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TOUGH FIGHT AHEAD

2024, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Racing Championship especially with its nature that comes with a certain degree of unpredictability. The scores are tight among the top five riders however Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team and Nzairul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team are more than prepared to raise the benchmark of competency in Round 5 which will be held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. The rider from Indonesia may have scored a DNF in round three and may not have been consistent overall, but sitting at the third spot overall to-date is the confidence and assurance he needs to continue his endeavours towards the championship title. Fahmi may be new to the ARRC scene but the rider is definitely tuned towards success considering his two wins this season. Could he withhold the challenges ahead of him? It’s difficult to predict considering the nature of the race category that is highly competitive. Commenting on the race, Fahmi said, “Riding in the UB150, in ARRC has been an amazing experience for me. To me, the tight battle from the very beginning to the end that is unpredictable challenges me further to be on the podium. In Indonesia, I take part in the Mandalika Racing Series (MRS) which is also a similar race class. That is where I picked up on my talent and experience. For the upcoming race in Sepang, it would be my first time. For now, I learn about the circuit only through videos. Once I am at the circuit, that’s when the real work begins. In the meantime, I prepare as much as I can physically and mentally. My team also is working hard to get the machine done up but of course, the setup can only be done during the FP sessions. So, let’s see how it goes. My goal is to be the champion this season. Keeping my fingers crossed.” Malaysian rider, Nazirul on the other hand had an unfortunate experience in Round 4 which resulted in a double DNS. The defending champion who led the troop and guarded his position in the last three rounds succumbed to fourth spot overall after missing out valuable points that could have possibly retained his position on top. It is not too late though for Nazirul who will be back for the coming round to fight for what he has worked hard for. Throughout the season, Nazirul finished podium thrice. Could he take his first win for the season at his home-ground? Commenting on the race, Nazirul said, “I don’t want to pressure myself too much with the championship title. All I know is that I will do my best in every race. To me, everyone in the race category is a rival and everyone has their own strengths and limitations. The most important thing on my part is to ensure the strategies are in place and that the setup of the machine is excellent. There is no room for errors as it is a critical time for myself and my team. I believe that my machine is in a good condition but we will do more and improve further. Plus, it is our home-race and there is another team that is getting better race by race. So, there are no two-ways about it. It is all extra work and effort to make sure we thrive through. I have taken some time off to recover from my injury so I am geared up now and there is no excuse. The goal is to definitely make it back on top.”

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HELMI GEARS UP FOR REDEMPTION IN HOME RACE

2024, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

A “DNF” (Did Not Finish) in racing is always a letdown for riders, and IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team rider, Muhammad Helmi Azman’s recent experience at Round 4 IDMTSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia was no exception. After a promising second-place finish in Race 1, the disappointment of a race-ending technical issue in Race 2 was a tough blow. However, Helmi remains focusing on leveraging his upcoming home circuit advantage. With a clear plan and renewed determination, he aims to turn the setbacks into a strong performance in the next round. Helmi shared his experience during Round 4, “Race 1 was a challenging yet satisfying race,” he reflects. “Coming from the back to secure a P2 was a significant achievement, but the engine trouble in Race 2 was a major setback. These setbacks are part of racing, and I’m focusing on bouncing back stronger.” Currently sitting in the top 4 of the overall standings, Helmi is optimistic about his prospects. “I’m feeling positive about my position. There’s always room for improvement, and I’m committed to pushing myself further,” he said. His focus is now on intense training and optimizing performance to secure better results in future races. With the coming round being at his home circuit in PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Helmi sees a significant opportunity. “The home race gives me a great advantage. I know the track well and I’m confident I can use that familiarity to my benefit,” he explained. His goal is clear. It is to break into the top 3 and maximize his points. “I’m aiming for a double win. It’s crucial to capitalize on this opportunity.” Having raced at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit multiple times, Helmi is well-acquainted with the track. “I know the circuit’s nuances, including the key overtaking points and challenging corners,” he said. Despite the preparations, Helmi acknowledges the challenges ahead. “The biggest challenge is maintaining the right feel and confidence on the bike. Ensuring the bike setup is optimal and feel comfortable is key to my performance. If I can manage that, I believe it will greatly enhance my performance.” he admitted.

