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BEYOND EXPERIENCE

2024 Round 3, Latest News /

The Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is gearing up for an eventful day this coming weekend and for the first time in history, the race will be held at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. The riders of the SuperSports 600cc race category are prepped to mark their territories including Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN.  He made a grand entrance in the finale of Season 2023 as a wildcard rider and after he had made his bold move in securing the prized position for his team in the race category, he went on to reward himself a triumphant victory in Race 2. The Thai rider is quite the name in the international and Asian motorcycle racing scene and while he may not have been very well acquainted with a 1000cc machine, he definitely works magic aboard the 600cc, Yamaha YZF-R6. His full-season entry can be claimed a threat to the existing riders on par with him, more so with his adamance to pursue the championship title. The upside for Apiwath is definitely his home-ground which he is familiar with like the back of his hand and one need not take a bet that he would succeed with flying colours which he did with a double-victory in the season opener. But having said that, the SS600 race category which is a highly-competitive feat poses striking challenges especially that comes with his closest contenders, not one or two but a handful who are equally bullish in their games. He succumbed to the second spot on the podium in Race 1 of Round 2 when rivalries at its best took a strike against him. Commenting on the race, Apiwath said, “I am extremely happy to be back, competing on the Asian championship. It is like home to me and I am fully immersed in the environment each time I travel for the race. I did miss out for a year but I gathered quite a bit of an experience from the World SuperSport programme especially with it being intense, aggressive and highly competitive. That is definitely an added value for me because it makes me stronger and I am able to strategize better for a more fulfilling outcome within the Asian domain. From the last two rounds, I would say that the riders are quick to adapt and to me, the Asian riders are in their full-form which is quite challenging for me. Everyone has an important role in the game and no way we can underestimate anyone, I would say!” “As for the machine, the Yamaha engine has pros and cons for sure. Yamaha is relatively excellent in high-revving. But the weak part is the low RPM. But of course, we are looking out for solutions and having said that, the awareness is crucial so that we are better prepared technical wise and are able to maximise on our strengths to overcome the weakness. Apart from that, that is not all in a race. Emotions plays a fundamental role too. It is important to control one’s temper for sure so that we are able to better-resonate with the outcome. The experiences that I have gained has definitely made me calmer and I am able to read the games better and more accurately. Part of my preparation includes fitness regimes. Apart from that, I also dive deeper into the layout of the circuit that we will be going so that I am more informed. Also, I take part in many local championships to boost my mileage so that my technical abilities do not wear off over time. My goal is to be number one just like all the other racers. It is a matter of putting work into reality.”

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EYES ON THE PRIZE

2024, 2024 Round 3, Latest News /

Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will take the spotlight at the Mobility Resort Motegi this weekend. All set to brace the challenges of the circuit are riders of the Asia Production 250cc including Cao Viet Nam of Honda Racing Vietnam Team who has not ceased to amaze with his amped up performances this season. If last year was not so colourful for Viet Nam, this season began with a different twist when the Vietnamese rider showcased his competitive side, striding alongside big names, in the front troop. As was seen in Round 1 at Chang International Circuit, Viet Nam went on to inject immense pressure on his counterparts in both races, taking lead in a number of laps as he fought ferociously to dominate the circuit. Although once bitten, twice shy may have been a fundamental approach to rise above the challenge, Viet Nam nevertheless made the same mistake twice at the last turn of the last lap which instantly damaged his chances of leaping ahead of others. No doubt, the AP250 race category comes with the strain of robust riders but it is all about finding the footing and taking a bold stance to break the ice among the well-established with a performance that is striking enough to gain attention. In Round 2, Viet Nam played his game so well that he not only made it into the circle of fame but went on to take charge with his winning move throughout the laps before claiming the first victory for himself and for his countrymen.  Commenting on the race, Viet Nam said, “I am very confident now especially after upgrading the machine since the second-half of last season. That has given me the equal opportunity to fight more competitively with the other strong contenders. Now, that I am among them, it gives me the kind of boost that I need. I know that I was really good in Round 5 and Round 6 of Year 2023 and it started again with the first two rounds in 2024. So, it has been a superb feeling for me and that’s why I know that I will continue doing well in the coming rounds.” “The changes in my machine involved two things – one is the Ohlins suspension system and the other is the new fairing. It has definitely made my machine faster and more stable. Of course, the new engine regulations too have helped tremendously. I am of the opinion that the Yamaha machine is a little faster compared to the Honda machine especially at the exit corner. That I would say is the only disadvantage for this year. The two new changes have been a lot of help for us, especially us coming from a new country in the region. We lack the experience in modifying and developing machines like the other countries. The coming race which will be held on a MotoGP circuit would be a fun experience for sure. I think it would be difficult, plus this is my first time there but with the new-found confidence, I think I will do good. The first-time always comes with its ups and downs but that’s the interesting thing about motorsports. This year, there are many riders fighting among the front troop but I will do my best! The target is to make it top five and keep an eye on the championship title. But we shall see what I can do in Motegi, first!”

