to turn things around. “This season will definitely come with a lot of work on my part. I have started planning early while also simultaneously working out on my physical capacities. I want to be strong this season, no doubt and maintain my momentum towards the championship title. UB150 race category is not easy and there is no time to waste. The last two laps are always tricky and strategizing including machine setup is very important. Chang holds a lot of memory for me. I took my first ever championship title in that circuit and also missed on a consecutive title there. So, for the season opener, I hope that the grace of the circuit will help me achieve my goals for this season.”