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SOICHIRO: FALL DOWN SEVEN, STAND UP EIGHT

2024, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

One word says it all. Emotional. This single word perfectly captures how Soichiro Minamimoto felt during Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Soichiro crashed twice during the qualifying session, which required him to switch to a new bike and start from scratch with the settings. Despite these challenges, his struggles proved worthwhile as he ultimately claimed victory in Race 2. Soichiro shared, “It was incredibly emotional for me to realize that, despite my crash on Saturday, I was able to secure a win thanks to my amazing team. Experiencing two crashes during qualifying was quite disheartening, but the team never lost hope. They worked tirelessly to repair my bike, allowing me to stay focused on achieving a strong result. I felt like our late friend Haruki Noguchi was watching over us, so I made sure to share the news of our victory with him.” “Honestly, when I saw the destroyed bike, I was on the verge of giving up. However, the team’s relentless effort to get it back in shape gave me the motivation I needed to push forward,” said Soichiro. Victory in Race 2 marked Soichiro’s first win and podium in his debut appearance in the ASB1000 category, making this achievement even more special. “It felt like I had finally achieved something significant. Yamaha has been struggling in the ASB1000 category, so this is the most fulfilling win I’ve ever experienced. Securing a win in this category is crucial for both my career and our team’s future. It provides a significant boost that will positively impact our performance in upcoming races.” Reflecting on his previous season, where he claimed the overall championship after winning Race 1 and securing P2 in Race 2 in the SS600 category while feeling unwell, Soichiro finds that his current situation affirms his earlier statement, “I race better when I’m sick.” He said, “I think this statement is becoming more valid now because I experienced the same symptoms as I did during the final race last year, though I’m not entirely sure why.” Looking ahead to Round 5 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Soichiro shared, “Sepang Circuit is a difficult track, and I’m not particularly strong there. I expect it to be a tough race, but I will do my best and aim for the podium.”

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POSSIBILITES FOR TOP THREE?

2024, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The roaring sound of machines will once again fill the spaces of the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend as it welcomes Round 5 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing and Kiattisak Singhapong of HONDA Racing Thailand are all geared up for the next challenge that awaits them in the SuperSports 600cc race category. Will they make it top three? It is definitely a much better season for Malaysian rider Azroy in the ARRC after battling the misfortunates of last season. Although he began the season with a double DNF, the rider was not shaken up but instead went full on to recalibrate his fate. In Round 2, Azroy pulled a stunner when he barged towards the chequered flag, taking his first victory for the season and again in Race 1 of Round 4. He currently takes the third spot overall with a total of 84 points and while Sepang could be an added advantage, will luck be on his side this coming round? Commenting on the race, “When racing, incidents are quite normal. What matters most if how quickly we bounce back up. Each year, although I have gained various experience, is still a learning curve for me. I learn new things and I try to keep improving as much as possible. I keep an open mind and this way; I am able to grow faster. This category comes with many young and fast riders. I have to constantly be on par with them. The coming round on my home-ground, while it is an added advantage, it also depends on how quickly we optimise our experience. The goal is to collect as many points and catch up with the little time left. Personally, I think we are very competitive but again, the entire troop is equally good. My training sessions including fitness so that I am physically and mentally prepared each time I am on the machine. My aim is all the way to the top!” Kiattisak on the other hand may be just a rookie in SS600, but the rider has over the last four rounds showcased potential to compete competitively in what is considered a fiery feat. The rider certainly holds the right experiences to blend-in accordingly and while the competition has been tight, Kiattisak diligently delivered consistency before pulling through to make his first podium-finish in Race 2 of Round 4. He currently sits at the fifth spot overall with a total of 74 points, no far off from the top three positions. Would Sepang open a pathway for him to climb up the ladder? Commenting on the race, Kiattisak said, “To me, it has been a very challenging time stepping up from the 250cc race category to the 600cc race category that comes with a big difference. I struggled a lot but I learnt to a great extent the mechanics of controlling the machine and also its character. I recently rode the NFS250 in Asia Talent Cup in Sepang. Continuous corners with high-speed in the circuit is definitely challenging. With the 600cc machine and the race category being more aggressive and faster, there is an advantage in the smoothness when positioning the machine. However, my body is still small and there is a slight imbalance compared to the size of the machine. Part of my routine includes exercising, training on the machine and eating proper meals. Throughout the season, I have learnt a lot from my mistakes and flaws. I tried to adjust as much as possible and adapt as quickly as possible. My goal is to try for the podium and finish in Top Three positions.”