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EMPOWERED!

2024, 2024 Round 3, Latest News /

The Idemsitu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will be extending the thrill and excitement of the adrenaline rush this weekend at Mobility Resort Motegi for its Round 3. Energised and motivated to keep the momentum going is no other than Gian Carlo Mauricio of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines who will be back to get in line for another taste of success. The Filipino rider came into the limelight of UB150 back in 2022 as a debutante and while the stakes were high for him especially with highly-competitive riders, he took a more reclusive approach to learn and adapt. By season 2023, his persistence paid off when he climbed up a couple of positions higher in the overall chart. This season, he may not have immediately jumped to a colourful start especially when he claimed “DNF” in Race 1 but his moves in the previous round at ZIC definitely earned him a round of applause when he barged in victoriously to the chequered flag, bagging his first ever win since his debut.  The Underbone race category is beyond speed and technical experience. It is also about making calculative moves and taking risks. Strategic-thinking is a fundamental ability, much-needed in accentuating prowess when it comes to being recognised in this race category. Gian Carlo may be a somewhat reserved lad in nature but on the circuit ground, he has definitely given a glimpse of his wild side and his capability in combining the crucial aspects for the best result. Commenting on the race, Gian Carlo said, “It was least expected, winning the race but I was so thrilled that I could catch up with the lead pack since I have been among the last in the last lap. I was very careful with the race and my goal has always been about finishing the race to obtain points. In Zhuhai the other day, I only had one thing in my mind that reiterated, “Don’t think, just act!” and that helped me close the gaps with the other riders. I went on to take risks on my part and before I knew it, I was already among the front troopers. That was when I saw hope and knew I could do it. I stayed consistent with the strategy and I won! I have definitely come a long way. I have improved especially on phasing. Before that, I used to have a hard time on grasping the flow because I felt pressured and more so when I made mistakes. But now that I have overcome that, I can now focus on executing the strategies in a more uniformed manner. With that too, I have gained better self-confidence after a 2-year drought.” “In my homeland, I do a lot of training because I need to condition myself in every race. I do a lot of jogging lately to improve on breathing. Our team’s goals have always been consistency in every lap and I have also hit the gym to work out on my physique. On the race track, we do the basic training, improve on braking and I ensure that I complete at least 15 laps. During my free time, I also play the MOTOGP console game and I survey the track virtually to familiarise. As for the Motegi circuit and based on my observation, the track has many high-speed corners and downhill straight at turn 11. That caught my attention as it is one of the overtaking points. This definitely requires great braking skills and would be challenging. I am quite satisfied with the current engine as the durability has improved and the power is also better. But I still think there is room for improvement in terms of power which is the focus of my team at the moment. We are also doing some testing on new parts for better outcome. The goal is to be more competitive and to become the overall champion. So, let’s see how it goes.”

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HOME-GROUND, NOT A PROBLEM!

