This weekend, the Sentul International Circuit will host the fourth event of the Asia Road Racing Championship –the most important event of the season for the Astra Honda Racing Team. The team’s home race will see them running two star stand-ins for the injured AP250 rider Awhin Sanjaya and SS600 rider Irfan Ardiansyah: FIM CEV competitors Andi Gilang and Dimas Ekky. The duo will complete a stellar lineup of four riders, as they join regulars Gerry Salim and Rheza Danica.
In the Asia Production 250cc class, the main goal is to take the first victory for an Indonesian rider at Sentul. With the support of his fans, series leader Gerry Salim will try to defend his 20-point advantage in the standings, with Andi Gilang and Rheza Danica also aspiring to victory on their CBR250RR machines. Gerry already has a winning record in Indonesia from last year in the SS600 class, whilst Rheza has won in Sentul in the National Championship.
Dimas Ekky will return to the ARRC with a SuperSports 600cc class that he knows well, after completing practically the entire season in 2016 and finishing 7th. The two podiums he took that season were both obtained at Sentul, where he finished 2nd and 3rd. Dimas will come into the event in top form, having recently participated in the FIM CEV at Estoril and in the Suzuka 8 Hours.
Alongside the event, there will be a riding demonstration of the Honda RC213V-S, the street version of the MotoGP bike, in Sentul which will be accessible to all attendees. This year races will be held: Saturday and Sunday at 14:05 –AP250– and 15:05 –SS600– local time, in which the Indonesian fans are expected to spur their riders in an important round for the country.
QUOTE
“The Sentul Circuit is so meaningful in my career. Last year, I became the first Indonesian to achieve a double podium at the SuperSports 600cc class. This year, I’m determined to repeat that success and become the first Indonesian to win in Sentul for the first time in the AP250 class. I’m optimistic that with team support and the Honda CBR250RR I will achieve it.”
Gerry Salim | AHRT ASIA PRODUCTION 250CC RIDER
“The race at home will definitely have different nuances. The support of thousands of spectators will give us additional motivation. I don’t want to disappoint the great support of PT Astra Honda Motor, my family and also all the people who is supporting me. I will give my maximum to bring glory to Indonesia in AP250 class.”
Rheza Danica | AHRT ASIA PRODUCTION 250CC RIDER
“I have been able to see the competitiveness of the CBR250RR throughout the ARRC competition so far, but now I will try it by myself. I can’t wait to race again in Sentul. I want to get the best result that I can and prove the greatness of CBR250RR.”
Andi Gilang | AHRT ASIA PRODUCTION 250CC RIDER
“It’s great to be back at home, with all the people who is always supporting us. Although this year I’m focusing on the FIM CEV, I remain optimistic to get a good result in this Sentul round. I want to make the most of this opportunity; I will work hard to adapt again to the Honda CBR600RR.”
Dimas Ekky Pratama | AHRT SUPERSPORTS 600CC RIDER