webadmin webadmin

ONLY THE BEST FOR THE COUNTRY

The Asia Production 250cc race category of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will once again colour the circuit ground of PERTAMINA Mandalika International Circuit this weekend for its Round 4. Ready to flex their muscles and flaunt their mastery are teammates Md Kiandra Ramadhipa and Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who are equally charged up to make their country proud. It was a colourful start this season for Herjun who has been in the game for some time now and after making it to the podium five times, he fell short with a “DNF” in round three. His teammate, Kiandra who is a debutante in the race category as a full-season rider, ironically had a less accelerated momentum but with his double-win in Round 3, he rocketed to the top of the chart, toppling his teammate by four points. The question here is, “Who would excel on the Indonesian soil this time around?” Rewinding to last season, the crowd applauded as Herjun went on the fast and fury to conquer the circuit ground. He battled intensely to defeat his teammate with calculated and risky moves before celebrating not only a double-win but also a hat-trick. Ramadhipa on the other hand made his appearance as a wild-card rider but of course, it was rough play and despite the pressure from seasoned riders, he made 7th in Race 1 and jumped two notches up to 5th in Race 2. Evidently, it is tough to place the bets considering the pros and cons of the highly capable riders but one thing’s for sure is that Herjun has his fingers wrapped around the circuit while Ramadhipa is just around the corner, catching up very quickly. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “The season with the new regulations makes the competition tough and it is not easy for me to be competitive especially with the RPM regulations. Due to the lower RPM, it requires us to use a smaller final ratio compared to last year. The weight of the riders is very important and in comparison to the other riders, I have a heavier body due to my tall body structure. I have also gained weight compared to last season. Besides that, the opponent’s machines especially the Yamaha R3 has a stronger torque when exiting the corners. That makes it challenging for me in catching up with them, more so with my heavier weight. I prepare myself as usual but after the crash in Motegi, it is more of being prepared mentally. The racing conditions are certainly very different for me this season but of course, I always give my best in each race. The goal remains the same though. I aim to be the best and I want to be the champion!” As for Ramadhipa, he said, “The fight in ARRC is tough but I am able to utilise the experience from last year as a wild card rider to make the most of this season. The motivation within me has definitely increased after my win in Motegi and I am more confident now in tackling the opponents, more so for the upcoming Mandalika races. For now, I am ignoring all the pressure so that I can stay focused on my home-ground circuit. My competitors and of course, our fellow Indonesian riders will be strong on the Mandalika ground but my job is to pay attention to my own riding techniques to ensure no mistakes are made. The preparations are as usual. Of course, along with the team, we do both physical and technical preparations to achieve the best results. For the coming round on my home circuit, there are not two ways about it. I want to win and for that to happen, it is 100% all the way.”

ONLY THE BEST FOR THE COUNTRY Read More »

NAZIRUL LEADING UB150 CHARGE

Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team has emerged as a dominant force in the UB150 category of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Following Round 3, where he secured P2 and P3 in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively, Nazirul now holds the top position in the overall standings. Nazirul’s journey through the first half of the season has been challenging, but he remains grateful for maintaining his leadership: “Alhamdulillah. It was indeed a challenging period for me, both physically and mentally. However, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the overall standings. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team and me.” Looking ahead, Nazirul is focused on defending his overall championship title, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum: “There’s a good chance of defending our title if my team and I can continue the momentum we’ve built so far. We are constantly refining our strategies and pushing ourselves to the limit in every race.” Despite the emerging threat from Md Akid Aziz of PitsBike OneWay JRT Tech2 Racing Team, who is closing in on the rankings, Nazirul remains unfazed. He emphasizes his commitment to consistent performance and focuses solely on collecting points in every race: “For me, it’s crucial not to be distracted by external factors. My team and I are solely focused on maintaining our momentum and maximizing our points in each race. Every point counts in the championship race.” To ensure he maintains his lead, Nazirul outlines comprehensive plans for continuous improvement: “My team and I are constantly evaluating and improving our motorcycle setup and race strategies. We analyze data meticulously after each race to identify areas for enhancement. Personally, I am committed to improving my physical fitness and stamina, which are crucial in maintaining peak performance throughout the season.” Preparations for the upcoming round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia are already well underway. Nazirul is actively collaborating with his team to refine strategies and enhance his physical readiness: “We are leaving no stone unturned in our preparations for Mandalika. I’ve been intensively studying the circuit and discussing race strategies with my team. On the physical side, I am rigorously following my fitness routine, focusing on strength and endurance training to ensure I’m in peak condition.” Reflecting on his past successes in Mandalika, where he clinched P1 in Race 1 and P2 in Race 2 last year, Nazirul expresses confidence in maintaining momentum: “Inshaallah, with the continued support of my team and our persistence, I believe we can replicate or even surpass our achievements from last year. I am eager to showcase our capabilities once again.” “We understand that the Underbone category is highly competitive, with each team employing different setups and strategies. The challenge lies in adapting quickly and effectively to changing conditions on race day, ensuring that our motorcycle setup and race strategy are finely tuned to maximize performance.”

