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AWESOME FINISH FOR 1st RUNNER UP

As usual, the Underbone 150cc has always been a captivating scene with riders taking lead one moment and swallowed up by the troop the next. One who broke free from the force behind was Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team who dashed towards the finish line first to claim victory in Race 2, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Chang International Circuit. The pattern has been the same in the UB150 with riders thronging to lead the pack. Among the twenty- four riders, a handful of them appeared strongly at the lead position throughout the 8-lap race. Although the battle intensified on the last lap, keeping ahead competitively were Murrobil Vittoni, Hafiza Rofa and Shafiq Rasol who made remarkable 1-2-3 claims on the podium respectively. The conclusion came with a twist. With Shafiq landing himself third, championship leader, Nazirul was made the Underbone 150cc Champion for Season 2023. Akid Aziz was seen quickly gliding ahead of the troop at turn one with Hafiza Rofa behind him. A few turns later, Haziq Fairues made it to P1 with Passkorn at P2. Akid however found his way back to P1 on lap 2. Champion of UB150, Nazirul who did not have anything to lose, did not take the race lightly and went on to showcase his dexterity among the top five riders. The battle was more evident for the 1st Runner Up position between Shafiq Rasol and Murrobil Vittoni with 2-point difference however, the duo was swallowed by the large troop of riders in the first few laps. By mid-race, Murobbil emerged in the top three positions together with Fazrul and Nazirul but Shafiq was missing in action and remained silent among the back troop. With two more laps to go, Haziq and Wahyu who have been fending their position well throughout the race showcased potential. But on the final lap, Shafiq Rasol emerged out of no where and positioned himself firmly at P2 and at the last turn, he fired his wheels up before racing towards the finish line at 16’32:489s, bagging a win and claiming the 1st Runner Up position. Commenting on the race, Shafiq said, “First of all, I want to say a big thank you to my entire team and family at home for their endless support. In the beginning, I tried to stay among the troop but mid- race, I was actually left out. Somehow, I found my way on the last lap and used that opportunity to pully myself back to the front. That worked out well for me, thankfully.” Taking second on the podium was Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ASIA at 16’32:678s. Wawan Wello of PitsBike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team made it third at 16’32:719s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HIROKI WON BUT MUZAKKIR, CHAMPION!

Second year in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, the TVS Asia One Make Championship made impressive milestones this season with the participation of highly driven riders. Standing exceedingly tall among all of them today in Race 2 of Round 6 was Hiroki Ono of Japan who made the winning statement at Chang International Circuit. In Race 1 yesterday, the fight between Hiroki and Muzakkir made up for an exciting feat before Vorapong and Sarthak, a newbie in the race category inched closer to inject more pressure on the duo. As the race heated up over the last few laps, Sarthak lost control consequently the momentum to keep up with the trio ahead of him. While Vorapong maintained at P3, Muzakkir went all out to give Hiroki a good chase before the Japanese concluded with a win. When the race started, Hiroki Ono was quick to step up and take lead of the troop followed by Muzakkir and Ramdan at P3. Seconds into the race, Muzakkir overtook but Hiroki struck back. Ramdan was not bad himself this time around, trying his best to remain among the top three positions. Meanwhile, Vorapong challenged from P4. The battle heated up as Sarthak began making his moves into P2. Hiroki tried his best to remove the pressure from behind but the riders were in full form as they went at him. With four more laps to go, Sarthak and Muzakkir was seen gliding side-by-side to stay ahead. Hiroki managed his pace well. By then, Singaporean rider, Arsyad was seen at P3 before Muzakkir swiped places with him. The TVS Asia race witnessed a highly competitive feat today as riders kept close to each other. On the 5th lap, Sarthak took lead but Hiroki was not ready to be defeated. On the final lap, Hiroki tried to make a gap but Muzakkir was adamant. He chased Hiroki furiously and as the duo picked up speed, they disengaged from the troop behind. At the last corner, it was either Hiroki or Muzakkir but the Japanese was fast and clocked in at 14’55:386s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “I managed to control the race well throughout the race. This would have been a great result if I got to be the champion. I started in Japan during Round 3. I lost one race there. Overall, I raced in 8 races, lost one and won seven. So, to me, this has been an amazing result overall. I would like to express my gratitude and thank you to all my sponsors and team members, my Japanese fans and supporters for all that I have achieved.” Md Muzakkir of Malaysia who finished podium second at 14’55:457s an hailed Champion in the TVS Asia One Make Championship, Season 2023. Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand made it third at 14’56:697s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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ANDI PULLED A STUNNER