2024, 2024 Round 3, Latest News /

The Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will watch the scene of Round 3 unfold at Mobility Resort Motegi this weekend. Ready to garner victory in his homeland after carving hat-trick is countryman, Hiroki Ono who is pumped up to take TVS Asia One Make Championship to another level. Since his debut in the TVS Asia race category as a wildcard rider last season at Sugo circuit, Hiroki conceded to “DNF” only once before he went on a flawless roll of victory, bagging the winning spot in each round till this very day, as a full-season rider. The likes of great riders may come and go but Hiroki has stood tall on his grounds as he went on full-swing to showcase his outstanding calibre of scoring nothing less than 25 points in each and every race.  In the recent round that was held at ZIC, Hiroki determined in his ambition to be the next champion in the race category swiped the triple-victory card and banked in 75 points and while it is presumptuous to say that he has a higher chance of claiming the ultimate bonus, it seems like nothing is getting in the way at the moment. The Japanese is full-on and no matter how aggressive the ride seemed to be in the last three races, he was able to slide in and out smoothly with no traces of insecurity. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “I have won all three races this season but to be honest, it was not an easy feat. Of course, there has been a lot of pressure throughout but I have always taken an approach that will not compromise my focus. I believe this is crucial and this is what that rewarded me with multiple victories. Compared to last season, the level of competency among riders is by far the highest this season and all of them, if you ask me, are rivals. Among them, Muzakkir and Ramdan are showing particular speed and dexterity that keeps me on my toes. So, it is a mounting pressure I would say.” “I have raced at Motegi circuit many times. So, I think I have an added advantage compared to the other riders. There are many hard-braking points which makes it a difficult circuit ground but of course, the layout is relatively simple, so that compromises on the riding bit. Racing in Japan is easy because the circuit facilities and road conditions are quite good. TVS Apache machine is a great one and I particularly like the sound of the exhaust. It kind of raises the goosebumps and further pumps the adrenaline. My biggest goal this season is to win the series title and I am keeping my fingers crosses that I would be able to achieve that.”

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ZAQHWAN AIMS FOR SWIFT RECOVERY

Real Life /

Malaysian rider, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo faced a significant setback during Round 2 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. During the qualifying session, Zaqhwan crashed and fractured his hands, resulting in him being unable to participate in Race 1. The incident has been a tough blow for Zaqhwan, who expressed his disappointment and frustration over the unfortunate event. “I felt so frustrated and disappointed because Zhuhai circuit is my favourite and I know that I was able to perform in the race,” Zaqhwan remarked. His passion for racing at Zhuhai, a track he holds in high regard, only added to the anguish of being sidelined. Zaqhwan has already undergone surgery and is currently focusing on his recovery. He remains hopeful to return to racing as soon as possible, setting his sights on Round 3 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia. “I hope I don’t have to skip the upcoming round because I’ve already discussed with the doctor about my injury and they said it’s possible to recover before the Motegi round,” he shared, emphasizing his eagerness to get back on track. Reflecting on his missed opportunity, Zaqhwan stated, “Yes, I feel sad because I know I can be competitive in the race and able to give a better result. This is racing, anything can happen.” His acceptance of the inherent risks of the sport underscores his resilient spirit. The medical team has provided a tentative recovery timeline, but Zaqhwan is realistic about the challenges ahead. “Doctor said yes, I am able to race again but it depends on my recovery time and I need to focus on physiotherapy. They estimate about one month to recover, but I think it still might not be enough. Nonetheless, I want to be competitive and try to win the race. I hope this injury doesn’t stop me from achieving my target.” Zaqhwan remained firm with his ambition to compete in the Motegi round. He said, “Yes, I am hoping to race in Motegi. I want to join even if my hands are not 100 percent recovered.” He refuses to let his injury dampen his spirit, stating, “I don’t want to think too much about my injury. I know I might struggle more with my current hands condition, but my mental and emotions are not affected at all because my motivation is always high.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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RHEZA THE SILENT BOY