NAZIRUL LEADING UB150 CHARGE Read More »

NAKARIN: MAYBE, TOP 3 CAN BE MORE THAN JUST A DREAM

Competing in the ASB1000 category in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo has set his sights on achieving greatness, and his journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring. Nakarin’s rise in the racing world is a testament to his hard work and natural talent. Last year, he competed in the SS600 category, where he emerged as a formidable contender, finishing third in the overall championship standings. This impressive performance paved the way for his transition to the ASB1000 category with Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo. Entering the ASB1000 category this year, Nakarin faced new challenges and tougher competition. However, his adaptability and resilience have been evident from the start. After the first three rounds, Nakarin accumulated 74 points, placing him fourth overall in the championship standings. He trails Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT Racing Team, who leads with 81 points, followed by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing Team with 76 points, and his teammate, Andi Farid Izdihar, who has 75 points. Nakarin shared his thoughts, “I felt very confident and strong during the race. In the first two rounds, it seemed like I was putting too much pressure on myself, but now I am more stable than ever. I try to stay calm and read the other riders without taking too many risks. I focus on maintaining my composure and making strategic decisions that will benefit my performance in the long run. My current approach allows me to race smarter and more effectively.” Moreover, Nakarin’s transition to the 1000cc bike has been seamless, thanks to his experience and ability to quickly adapt to new challenges. “I can adapt quickly to the 1000cc bike, as I gained valuable experience last year in the local championship. Finding the right bike settings for each circuit is crucial, and there are many electronic systems to try out. I am also learning a lot from my teammates, and we share insights to improve our performance collectively. This collaborative environment helps me grow as a rider and better understand the intricacies of the bike.” The ASB1000 category has introduced Nakarin to a new level of competition, one that he eagerly embraces. “I thoroughly enjoy racing in this category, as it features many experienced riders from the world stage. Each race has a different winner, which adds to the excitement and challenge. I have already secured a spot in the top 4, and I believe that my dream of becoming the champion is not far away. I just need to continue believing in myself and pushing forward with determination and focus.” Nakarin’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his high motivation to improve his riding skills are driving forces in his quest for a top-three finish. “I feel very challenged and highly motivated to never stop improving my riding skills. Achieving a top 3 position is my target, and I am constantly working towards that goal. My abilities are now comparable to those of a champion, and I am committed to refining my techniques and strategies to reach the pinnacle of success. The drive to be the best keeps me pushing my limits and striving for excellence in every race.”

NAKARIN: MAYBE, TOP 3 CAN BE MORE THAN JUST A DREAM Read More »

ANDI’S MISSION: BOUNCING BACK FROM SETBACK

Indonesian rider, Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo faced a challenging and frustrating race weekend at the ASB1000 Round 3 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. Despite his excellent performance earlier in the season, Round 3 proved to be a significant setback for the talented rider. Andi’s season began on a high note with an excellent performance in Round 1, where he secured second place in Race 1 and claimed victory in Race 2. His momentum continued into Round 2, where he finished in second place in Race 1, before Race 2 was cancelled due to inclement weather. These strong performances kept Andi at the top of the overall standings heading into Round 3. However, the race at Motegi was anything but smooth for Andi. In Race 1, he experienced some issue as early as lap 2, forcing him out of the race and registering a DNF (Did Not Finish). In Race 2, despite a strong effort, he could only manage to finish in P6. These results caused him to drop to third place in the overall standings. “In Race 1, I made a mistake at the start and lost positions, so I pushed hard to regain them, but I lost front grip. In Race 2, I felt good at the beginning, but from the middle to the end of the race, I struggled to open the throttle because the bike was too aggressive. I tried to manage the power mode, but it was still not enough.” Andi expressed his disappointment “It was a difficult weekend for me in Motegi, and I want to forget this round and focus on the next race. We faced challenges that were out of our control, but I am confident that we can bounce back stronger.” When asked about dropping to third place in the overall standings, Andi acknowledged the difficulty but emphasized his determination to reclaim the top spot. “Tough weekend in Motegi, and it’s frustrating to see that we dropped to third in the standings, but I am confident we can collect more points in Mandalika. I can’t wait for Round 4,” he said. Andi’s focus now shifts to the next round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia. As the only Indonesian rider in the ASB1000 category, Andi is eager to shine on home soil and aims for redemption. “Racing at home is a significant advantage. I want to give my best performance and hopefully reclaim the top spot,” he expressed with enthusiasm. Andi expressed his excitement about the challenges ahead. “The championship is becoming more interesting with each round, and I am excited about it. The competition is tough for sure, but I thrive on it,” He also acknowledged the strength of his rivals, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing Team, including his teammates, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat and Md Zaqhwan Zaidi, and the importance of rigorous training. “I knew from the start that this year would be challenging in ASB1000. Everyone is strong, and I have been preparing for this from the beginning.” Moreover, Andi’s love for the Mandalika track further fuels his optimism. “I like the track because it has many fast corners that I enjoy, and my favorite parts are sectors 3 and 4. Racing at Mandalika is special for me, and I am confident that we can deliver a strong performance.” With the support of the home crowd and dedication, Andi is poised to make a remarkable comeback in the upcoming race.

