Both Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM and Md Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM put the pedal to the metal at Motegi circuit to score one win each and grace the top two spots of the chart. It’s an assumption that the latter might just have the added advantage in Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship scheduled to be held at Mandalika International Circuit but will the former be too naïve, oblivious of the challenges ahead?
While both of them are quick on their feet and expected to bring their A-games to the next round, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA and McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MOTOR are getting the buzz after bagging a podium-finish each at Motegi circuit with the Indonesian having penetrated the top five spots and the Filipino marking sixth on the score board. What’s interesting though is their performance that has been on the up and up this season versus the last, having made the cut on the podium twice. The question is, would they be able to flap their way up further on the charts?
Mandalika circuit may not be their strong suit considering their less than 10-point score last season but again, their ability to tame and tackle their machines and some of the strongest opponents in the race category this season indicates an amplified character which could work in favour of them. It’s easier to assume that Wahyu may have the upper-hand on his home-ground circuit but Kyle is not one to mess with either especially after his brilliant move in bagging a spot on the podium on what was deemed as one of the toughest circuit grounds in the championship calendar.
Commenting on the game, Wahyu said, “Physically, I am better which in turn has helped me in my races especially at Motegi. Of course, I was also boosted after my race at Sepang and had to push myself further to make it to the podium. All aspects including the bike set up and the evaluation of strategies really supported me in my achievements. Mentally too, I am more confident now compared to before. I always remind myself not to be satisfied with the outcome so that I can continue re-targeting and achieving better results. The coming race at Mandalika – it is always an exciting thing for me when it comes to home-race. I feel a huge support from the Indonesian fans especially of Yamaha. The crowd atmosphere always feels different and that itself is good enough to increase my spirit. With that, I am also more motivated for greater achievements. Apart from that, I also know the circuit very well, so I believe it will help me a lot in my race. My aim is to give my fans the best performance. I want to make them proud. In terms of rivalry, I would say that everyone has their own character and they have their strong points that help them achieve the best. I will stay focused on my achievements and make sure that I do my best.”
Kyle on the other hand said, “We went into Round 3 with a very positive mindset that we will make it to the podium and it happened. Key to this were communication among the team members and of course, self-preparation – not just physically but also mentally. I think I have also come a long way in terms of performance and I have been able to apply what I have learnt in my trainings effectively. Yamaha Philippines have offered support through proper training programmes and more saddle time aboard the Yamaha R6 which has made a whole lot of difference for me. We are definitely more prepared now than before. For the upcoming race, I am confident that I would be able to do better than last season. Last season was tough on me but it was also my first season in the SS600 race category. Right now, I have gained some input on how the track feels like so I believe it would be a better race for me. Also, I have come to understand the machine better. I am more comfortable riding since I’ve found a more suited riding technique. With the combination of the machine, its power and my enhanced performance, I am confident that the coming round would work well for me. The goal is to win each race but again, realistically, it is more of bettering myself progressively over time.”