Real Life /

He doesn’t talk much, but he has a great presence. This rider is Indonesia-born lad, Rheza Danica Ahrens of the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. In person, Rheza might come across as shy and reserved. Besides short conversations with people he is close with, Rheza is often found quiet, either by himself or with his teammates. Hence, he was given the nickname “The Silent Boy.” True to his nature, Rheza admits, “Normally, I’m always just saying little words. I got it (The Silent Boy) from a long time ago when I was racing in national races. But I am happy that my team understands me well and always gives me trust to do more and more.” He also values the camaraderie within his circle. “I’m happy with everyone who is close to me, and I hope to share my happiness with them.” Who would have known that, when he is on the track, it’s a different story altogether? Behind the visor of his helmet, he transforms into a focused and relentless competitor, catching the attention of spectators and fellow racers alike. Despite his quiet demeanor, Rheza’s racing prowess is anything but understated. Last year, Rheza clinched the overall championship title in the Asia Production 250cc race category. This year, he has taken on an even greater challenge by making the leap to the highly competitive Supersports 600cc category, a step up that not only highlights his confidence in his abilities but also signals his readiness to take on more experienced and skilled competitors. The transition to the Supersports 600cc category is no small feat. It demands not only superior technical skills but also enhanced mental fortitude. His ability to adapt and excel in a more challenging environment is a clear indicator of his potential to rise even higher in the ranks of motorsport. Rheza’s transition to the Supersports 600cc category has brought both excitement and challenges. “I’m happy to be back in SS600. There are many experienced riders who ride 600cc bikes. I’m happy to join this class again, and the current bike is much better than the previous one I rode, but I need to improve on riding this bike. It’s not easy, but step by step, I am confident that I will get better.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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EARLY WAKE-UP CALL FOR AZROY

Real Life /

The scene of highs and lows encapsulates the very heart of motorcycle racing, where the exhilaration of speed is tempered by the harsh reality of unpredictability. However, it’s a journey of peaks and valleys not willingly sought after by any rider. The unpredictable nature of the sport tests the limits of skill and fortitude. The statistics of Supersports 600cc in Round 1 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship painted a somber picture: Race 1 – DNF (Did Not Finish), Race 2 – DNF (Did Not Finish). However, delving deeper into Malaysian rider of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team, Azroy Hakeem Anuar’s performance reveals a narrative of promise and potential that refuses to be overshadowed by setbacks. From the onset of the event, Azroy commanded attention with his prowess on the track. Consistently impressive performances in Practice sessions underscored his readiness to compete among the best. Practice 1 saw him secured an impressive P4, followed by a stellar ascent to P2 in Practice 2. The momentum continued into Practice 3, where Azroy asserted his dominance by clinching the top spot. Qualifying further validated his credentials, securing a commendable P2 on the grid, setting the stage for what promised to be a thrilling race day. Indeed, Azroy did not disappoint. Positioned prominently within the front group throughout both races, he fervently battled for podium contention, refusing to yield to the challenges posed by his rivals. However, fate delivered a harsh blow as Azroy’s ambitions were dashed by unfortunate incidents during crucial overtaking maneuvers. Azroy lamented, “I felt disappointed to lose the points, I just threw away 50 points so easily. I still can’t accept the result. But it’s already in the past. For now, I will strive to be better than before.” Azroy shared, “I’ve made significant strides since last year, yet it’s apparent that I became overly confident in my ability to secure victory. Regrettably, I committed an error that I now realize was avoidable. Rest assured, I’ll glean valuable lessons from this experience and strive to perform even better in the future.” Azroy emphasized, “Naturally, for that type of overtaking maneuver, patience is essential. I must exercise greater caution in such situations moving forward.” Azroy sets his sights on the upcoming Round 2 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Zhuhai International Circuit, China. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HOME DOMINATION IS NOT ENOUGH FOR APIWATH