ANDI’S MISSION: BOUNCING BACK FROM SETBACK Read More »

YOUNG RIDER, BIG DREAM: KIANDRA EYES HOME GLORY

As few expected a 14-year-old to steal the show, Muhammad Kiandra Ramadhipa of the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM did just that, turning heads with his incredible back-to-back victories in Race 1 and Race 2 of Round 3 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Kiandra’s journey to this moment wasn’t without its successes. The first two rounds saw him secure respectable P5 and P6 finishes, but his performances in Japan were on an entirely different level. The young Indonesian rider had been quietly laying the groundwork for something spectacular. “I dedicated myself to making significant improvements, intensifying both my physical conditioning and bike training before Round 3, and it really showed in my performance. Winning both Race 1 and 2 in Motegi was beyond my wildest dreams, and it made me incredibly happy,” Kiandra said. The backdrop now shifts to Indonesia, where the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit awaits. This is more than just another race; it’s a homecoming for Kiandra. The buzz around his upcoming performance is palpable, with fans eager to see their local hero shine. “After achieving this result, I now have more confidence in myself heading into the races in Mandalika. But I must stay grounded and avoid overconfidence. I will work even harder for Round 4. I am doing extra practice for the coming Round 4 because I have a cut of 200 rpm, and I must be able to cover this shortcoming,” he stated. Looking ahead, Kiandra’s ambitions are crystal clear. “My plan for Round 4 is to win again. We need to work even harder because my competitors, who are also strong Indonesian riders, are formidable. The only way to succeed is to be stronger than them,” he concluded.

YOUNG RIDER, BIG DREAM: KIANDRA EYES HOME GLORY Read More »

WHAT A COMEBACK, YUKI!

Race 2 of Round 3 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category showcased high-speed drama. Yuki Kunii of SDG Team HARC―PRO Honda Ph. made an great comeback, clinching the his first win at home ground. As the race started, Sho immediately took the lead. Behind him, Yuki raced fiercely to challenge Sho’s position and overtook the Race 1 winner at P1. Trailed closely behind was Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM followed by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing Team and Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo at P5. The riders position maintained before Sho crash on lap 7, watched him out of the race. Hafizh took P2 followed by Azlan and Andi. Yuki at P1 picked up his pace lap by lap, leaving Hafizh at P2 5 seconds behind. On last lap, Yuki maintained his pace and made it to the top of the podium at 24’03:081s. Yuki said, “To be honest, I’m overjoyed. It’s my first win and podium, and it meant the world to me. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my team. Yesterday, when the engine broke, it felt like a setback, but they worked tirelessly to fix the bike, never losing faith in me. It’s their support that got us here today. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my team, my family, and all the fans who believed in me. Words can’t express my gratitude, but thank you all immensely!” Second place went to Hafizh who concluded the race at 24’08:208s, while Nakarin finished clocked 24’13:578s to take third spot on the podium. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1ASB1000

WHAT A COMEBACK, YUKI! Read More »