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MOVING UP QUICKLY!

2024, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The riders of the Asia Production 250cc race category is set for yet another round of thrill and this time around, PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit becomes the playground. Md Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia, in search for points, is bucked up for Round 5 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Not bad for a rider who missed one round after injuring himself in Motegi circuit to be standing tall in the second spot overall. Thanks to his excellent achievements this season where he marked four times on the podium including two wins, Faerozi is able to withstand the impact of losing all points and sustaining at the top three positions. The Indonesian rider has a mission and he is not far off from achieving it. He has stood out throughout the year and has progressed exponentially compared to last season. But would Sepang circuit give him the upper-hand? Recapping his achievements at Sepang last season, Faerozi managed to collect only 19 points in total for both races. But again, last year was not exactly his strong season especially with multiple DNFs throughout. He closed the season at the 9th spot overall. This year however, Faerozi came back with a different approach and not only did he start off the season with flying colours but maintained consistency throughout. That is definitely an impressive achievement. Commenting on the race, Faerozi said, “My preparation, my strategy and my focus has been all about making difference this season. I realised that I had to be more not just more consistent but also focused in achieving flying colours. The news regulations that have been implemented has definitely contributed to my success. It has given me a fighting-chance, to fight among the top troop. The Yamaha R3 machine is now able to dominate the circuit grounds better. Apart from that, the team is also well-prepared in ensuring the machine is in an excellent condition. It’s a total package – machine, skills and teamwork. With these factors, we believe that it has given us a great opportunity for an enhanced performance especially in fighting to be on the podium and in being more competitive.” “I still have a lot more to improve especially on my riding techniques. I have upped my physical and riding training. This is the right way to go faster. With regular training, I have better understanding of the machine, tyre management and also managing my body posture while riding. For the coming race in Sepang, the strength is our machine which has a good torque that provides better advantage for low-speed corners such as T1 and T2. The challenge would definitely be the two long straights which would need a better setup up and high RPM, maximum of 12.300. My aim is to be at the podium in each race, get maximum points. I want to be the next Asian Champion in the AP250 race category.”

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NAKARIN SET TO CAPITALIZE RECENT WINS IN SEPANG

2024, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

In the blink of an eye, we find ourselves approaching the penultimate round of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. With that in mind, we can only expect the intensity to rise as riders vie for crucial points to climb the championship rankings. Nakarin Athiraphuvapat of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo appears to be one step ahead of his rivals in the ASB1000 category. Nakarin’s participation in the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, provides him with a significant advantage for the upcoming Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, also held on the same track. His victories in both Race 1 and Race 2 during the MSBK further enhanced his edge. Nakarin shared, “Winning at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit gave me valuable insights into the track and how to effectively overtake and position myself against opponents. This experience will definitely benefit me in the upcoming ARRC Round 5.” Reflecting on his debut season in the ASB1000 category, Nakarin said, “As the season progressed, I gained a deeper understanding of the bike and the dynamics of the battles in this class. This experience has opened up more strategies for me to aim for victory.” Currently ranked in the top three of the overall standings, Nakarin expressed, “It’s beyond what I had initially expected for my first year. I’m thrilled to be in the top three and am focused on maintaining this position, as that’s my primary goal. To me, anything is possible. I’ll give it my all to move ahead and challenge for the top two spots as well.” Additionally, Nakarin has taken valuable lessons from Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia. “At Mandalika, I was perhaps too reckless with overtaking, which cost me valuable points. I’ve learned the importance of staying calm and measured. The key takeaway is to stick to my plan and avoid mistakes.” “I’m focusing on self-reflection and meditation to clear my mind. I’m also training rigorously on the bike and at the gym to ensure I’m in peak condition for Round 5,” Nakarin added. Regarding the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Nakarin said, “PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit is a challenging track, particularly due to its weather conditions. I’d rate the difficulty of this circuit as an eight out of ten. The remaining two points depend on how the race unfolds.” Nakarin admitted that one major challenge he faces before the race is managing pre-race nerves, which can impact his performance. “One challenge is managing pre-race nerves, which sometimes disrupts my sleep. I’m working on not overthinking and instead focusing on enjoying the ride.”

