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After winning his fourth championship title in the International German Motorcycle Championship, Markus Reiterberger, returns to Asia in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). This time, with the aim to fight for the championship title that he missed out on 3 years ago. After a very promising start for Reiterberger and his team, the 2020 ARRC season came to an abrupt stop due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, he is back on a hunt for the first Asian title with the ONEXOX BMW TKKR team and it looks like he is in on a positive roll. Born in Trostberg, Germany in 1994, Reiterberger begun his professional career in 2007 and  in 2008 he was a contestant of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. That’s huge! The 28-year-old won the Yamaha R6-Dunlop Cup in 2010 and then competed in STK1000 and the Superbike IDM championship. He also had a Moto2 appearance at the Sachsenring circuit in 2012, before winning the Superbike IDM title for the first time in 2013 and the second time in 2015. With vast experience in two-wheels sports, bagging an Asian title would definitely make him all-rounder. “I started my journey in the two wheels since I was 3 or 4, somewhere around there. My father was a speed bike rider, he does long rides. Adding to this, my hometown is a place famous for motorcycling and racing. So, I would say it is weird if a kid from the town isn’t interested in this sports. You may have a hard time finding one with no interest in racing back in my hometown.” “From Germany to Spain, and all over the European country, I believe I have made my appearance in many parts of the country but not in Asia. So, when I got the chance to compete in the Asian region specifically the ARRC, I was super excited and all pumped to bet on the title. But, unfortunately Corona had the biggest nose in intervening in my dreams, ha ha, just kidding!” “I am very happy to get another chance in the Asian Road Racing Championship. Three years ago, I already completed the first ARRC event on the MotoGP track at Sepang. Back then I finished fourth in the wet first race and won the second race on a dry track with a big lead and a new lap record. I really enjoyed it and this time around being able to compete full season, it’s going to be remarkable, or at least will try to make one!” Reiterberger faced the second event of the 28th edition of ARRC after the season opener in Chang International Circuit at the end of March, the season continued at Sepang, last month. The German lad who knows the Sepang International Circuit well from his time in the World Superbike and also finished on the podium at the World Endurance race in the 2019 season at Sepang together with BMW team-mate Ilya Mikhalchik, proved he has a good memory. Reiterberger dominated the action and took a superior victory in the first and second race! “Back then it went really well for us which is 3 years ago. We were brutally fast the whole weekend. Our lap times were comparable to those of the World Superbike at that time. And this time we were the fastest too. Sepang has a special place in my heart. The layout is so much interesting. I have always admired this cicuit. Sugo, could be my next toy to try on. “Adding on to this, the level of competitiveness has increased tremendously with young riders showcasing great strength. It is quite captivating. Such as Noguchi and Azlan himself, not to forget Zaqhwan. Im really looking forward to the rest of the season. I desire podium finishes as much as I can and the title is THE MAIN GOAL!” What does the ARRC 2023 hold for this German born racer? Let’s wish him luck!