The Asia Superbike 1000cc witnessed the beat of rivalry once again today at the Chang International Circuit as riders geared up for Race 1, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Taking the grand stand on the podium was Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA who concluded today’s session with his very first win for the season. Earlier today in the qualifying session, Andi Farid of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA made the fastest at 1’34:971s which placed him as the pole-man for the weekend. Second on the grid was his teammate, Zaqhwan who made his fastest lap time at 1’35:053s. Markus of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team made it third fastest at 1’35:059s. Zaqhwan was quick to take lead but Andi barged from the inside at turn 1 and moved ahead. Seconds into the lap, Azlan and Markus found their footing at P2 and P3 while Zaqhwan trailed at P4. Into lap 2, Markus was quick to take the opportunity to slide ahead of Azlan from the inside before going for Andi and before the lap ended, Markus made it ahead smoothly. Meanwhile, Andi began losing momentum and Azlan grabbed the opportunity to strike. Markus went on to pick up speed and drew a wider gap with his teammate at P2. By mid-race, he was about 1.4s ahead. Behind him, teammates Andi and Zaqhwan went on to pressure Azlan. With six laps to go, Andi overtook Azlan on the long-straight but Azlan quickly recovered his position. Andi did not give up and went at him again. As Azlan began losing speed, Honda teammates grabbed the opportunity to strike and moved into P2 and P3 respectively. Both teammates who are in contention for 1st runner up went on to challenge each other. By then, Markus had already freed himself of the pressure behind him and was way ahead with a 2.6s gap. On the last lap, once again, German rider was on his way towards victory but Andi caught up out of nowhere. At the last turn, Markus who was not aware of Andi’s presence from the inside, was taken aback and lost control for a moment. Markus went off track limit. He regained control but lost to Andi who logged in at 20’53:239s. Commenting on the race, first time ASB1000 winner, Andi said, “It feels amazing. Thanks to the team and their unending hard work. This success is definitely not possible without them. There is another race tomorrow and for now, that would be my ultimate focus. So, keeping my fingers crossed that all will go well tomorrow.” Markus Reiterberger took second at 20’53:151s. Md Zaqhwan Zaidi took third at 20’54:070s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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SOICHIRO NOW LEADS!

The SuperSports 600cc was a striking show as riders braced through the mounting pressure and rivalry in Race 1, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship today. Coming out stronger than ever was Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAM who claimed victory at the Chang International Circuit. During the qualifying session that was held earlier today, Yamaha riders Soichiro and Apiwath of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN were strong on the circuit and made it first and second on the grid with their best lap time at 1’38:447s and 1’38:894s. Honda rider, Khairul Idham of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team took third spot with his best lap time at 1’39:209s. It was an awesome start for Soichiro in the 12-lap race when he immediately took lead with his teammate, Apiwath right behind him. At turn 2 however, Apiwath took a slide from the inside and took lead for a moment before Soichiro grabbed it back. Khairul was at P3 before Azroy went ahead of him. Khairul regained his momentum quickly and made it back P3 at the last turn of lap 1. The Yamaha riders remained sturdy on the grounds of Chang as Honda rider, Khairul tried to close the gap. Nakarin who began on the 6th spot made his way into P4 by the end of lap 3. The three riders in contention for the championship title, Khairul, Nakarin and Soichiro went on to make the cut. By mid-race, the positions of the trio in the front troop remained unchanged. Nakarin at P4 kept pushing to close the gap of 3.5s as Azroy chased him furiously. With 3 more laps to go, Soichiro and Apiwath glided confidently ahead as Khairul tried to catch up. By then, it was almost impossible for Khairul to close the gaps. On the last lap, Soichiro avoided mistakes as Apiwath looked for ways to overtake but to no avail. Soichiro went on to take one last turn before heading towards victory at 19’55:372s. Commenting on the race, Soichiro said, “Today’s race was great really great. My planning was to get to the top. The tire was a little worn out towards the end of the race but Apiwath who stayed close behind me was a great help and support to me. I am at the top of the championship now but tomorrow is another day to fight and that is all that matters. So, we shall see!” His teammate, Apiwath Wongthananon made it second at 19’55:522s. Khairul Idham made it third at 19’58:301s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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CHEERS FOR VEDA, AGAIN!