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BATTLE IS ON!

2024, Latest News /

The TVS Asia One Make Championships of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship gets bigger and better each round and this time around, it would be hitting the circuit ground of PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit for its Round 5. The race towards the championship title is on. Hiroki Ono of Japan is almost there but will Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia hold him back? The long-standing battle between Hiroki and Ramdan came to a halt when the straight-A boy, poised and unbeatable was defeated last round in Race 2. The Japanese lad had been hitting a flat, 25-point in each race over the course of seven races was challenged in an intense feat at Mandalika and after a strenuous try, the Malaysian proved his worth in what seemed an impossible attempt considering Hiroki’s flying colours. Will Hiroki bounce back up and take the winning title in Round 5? It is hard to say especially with Sepang being Ramdan’s home-ground which also means that he has the upper-hand in terms of familiarity and mileage on the race track. Additionally, having shed weight to fit in further in acceleration, Ramdan might have just found the key to unlock victory. But Hiroki on the other hand is known for his robust moves and technical capacities that matches the demands of the circuit, nimble in his pursuit to dominate in all the circuit grounds. Having said that, Sepang circuit may not necessarily be a problem for him. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “In the last race, Ramdan was quick to catch me during a small mistake. He’s a veteran after all. I respect him because he always fights clean. The next race is his home round and I am pretty sure that he has strategies already in place. The last time I raced in SIC was in 2016 in Moto3 so it has been 8 years now. It’s a difficult circuit for me, frankly but I like the challenge so I am not so worried about it. In terms of the machine, the chassis settings are solid and I find great feeling about it. But the engine revving is tough. Currently, I am busy because I compete in All Japan Championship while running my own team. I also run a riding school. I have limited time to train but I try my best to make adjustments in preparation for the race. My goal is to take a double win as usual but even if I don’t, I am confident that the championship title will come by the next round.” Commenting on the race, Ramdan said, “I have been managing the strategies from the previous races. I have analysed quite a bit and I am pretty confident that I can take the next win. It’s my home-ground so naturally, I have better mileage there and that’s my aim too. Of course, Hiroki is strong and he is definitely going in for yet another double-win. On my part, it’s my desire to win my home-race. So, I will go all out. In terms of the machine, it is the same and for me, I think it’s all about finding the comfort and momentum regardless of the machine. Throughout the season, the most significant difference in terms of my preparation is my effort in losing weight. I have been doing a lot of physical training to shed the extra load. This is one of my targets every round.”

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YUZY RACING TEAM REJOINING ARRC?

2024, Latest News /

“This brings back a lot of memories…” Looking at a photo taken at the Asia Road Racing Championship in 2016, the owner of HONDA ESTREMO YUZY RACING, Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini, was flooded with a sense of nostalgia and pride. Yuzy said, “At that time, my role as a team manager was both challenging and rewarding. We were collaborating closely with a team from Japan, which meant I had to manage and coordinate with a diverse group of people. It was a period of significant learning for me, particularly in handling the complexities of managing a large and international team. The experience taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication, which continue to benefit me and the team today.” Yuzy reflected on his racing team’s journey in the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). “Our journey with the ARRC began in 2011 when Yuzy Racing made its debut. Over the past 12 years, participating in the ARRC has been an incredible learning experience for us. The competition has always been fierce, but it has been instrumental in developing our riders’ skills and professionalism. We’ve also gained crucial insights into managing a team across different countries, which has helped us grow into a more cohesive and strategic unit. Each year, we faced new challenges and opportunities that contributed to our evolution and success in the racing world.” Yuzy shared a particularly memorable moment: “We have many valuable memories from our time in the ARRC. One unforgettable moment was when our riders, Md Rozaiman Said and Md Amirul Ariff Musa, both stood on the podium in first and second place during Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2013 at the AutoPolis International Racing Course, Japan for the UB150 category. It was a proud achievement for our team.” When asked about rejoining the ARRC in the future, Yuzy did not hesitate to share his plans. “Without a doubt, we miss competing in the ARRC. The thrill of racing, the challenge of facing top-tier competitors, and the camaraderie within the team are aspects we deeply cherish. We are planning to return to the ARRC in the future. After the economic uncertainties caused by COVID, things are starting to stabilize, making it easier for us to find sponsors. While our last participation was in the UB150 category, we are considering entering more challenging categories like the AP250 and ASB1000. We believe these categories will provide an exciting new level of competition and allow us to showcase our growth.” “If we rejoin the ARRC, we hope for smoother processes regarding travel and logistics for all participating countries. Streamlining these arrangements would greatly enhance our experience and efficiency. More importantly, we wish for the ARRC to gain greater recognition and prominence in every country that hosts the championship. By elevating its profile and increasing its visibility in each host nation, the ARRC can foster a stronger connection with local audiences. This heightened recognition would not only enrich the event itself but also open up more opportunities for teams and riders to engage with the series in a meaningful and impactful way.”