Real Life /

Apiwath Wongthananon, the dynamic rider from Thailand who has been capturing spotlight in the Supersports 600cc at IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. As a pivotal member of the YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASIA, Apiwath has consistently flaunted his prowess on the track, leaving spectators in awe and competitors trailing in his wake. The recent Round 1 of the championship held at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand validated Apiwath’s exceptional skills. Despite the pressure of performing in front of a home crowd, he delivered a masterclass in racing, securing victories in both Race 1 and Race 2. His ability to maintain a significant lead over his rivals demonstrated not only his speed but also his strategic acumen on the circuit. Apiwath’s track record in the previous season may have been limited to just one round, but it was a memorable one. In that solitary appearance at the Chang International Circuit, he clinched second place in Race 1 and emerged victorious in Race 2. His teammate, Soichiro Minamimoto, also contributed significantly to the team’s success by securing a win in Race 1 and finishing second in Race 2, ultimately leading to their team’s unexpected triumph. However, as Apiwath himself acknowledges, the true test of a champion lies in their ability to excel beyond familiar territory. With Round 2 of the championship scheduled to take place at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China, Apiwath faces a real challenge – one that revisits his skills on terrain he hasn’t raced on in quite some time. Despite his track record of dominance on his home circuit, Apiwath acknowledged the necessity to adapt and evolve in response to readdressing the challenges of Zhuhai international Circuit. Apiwath said: Although it’s been some time since I last raced here, I’m confident in my abilities and preparation. I anticipate delivering a strong performance and showcasing my capabilities in Round at Zhuhai.” “My ultimate goal is to clinch the championship title this year. Every rider in this sport boasts their own individual strengths and capabilities. The key to triumph lies in the art of error reduction and seizing pivotal moments. I am dedicated to refining my skills to secure victory.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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RIDER STANDING UPDATE

2024, 2024 Round 2, Latest News /

The Race 2 of Round 2, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship was cancelled today due to a typhoon warning issued by the The Municipal Meteorological Observatory overall standings for the top five riders for each race category as below: In the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category, Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo takes lead with a total of 65 points after a great showmanship in Race 1 yesterday. Raking it at the second spot overall is Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing Team with a total of 52 points after succumbing to third place in the heat of fast and fury. Hafizh Syahrin of JDT RACING TEAM who outstood the rest and bagged the winning title instantly took a leap into third place with a total of 45 points. In the SuperSports 600cc race category, Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN maintains his high at the top spot with a total of 70 points despite a slight fall at the second spot in Race 1 after a double win on home-ground. At second spot overall is Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM with a total of 49 points after finishing fourth yesterday. Taking the third place overall is Md Helmi Azman of Idemitsu Boon Siew Honda Racing Team with a total of 36 points. The Asia Production 250cc race category sees Herjun Atna Firdaus at the top spot with a total of 57 points after finishing third on the podium at ZIC. Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia takes the second spot overall with a total of 54 points after finishing first although he was later placed second after final decision by race direction. Syarifuddin Azman of Idemitsu Boon Siew Honda Racing takes third overall with a total of 42 points after finishing fourth in Race 1. The Underbone 150cc race category concluded Round 2 with defending champion, Nazirul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia maintaining his lead spot with a total of 41 points. Murobbil Vittoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team takes the second spot overall with a total of 36 points followed by teammate Fahmi Basam with a total of 32 points. In the TVS Asia One Make Championship, Hiroki Ono of Japan made hat-trick with yet another win yesterday, awarding him with the lead position at 75 points. Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia takes the second spot overall with a total of 51 points after finishing second on the podium in Race 1. Sarthak Chavan of India takes third overall with a total of 40 points despite his struggles at ZIC. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT FIM ASIA

2024, 2024 Round 2, Latest News /

Race 2 of Round 2, IDEMITSU FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP at Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) is cancelled due to typhoon warning. The Municipal Meteorological Observatory has upgraded the yellow warning signal of rainstorm to orange at 10.00 am while retaining the yellow warning signal of thunderstorm and gale which calls for suspension of outdoor work and activities. Our partners and teams regret to announce the cancellation however priority is given to the safety of riders, teams, workforce and spectators of ARRC and apologises for the inconvenience caused. Thank you to all those directly and indirectly impacted including riders, teams, partners, sponsors, media friends and fans for the continuous support!

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