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SOICHIRO NOW LEADS!

2023, 2023 Round 6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

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!

2023, 2023 Round 6, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

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

2023, 2023 Round 6, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

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!

2023, 2023 Round 6, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

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”

2023, 2023 Round 6, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

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

2023, 2023 Round 6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

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

2023, 2023 Round 6, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

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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FIRST MOVE FOR THE WEEKEND

2023, 2023 Round 6, Latest News, Uncategorized, Underbone 150 /

It was “all-out” for the riders of the Underbone 150cc race category as they went on their final round for the season at the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team concluded the day as the fastest in the practice sessions, combined at Chang International Circuit. In FP1 earlier this morning, Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team made his mark with his best lap time at 2’00:519s followed by April King of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines at 2’00:724s and Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC at 2’01:161s. In FP2, teammates, Shafiq Rasol and Hafiza Rofa took the top two fastest spots in the chart with their best lap time at 2’00:098s and 2’00:665s respectively. Nazirul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor ASEAN made it third fastest at 2’00:061s. Shafiq who will be fighting for the championship title this weekend alongside Nazirul Izzat seemed to have come full prepared and went on with his best moves to familiarise the circuit grounds today. Shafiq definitely has what it takes to make it with flying colours, even more so with his win in Race 1 of the season opener at the very same circuit. He currently takes the second spot in the overall standings and is 44 points away from his contender. But again, anything is possible in the UB150 race category. Commenting on the earlier sessions, Shafiq said, “During FP1 earlier, the team and I were still looking out for the right setup and we managed to get an enhanced performance with some changes. Hence, the better lap time. For tomorrow’s qualifying session, I will continue to do better for sure. For the race, we do not have any team order or strategy in place. It is not going to be easy to get the championship title because of the point difference. I will try to do it but my goal is to maximise my points in whichever way possible. For me, I find the last corner tough. The space is quite limited around that area and I foresee a competitive battle there.” Taking the second fastest spot was his teammate Md Hafiza Rofa with his best lap time for the day at 2’00:519s. April King Mascardo took third fastest with his best lap time at 2’00:724s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HIROKI EXCELLENT AT CHANG

2023, 2023 Round 6, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS Asia One Make Championship embarked on its final mission for the season today in Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Hiroki Ono of Japan made an impressive lap time, emerging as the fastest for the day in the practice sessions, combined held at Chang International Circuit. In FP1 earlier today, Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia marked fastest when he clocked in at 1’50:792s. Vorapong of Thailand made it second fastest with his best lap time at 1’50:852s followed by Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia at third fastest with his best lap time at 1’51:202s. In FP2, Hiroki Ono of Japan emerged fastest at 1’50:013s. At second fastest was Muzakkir with his best and improved lap time at 1’50:695s. Sarthak Chavan of India, new to the championship for the season clocked in third fastest with his best lap time at 1’50:905s. With that, Hiroki concluded today’s session as the fastest. Hiroki may not have had prior experience at Chang but his experience as a rider on the international front speaks volume as he went on to showcase extraordinary achievements since Japan. The rider had one DNF in Race 2 on his home- ground but that was all the lesson it took for him to claim five consecutive wins and a total of 125 points. Commenting on the session today, Hiroki said, “This is my first time on this circuit ground but I find it easy compared to Japan. My first impression when I rode, I noticed wide safety areas within the circuit which gives me the additional confidence and boost. Between FP1 and FP2, I did not change anything on the machine except for my riding styles. FP1 was more of familiarising and FP2 was trying out what works best on this circuit. It worked for me. I will try to improve my lap time further for tomorrow during the qualifying and of course, for the race, I will put on a good show to keep up with home- ground boy Vorapong and Muzakkir.” Taking the second fastest spot was Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia with his best lap time at 1’50:695s. Third fastest was Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand with his best lap time at 1’50:862s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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TEAMMATE RIVALRY

2023, 2023 Round 6, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

What a victorious move it was when ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team’s star rider, Markus Reiterberger hit a home run with a double-win, instantly rewarding him with the Champion title! Where does that leave defending champion Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA? With his teammate Andi Farid lining up in the attempt for the first runner-up, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit is bound to get feisty. It was not a bed of roses for the Malaysian rider this season. Finishing on the podium seven times but not a single shot at the winning spot throughout the ten races, the struggle has been quite evident in the presence of the German rider who stole the limelight for the season. Nevertheless, Zaqhwan has put on quite show in all five rounds, grounding himself firmly, next in line. To-date, the all-smiles lad has saved up a total of 150 points and is 16.5 points ahead of his robust teammate who has also demonstrated his ability in handling the big league. It is not an easy task undoubtedly, juggling between the pressure of maintaining his stature and managing the rivalries of the likes but Zaqhwan has certainly has hit the ground running and is up for one last challenge before the curtains close. Commenting on the season, Zaqhwan said, “This has been a pretty tough season for me but I think I can take some credit for my performances overall. I have been quite consistent this season and made it to the podium in most of the races. For that, I am proud of my achievements thus far. The main issues have always been the setup of the suspensions and the electronic matter. During the practice sessions, I have discussed with my crew member, Chip to try and resolve the problem however it has been an on-going matter that I think would require more time and attention. Nevertheless, I have tried to be as competitive as possible with the rivalries. Actually, I have been really happy with my teammate because Andi is a very easy person and communication is made simpler with him. Even when we face a difficult situation, we always speak about it and help each other to improve. Of course, during the race, it is about being the best and in a way, he is also a rival but together, we are stronger. For the coming season, I am not sure what is in the pipeline but I believe that the team has a better plan. So, we just have to wait for it. For now, my goal is to win the final round and gain a better result.” A debutante in the ASB1000 race category but a quick study, Andi Farid has flaunted his moves, striding alongside the seasoned riders. With a total of 133.5 points in hand, the promising Indonesian rider has accomplished the odds throughout the season by positioning himself among the top five riders. Even more striking was his success on the podium twice this season which further accentuated his overall standings. The former champion of SS600 race category, Andi is a perfect semblance of brain behind the brawn. His reserved personality is quite the opposite of his professional capabilities where actions are amplified. Can he take down his teammate at Chang? Commenting on the coming race, Andi Farid said, “To be honest, there is still so much that needs to be done to improve generally especially in the area of suspensions and electronics setup as well as the race pace. But so far, I think I have been improving in every race but it is still not enough to fight competitively especially with the top riders in the game. My goal is to achieve that. There is a lot more to learn and I try to pick up as much as I can, where I can. Zaqhwan has always shared his expertise in the field especially in improving the performances and as a senior in the race category, I have learnt a great deal from him. It is always good to have a strong teammate because without them, we may not recognise our strengths and weaknesses. In terms of the machine, it does not lack much. I think it is in a fantastic condition. Somehow, we still find it difficult to take down Markus. So, that’s where we need to work on. The last round will be at Chang once again. I personally enjoy the layout. During Round 1, we had a good fight until the very last corner. The thrill is unexplainable. I am quite sure that it would be yet another exciting feat in the coming round. Whatever said and done, I am looking forward to that challenge and will be at my best behaviour to ensure a good outcome. As for the future plans, I can’t say much about it for now. Racing in the ASB1000 race category is still new for me and with practice, comes perfection. Whatever plans in the pipeline is entirely Honda’s decision.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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