“With the departure of Andi Farid, competing in a different class for this season, we have a rookie rider, Mohammad Adenanta Putra, taking up the challenge in SS600cc – There are lots of improvements that are needed to be done, ASAP!” says Ricky Christianto, Astra Honda Racing Team’s, Team Manager. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, the company which has a huge commitment to support the young generation of riders, nationally and internationally begun their journey in the Asia Road Racing Championship. It was first organized in 1996 as part of an Asian-wide initiative to boost the development of the motorcycle racing sport in the continent, A DECADE AGO! Since then, the team has produced a big number of young talents who has made names and achieved their ultimate dream, through various stages of development at regional, national and international level in Asia and Spain. Particularly, in the battle of two wheels in ARRC, they have earned a magnificent triumph throughout these years. Walked into 2023 season, as defending champions of two categories Super Sport 600cc and Asia Production 250cc, The Astra Boys might have something brewing in their cup. Meanwhile, commenting on the Team’s performance for the 2023 especially in the SuperSport 600cc, as a defending champion, Ricky sees a tough path to defend their title as they have betted a rookie yet enthusiastic young lad into the circuit. “With last season’s performance, I would say, we have learned so much and we did trial and errors together with our riders, mechanics, technical directors and everybody else in the team. Yet, there are still hiccups and I won’t deny that there is still much room for improvements with SS600 team and a lot of need to be done for us to end the race at the podium. “We are definitely aware that we have presented a rookie rider, Adenanta. He is good, but he is new! After first two rounds, it clearly was not the result we were expecting or what we are aiming for. Of course, we aspire to achieve the maximum that is possible – this is always our target. But the reality is that we are facing some troubles. We are still searching on ways to achieve our true potential. “Whatever it is, I gotta say, these riders, including Veda, young and new face the team who rides in AP250 category, they are adapting quickly, to the new team, new bike of the season and even the competitiveness of the category itself. I would definitely say, Veda has stunned me with his exceptional riding skills. All we need to do now, give them time and be there to work as a team. We will provide them with the best we could. That’s for sure.” said Ricky In the SS600cc class, two AHRT racers from East Java, Adenanta Putra and Gerry Salim struggled to keep their pace in the two round race which held in Sepang, in mid of May. Adenanta, who started at the seventh grid, continued to improve his performance until he had to settle for finishing in 6th position. As a debutante in this class, Ricky believes the true potential can be unveiled soon. Menawhile, a-14-year old, the youngest in the team, Veda Ega Pratama, showcased a cool performance in the last two round just like how his name sounds. COOL! He was in full control of his machine and his skills definitely raised eye-brows. “ Veda is the champion of underbone rookies class in National Championship last year and this year we have promoted him, which I would say he earned it to compete in a higher level of sporting class which is in ARRC and Asia Talent Cup, ATC. He is just 14 and I believe he is at the absolute pace to make ways into international scenes. Not only Veda, the three boys in AP250 class, they are roaring! I have a positive outlook on this category. “At the moment we have to look into 600cc class. This is definitely our main concern. We have to work together, as a team and we will see! Im hoping for more podium finishings. Fingers crossed.”

Boon Siew Honda Racing Team was established in 2011 with the sole purpose of competing in the Asia Road Racing Championship. The team has won 6 championship titles thus far, and continues to challenge the SS600 crown with Azroy Hakeem Anuar, Helmi Azman, and Khairul Idham Pawi also known as SuperKIP to the starting grid. SuperKIP is well known in Malaysia when he became the first ever Malaysian rider to win in the MotoGP race twice in the Moto3 category in 2016. With the current lineup, the team will be looking to secure the SS600cc class title once again using CBR600RR racing machine which is looking into full season this year in the Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC. Talking about the Trio, and the most outstanding at moment, SuperKIP, has showcased an exemplary performance in the last two rounds beginning with the season opener in Chang International Championship and followed by home race in Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. KIP who had quite a dull season last year, broke through in all the races so far in the 28th edition of the most competitive two-wheels races in Asian region. “I was all pumped for this season. From the beginning I have set my goal and the first win at the season opener definitely a boost for me to push through every other race. Coming back to the motorsport scene after a long gap, I admit it was tough at the beginning and my performance in last season wasn’t up to the par.” “I never wanted to give up. I kept pushing and with the help of my team, teammates especially, Helmi and Azroy, racing alongside them gave me the motivation to pull it through this season. Somehow it is still early to conclude my performances. It has been good so far but there are room for improvements.” “At the moment, Nakarin seems stronger even though he is 16 points behind me. It is still possible for him to make his way to the top. So, I cannot be careless and I need to avoid making mistakes. But at the same time, I usually just enjoy every race and just focus on myself. My teammates are performing well too. Despite being teammates, the competitiveness among us nevertheless remains on the track. KIP has claimed two victories in the last two rounds and touched the finishing line in every other race with a trophy in hand. From bringing down the curtain on the 2022 campaign at the 6th position and acing in the first two rounds of the 2023 season, it is quite a comeback. Bravo! Meanwhile, the fellow teammate Helmi, who almost bagged the title last season, bounced back up to firmly hunt for the title this season, however finds the race this time around much more competitive. “We can clearly see how good KIP and Nakarin are at the moment. It’s quiet tough for me to tackle them. But racing alongside my much enhanced teammates do boost up my energy to perform better. To be honest, they are my motivation. On the track we fight, off the track we are a family. We push each other to do better in every race. “After every race ends, all of us, including the team manager, mechanics, riders and the whole team, we would sit and go through every mistake that we did during the race. From that, we can get a clearer picture of what is lacking and what need to be done. “This year with KIP and Azroy performing well, this is what I could see from the last two rounds, we would definitely be able to defend our team title in SS600cc. I have faith in my team and we will try our best to give back to the team. They have only given us the best. Been there through up and downs. So, we will try harder to hold of our titile.”