It was a nerve-wrecking show as expected in the Asia Production 250cc as riders went on with the match of rivalry at Chang International Circuit. Standing tall in Race 1, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship was Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who made an impressive win. During the qualifying session today, Veda went on with the same momentum like yesterday and raised the bar up when he took the pole position with his best lap time at 1’51:528s. At the second spot on the grid was teammate Rheza Danica with his best lap time at 1’51:693s. Thai rider, Jakkreephat of Thailand Honda Racing made it on the third spot with his best lap time at 1’51:889s. As soon as the race flagged off, Jakkreephat was quick to slide ahead of Veda at turn one. But seconds into the race, Veda picked up his momentum and exchanged positions with the Thai rider. Before lap 1 ended, Muklada made it into P2 before her teammate overtook. Challenging the trio was Viet Nam at P4 and together they formed the front troop. Meanwhile, Rheza took lead of the back troop with Irfan and Herjun close by. Two laps down, Veda positioned himself firmly as Thai teammates, Jakkreephat and Muklada worked together to take him down. By mid-race, Veda began drawing up gap to avoid the pressure from the Thais. As he went on a solo mission ahead of the troop behind with a gap of 3.166s, his teammate Herjun found his way into the battle for P2. The intensity grew among the four riders. Veda was out of threat but the four riders engaged in a fury fight as Rheza Danica finally joined them. On the last lap, Veda was on his way to celebrate victory but behind him, Jakkreephat, Herjun and Muklada took one last swing at the last turn before Jakkreephat dashed ahead to finish second on the podium at 18’41:898s. Veda Ega made victory 6.039s earlier at 18’41:937s. Commenting on the race, Veda said, “This weekend has been a fantastic for me. I just went on to enjoy the race as much as I could. Of course, I also tried remained focused throughout. I want to say thank you to the team and all sponsors as well as my family and my Indonesian fans who have been a great support to me throughout.” Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand completed third at 18’47:940s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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MURROBIL CARVED VICTORY

It was yet another nail-biting scene with the Underbone 150cc race category at the Chang International Circuit. As the race got rough and tough with riders thronging for the best position, Murrobil Vittoni of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team made a stunning appearance towards the finish line to bag the win in Race 1, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. During the Super-Pole session this morning, Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ASIA made an impressive lap time at 2’03:141s consequently rewarding him with the pole position. Second on the grid was Wahyu Aji of RACETCH SIXTY Team with his fastest lap time at 2’03:770s followed by Murrobil Vittoni with his fastest lap time at 2’04:119s. When the race started, Akid was seen fleeing quickly ahead of the others to take the lead position followed by Murrobil however the positions changed very quickly into the lap. Akid however remained among the front troop alongside Wahyu Aji and Hafiza Rofa. The leading man in the overall standing, Nazirul kept it easy and avoided pressure. At the end of lap 2, Hafiza took lead with Murrobil close by and into the third lap, teammates, Haziq and Nazirul emerged ahead. The battle was a tough one but the riders in the front troop remained consistent. By mid-race, Syazras emerged ahead of the riders and went on with swift moves to maintain his position before April King took over. With three laps to go, the exchange of positions became rampant as the riders work their way to the front. On the final lap, Hafiza Rofa made it to the front but at the last turn, Murrobil went on to pressure him before gliding ahead of him at 16’30:237. Commenting on the race, Murrobil said, “I am truly thankful to God for the protection he gave me throughout the race today and also for giving me the opportunity to win. It was a lot of hardwork, not only from myself but also my team members. So, thank you to everyone. Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team made it second at 16’30:360s. Md Shafiq Rasol who was in contention of the championship made it third at 16’30:573s. That made Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia the Champion of the Underbone 150cc Season 2023. Commenting on his success, Nazirul said “First of all, I thank God for the blessings. I thank my late dad who has always supported me. He is not here now but I am sure he will be very happy of my success today. I thank my mother and my family members who have always been my pillar. Thanks to my team for the wonderful work throughout the season. My machine had an issue at the last lap but thankfully, I was able to manage it well and make it champion today!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HIROKI WOWED AT CHANG!