KENGO SHINE WITH WILD CARD

Race 2 of Round 3 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, witnessed a victorious moment for the wild card rider from Japan, Kengo Nagao of TEAM KENKEN who nailed the top spot of the podium for SuperSport 600cc category. The scene started with Kengo leading the pack, closely pursued by the duo from IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Muhammad Helmi Azman at P3. On lap 7, Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team Asia pursuit fiercely, made his way up to P3, followed closely aiming to overtake Azroy. Kengo was consistent maintaining his position at P1, with P2 nearly 5 seconds behind him. On last lap, the race intensified with Azroy, Apiwath and Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM battling for P2. The race concluded with Kengo confortably passing the finishing line at 22’54:596s, Apiwath overtook Azroy to claimed second place at 22’59:080s, and Azroy placed third at 22’59:235s. Kengo said, “I’m absolutely thrilled! Race 1 was a bit challenging with some mechanical trouble, but thanks to the support from my team, today’s race went exceptionally well. Winning this race fills me with immense happiness and satisfaction!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2SS600

KENGO SHINE WITH WILD CARD Read More »

DOUBLE WIN FOR KIANDRA

Round 3 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship took place today at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, where Muhammad Kiandra Ramadhipa of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM celebrated double win after claiming victory in Race 2 of the Asia Production 250cc category. The race commenced watched Kiandra making an impressive start, leading the pack with Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Warit Thongnoppakun of EEST NJT Racing Team closely trailing behind. On lap 4, Herjun overtook Kiandra and seized the lead, placed Kiandra at P2 followed by Arai Agaska Dibani Laksana of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia. Kiandra reclaimed his position at P1 on lap 5, however, overtook by Arai on lap 6. On lap 9, Kiandra made his way back to P1 and maintained his position before crossing the finishing line to claimed his second win of Round 3 at 21’40:718s. Kiandra said, “I delivered my best performance yet, maintaining composure from start to finish. I want to express my gratitude to my family, team, and fans for their supports and prayers. I hope to carry this momentum forward until the final round in Buriram. Rest assured, I’ll give my all to ensure this becomes a reality.” At the second spot was Ryota Ogiwara from SANWA RACING TEAM who clocked in 21’41:073s. Yuta Date of VICTOR RACING Team took third place when he logged in at 21’41:228s. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2AP250

DOUBLE WIN FOR KIANDRA Read More »

AKID CLIMB TO TOP IN RACE 2

Round 3 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship took place at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, witnessed Underbone 150cc category concluded with Md Akid Aziz of PitsBike OneWay JRT Tech2 Racing Team claimed victory in Race 2. As the race progressed, the lead position changed hands multiple times, with M. Murobbil Vittoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team, Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill of CARDINALS FACTORY FACING TEAM, Akid, Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team, and Adytya Fauzi of RACETECH SIXTY Racing Team took their turn leading the pack. On lap 7, Akid seized the lead, closely followed by Adytya and his teammate, Ahmad Afif Amran at P3. Race 1 winner, Gupita Kresna Wardhna of 4S1M Evo YAMAHA Racing Team was out of the race due to mechanical problem. On the final lap, as the intense battle for top spot continued, Akid managed to keep his position at P1 and sped past the finishing line at 18’31:718s to claim his spot on top of the podium. Akid said, “For this race, our team faced some challenges. Afif and I struggled to find the optimal setup, which affected our performance. I still feel there’s room for improvement, so it’s crucial for us to refine our setup before the next round. We’re aiming for a better performance, and that requires us to address these issues effectively.” Second place was Adytya clocked in at 18’31:764s. While third place was Nazirul logged in at 18’32:573s. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2UB150

AKID CLIMB TO TOP IN RACE 2 Read More »

HIROKI, 5TH WINNING STREAK!

Race 2 of the TVS Asia One Make Championship in Round 3 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan today witnessed Japanese rider, Hiroki Ono once again claimed victory. When the race began, Zen Mitani from Japan surged to the front taking the lead, with Hiroki Ono closely trailing behind, followed by Mohd Ramdan Rosli from Malaysia at P3. Behind the top three riders were Indian rider, Sarthak Chavan and Thailand rider, Vorapong Malahuan at P5. However, the latter was out of the race on lap 2 due to a crash. On lap 4, Hiroki overtook Zen at P1 how Zen reclaimed the top spot on lap 5. The battle between Hiroki and Zen intensified watched them leaving Ramdan at P3 4 seconds behind. The race progressed into lap 6 watched the top two riders overtaking each other before Hiroki finally reclaimed P1 and crossed the finishing line at 16’40:415s to secured a second double-win for this season. Hiroki said, “Today was a great start compared to yesterday. It felt easier for me because I only had to contend with Zen. I noticed his improvement lap by lap, becoming stronger and gaining better points. In the end, I pushed myself beyond 100% and secured the win. I’m very satisfied with achieving the double win this round.” Second place went to Zen, who concluded the race at 16’40:610s, while Ramdan finished third at 16’51:242s. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2TVS Asia One Make Championship

HIROKI, 5TH WINNING STREAK! Read More »