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RAMDAN CHASING DOUBLE WIN AT SEPANG

2024, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

“It’s always been ‘nearly there’…” Mohd Ramdan Rosli reflects on his quest for a double win in the TVS ASIA One Make Championship at IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. As the series heads to Round 5 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Ramdan is laser-focused on achieving what has eluded him thus far: a Double Win. After a strong performance at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, where he secured second place in Race 1 and a victory in Race 2, Ramdan feels poised to make his mark. “Winning Race 2 at Mandalika was a huge relief and proof of what I can achieve,” he shared. “It showed me that I can achieve great things, and now I’m determined to convert that momentum into a Double Win.” The upcoming round at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit offers Ramdan the perfect opportunity. “Sepang Circuit is like a second home to me,” he explained. “I know the track well, and it’s the ideal place to finally reach my goal.” The prospect of a Double Win at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit represents both a personal triumph and a significant boost to his championship standing. “It’s a crucial moment in the season. A double win here would not only be a dream come true but also a major step in my championship bid,” he added. Securing a double win at Sepang could also provide Ramdan with an opportunity to overtake the Japanese rider, Hiroki Ono, who currently leads the overall standings. With the championship race tightening, a Double Win would significantly close the gap between them and position Ramdan at the top of the leaderboard. In preparation for this pivotal round, Ramdan has been meticulous. He has focused on enhancing his physical fitness and shedding weight to improve his performance in the lightweight category. “Every detail counts. I’ve been working hard to ensure that I’m in the best shape possible for both races.” Ramdan’s approach to PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit involves leveraging his extensive track knowledge while maintaining a focused and strategic mindset. Ramdan said, “With my familiarity with Sepang and the preparation I’ve done, I’m ready to tackle the challenges and make the most of this opportunity.” Ramdan strives to turn his “nearly there” moments into a definitive Double Win at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. “Achieving a Double Win here would be a major milestone. It’s something I’ve been aiming for, and I’m excited about the chance to make it happen,” he concluded.

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EPIC FIRST WIN FOR SOICHIRO!

2024, 2024 Round 4, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Race 2 of Round 4 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category witnessed high-speed drama. Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASIA celebrating his first win at PERTAMINA Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia. As the race started, Yuki Kunii of SDG Team HARC―PRO Honda Ph. immediately took the lead. Behind him, Soichiro and Lachlan Epis of Evolution Sports Group followed closely with attempt to take over the top spot. On lap 3, Soichiro overtook Yuki but Yuki was quick to reclaim the top position. However, Soichiro did not stop trying to overtake Yuki again. On lap 6, Soichiro managed to overtake Yuki and picked up his pace to keep the distance with the riders behind him. At P2 was Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM and Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo. The position of top three riders remains the same. Soichiro maintained his pace and made it to the top of the podium at 20’55:484s. Soichiro said, “I’m overjoyed! I set a strong lap time during qualifying yesterday, but I made some mistakes that led to damage to the bike. Despite this, our team’s dedication and hard work were exceptional. We faced some issues with the bike, but thanks to our efforts, we managed to resolve them this morning. During the race, I felt great about my performance and truly enjoyed the experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to be on the top of the podium. I’m thrilled and want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my team and all the crew for their hard work and support.” Second place went to Hafizh who concluded the race at 20’57:923s, while Andi clocked 20’58:878s to take third spot on the podium. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2ASB1000

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