Quite the show with the TVS Asia One Make Championship today at the Chang International Circuit with riders committed to meet their goals. One who stood significantly tall was Hiroki Ono of Japan when he bagged the win in Race 1, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Earlier today in the qualifying session, Hiroki Ono went on a flying start and clocked in fastest at 1’49:534s, instantly rewarding him with the best position on the grid. Malaysian duo, Ramdan and Muzakkir were not bad themselves when they scored the second and third spot on the grid at 1’49:842s and 1’49:879s respectively. The riders were off to a great start, particularly Hiroki Ono who immediately took lead from the first turn. Behind him, Muzakkir maintained his distance, not too far away instead close enough to make his move. Before the lap ended, Muzakkir took a slide from the inside ahead but seconds into the next lap, Hiroki was fast to overtake him on the long straight. Muzakkir was not about to give up. Behind them, Sarthak got closer. The Indian rider was equally competitive as the trio went on to stir the circuit ground up. Meanwhile, Vorapong took P4 with Ramdan at P5 after the third lap. As Vorapong inched closer, pressure mounted among the front troop. Vorapong managed to pick up speed and slide past Sarthak. With four laps to go, Hiroki Ono who was well aware of the intensity trailing him began picking up speed but Muzakkir and Vorapong went on to chase him down. Hiroki Ono stayed perfectly in his racing which gave Muzakkir no opportunity to strike. Sarthak who lost his pace for a moment began picking up. Into the last two laps, Muzakkir made his move and overtook Hiroki Ono but the Japanese was quick to recover his position from the inside. Muzakkir tried slip-streaming and failed. On the final lap, the battle became fiery. On the long straight, both Vorapong and Muzakkir tried their luck again to supersede Hiroki Ono but the Japanese was dominant and relentless on the circuit. Hiroki Ono went on to take one last turn before dashing towards victory at 14’46:399s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki Ono said, “I am truly happy with this win. I enjoyed the race throughout. It was fantastic one with so many extremely great riders. It was an amazing challenge. This is my firsts time on this circuit. In the beginning, it was really tough but I think I gained confidence over each lap. I am so happy with my victory. Thank you.” Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia made it second, clocking in at 14’46:433s. Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand made it third at 14’46:660s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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“I’M HERE TO WIN”

The Asia Superbike 1000cc is back again in action at the Chang International Circuit. This time around, for the finale of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Season 2023. Rocking the circuit today was Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team who clocked in fastest in the practice sessions, combined. In FP1 that was held towards noon, duo of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team, Markus Reiterberger and Azlan Shah made striking lap times with their best at 1’35:990s and 1’36:347s respectively. At the third fastest spot was Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA with his best lap time at 1’36:459s. In FP2, the positions changed among the super-trio with Zaqhwan in lead with his best lap time at 1’36:268s followed by the teammates Azlan and Markus with their best lap time at 1’36:404s and 1’36:459s respectively. In FP3, Markus did it again with his best lap time at 1’35:640s followed by his fellow teammate Azlan with his best lap time at 1’35:947s. At the third fastest was Zaqhwan with his best lap time at 1’36:088s. Markus may not have had a perfect start at the season opener in Chang but he certainly seems prepared to make up for his imperfection with a perfect end to the season. Commenting on the session, Markus said, “I am still here to win, as usual. But more importantly, we are also using this time to test some things with no pressure. We have a different suspension on the rear and some changes in the chassis. Not forgetting the tires too. It takes a whole day. We made a few good steps but there were also some wrong moves especially in FP2. We still found out way around it but with a little extra push. I struggled a lot in Round 1 and now, I still have to fight hard to stay on top. I was also a sick in the last few days so physically, I had some hard time. I hope tomorrow would be better. In Round 1, there were many things that we had to sort out in terms of the machine but over time, we picked up and it has been good since. Of course, I have issues with my body weight, so I would say that it is not that easy to keep up with the pace. I really enjoy Thailand and I enjoy the layout of the circuit. I also have very good memories here with my best World Superbike results here in 2016.” Second and third fastest in the FP combined went to Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Md Zaqhwan Zaid. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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STRONG COMEBACK FOR WILDCARD RIDER

