Teammates yet rivalry at best, Husni Zainul and Gupita Kresna of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34, together form a bond against the odds in the Underbone 150cc race category when each scored a win at Chang International Circuit, taking the top two spots on the chart with a 2-point difference. But defending champion, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM is just 8 points away and has a colourful track record at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit where Round 2 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is about to be happen.
What would it be like this weekend for the Indonesian trio? Sepang being the home-ground for Malaysian riders including Ahmad Fazrul Sham of CARDINALS FACTORY YAMAHA ZYNERGYS RACING TEAM ARRC who pulled a stunner last season with his outstanding performance and Nazirul Izzat of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM, 2023 UB150 champion who marked third in Race 2, it definitely raises the question of unpredictability. At the season opener, Husni and Gupita may not have flaunted their fangs in the first few laps however, at the last turn on the last lap, both the riders attacked at the right time to take victory.
The beauty of the UB150 race category is one that comes with surprises and while all riders potentially have a winning chance, only the lucky three gets the taste of sweet success. It’s all about strategizing and optimising on the right racing techniques. Not so much on staying within the racing lines but more so on seizing the opportunity at the right time. At the same time, it is also luck, as it has been claimed and who may have it this time around is one that is awaiting to unleash. So, what would it take for the trio to keep their heads up in the game?
Husni said, “There are differences between Chang and Sepang circuit and of course, my victory there may not necessarily determine my outcome at Sepang. Sepang circuit is has longer straights and there is also a sloppy section whereas Chang circuit has more corners and the straight is shorter. The challenging part at Sepang would be the last corner because it is a little tricky. Positioning plays an important role before entering that corner. In the UB150 race category, all riders are competitive therefore, the only way to succeed is by strategizing from the lessons learnt previously. Of course, I have planned by steps ahead but we will never know until we get there. There are also many Malaysian riders who are well-versed with the circuit layout. The character of the machine in terms of acceleration is another aspect to note and hopefully, I have everything that is needed for the coming round.”
Gupita on the other hand said, “For me, what is interesting about Sepang circuit is the layout that comes with a slight slope and the last turn which for me, is a corner that not only stirs up the adrenaline but at the same time, dangerously thrilling especially for the UB150 race category. But that is also what makes UB150 race category one of the main highlights in the championship. All the riders are known to be the best in their countries and bringing their fighting spirit to this championship is not only intimidating but also motivating. We all have a chance of winning but what matters most is the ability to withstand the pressure while at the same time staying focused on the strategies planned. My goal is to maintain at the top five position from start to the end as it would give me a better chance at positioning for a finish on top of the podium. It won’t be easy for sure. The machines in this season are all equally fast which means, everyone is going to be optimise on that. So, RPM setting is really important. What’s left after doing out best is luck but I am optimistic with my goals of making it to the podium.”