The riders of the SuperSports 600cc were pumped up today in their bid to make the most at the season finale of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship help at Chang International Circuit. Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAH GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN emerged fastest today at the practice sessions, combined. In FP1 earlier today, Thai lad Nakarin of Honda Racing Thailand went on enthusiastically on his home- ground to score the fastest at 1’39:709 followed by fellow country-men and wildcard rider, Apiwath of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN with his best lap time at 1’39:949s. Malaysian rider, Azroy Hakeem made it third fastest with his best lap time at 1’40:232s. In FP2, Apiwath worked on his performance and made it fastest at 1’39:243s followed by his teammate, Soichiro with his best lap time at 1’39:579s. At third fastest was Nakarin with his best lap time at 1’39:965s. In FP3 that was held in the evening, Apiwath emerged fastest with his best lap time at 1’39:393s and once again followed by his teammate Soichiro with his best lap time at 1’39:483s making them the fastest and second fastest for the day. The duo of the same team seemed to have worked out a plan to keep themselves well ahead of the others in the lap chart. With Soichiro in contention for the championship, Apiwath’s participation may be the boost that he needs to make the weekend a success. Apiwath completed his full season in the World SuperSport and his experiences has definitely given him the added value needed to make the most of the season finale. Taking third fastest in FP3 was Ratthapong of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team with his best lap time at 1’39:854s. Commenting on the session earlier, Apiwath said, “I am happy to be back at ARRC and I would say that the level of competitiveness is equally amazing. Chang circuit has become quite an easy ground for me right now with all the other experiences that I have gained over the course of one year. Having said that, of course, there are the likes of contenders such as Nakarin who is a home-grown rider, KIP and Helmi who are extremely strong in the race category which does not make it an easy feat after all. But I do look forward to winning tomorrow.” Nakarin Atiratphuvapat made it third fastest in FP, combined with his best at 1’39:709s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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VEDA, FAST AT CHANG

The battle for the best in the Asia Production 250cc begun today at the Chang International Circuit. Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made his mark today as the fastest man in the practice sessions, combined for Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In FP1 that happened this morning, the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM boys went on to mark their territories when they took the top three fastest positions with Veda Ega clocking in fastest with his best lap time at 1’52:346s followed by Rheza Danica at 1’52:621s and Herjun Atna at 1’52:884s. In FP2, Veda Ega once again went on to make the fastest lap time at 1’52:247s. Second fastest was Cao Viet Nam of Honda Racing Vietnam Team with his best lap time at 1’52:804s. Rheza Danica clocked in third fastest with his best lap time at 1’52:851s. In FP3, Veda Ega maintained his momentum as we went on once again to score the fastest lap time at 1’51:714s. The young chap who made his debut in the race category this season has not only succeeded in accomplishing goals but has also been a challenge to his own teammates with his extraordinary skills. In Race 1 of the season opener, Veda flaunted his moves and finished second. Chang may not be a problem for him this weekend. With a total of 135 points in his hands, he currently sits at the third spot overall and will be battling for the top three spots overall. Commenting on the FP session, Veda Ega said, “I am quite familiar with the circuit because I raced in the Asia Talent Cup last season. Not forgetting Round 1 of the season which has given me some valuable experience for this round. I am quite confident here. I have a good feeling on this circuit although today, the lap time was not fantastic for me, in my opinion. I will do better tomorrow for sure. The layout has two long-straights and high-speed corner which makes it interesting but at the same time challenging. The last corner is also tough as it is a little narrow but I will do my best in the qualifying tomorrow and I hope to win in the race.” Making it second and third fastest in FP3 and combined was Jakkreephat Puettisan of Honda Racing Thailand and Mohammed Faerozi of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia with their best lap time at 1’51:819s and 1’52:006s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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