Veda Ega Pratama! As cool as the name sounds, so are the skills, the 14-year-old displays! “It all began at the Astra Honda Racing School. I was 11 years old when I joined the school to professionally get an education in racing, and I would thank my family for this. They have guided me when and where to start and tadaaa! I’m here today! “I was 4 year old when I first fell in love with this two-wheels sports. My father exposed me to the motorcross world. I was young and super-excited. The speed, the sound and crowd during races. All these wowed me! Honestly speaking, looking at the professional riders at the turns never scared me. Not even once! I wanted to explore and feel it for myself. “The adrenaline rush! It is what that brought me here today! I have gained a fair amount of knowledge in racing school and it has helped me so much throughout my racing career thus far, especially during my days in National Championship and also Asia Talent Cup.” As a debutante in the AP250 race category, Veda together with his teammates has stunned fans with his exemplary skills in the 2023 curtain raising round in Chang International Circuit, Thailand and the second round in Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. Alongside the numero uno of Indonesia, Rheza Danica Ahrans and Herjun Atna Firdaus, Veda has proved his potentials in being classified as one of the finest in coming years. So, the question here, is Veda the upcoming Rheza or is he going to make his own name in the world of motorsports?  Let’s hear from the stunner, himself! “Rheza, definitely a role model to me. He is my senior in the team now and I am learning plenty of stuffs and skills, on and off the circuit. I’m grateful to be youngest and get to learn from the best. There are also Herjun, Adenanta and Gerry in the team. They are very experienced riders that has a lot to share with me. To be honest, I’m not anywhere near to them yet, at the moment, but I would love to give all my heart to this team and work harder to be the first at the chequered flag.” “And I would be definitely be proud to carry his name, if anyone asks whether I am the next Rheza. It’s not easy to be where he is today. At the same time, I would want to create my own legacy in coming years. Being a part of Astra Racing Team, to work on my dream, it’s definitely a huge opportunity for myself.” “It’s too early for me to comment on my current performance. As there are few more rounds to go, new circuits to compete and much more skills and technicalities to learn. Also, new bike for this season. So, I have to adapt quickly and handle my machine better to perform well in next round.” Firmly on a podium hunt and title contention, Veda looking forward into next round in Sugo, Japan enthusiastically. Meanwhile, the senior in the team, Rheza welcomed Veda with huge smile saying young talent energise the team and brings in fresh air. “Veda is still young but he never failed to prove that he deserves a place in the team through the last two racers. Even though he has a long journey ahead of him, it is pretty obvious he could go far with the skills he has. He has been a great teammate so far, and the chemistry among us is splendid, I would say.” said Rheza. Answering the same question, Rheza giggled while calling himself still a ‘work in progress’. “I’m not sure if Veda is the upcoming Rheza, but I am sure if he put effort and work harder, he can better than me. I’m still learning and learning in every race at every circuit. Everytime I race, doesn’t matter at a new circuit or the same one, for me it’s a brand new day of my career as a professional rider. I learn something new everyday. “And again Veda is young. So I hope he learns as much as he can in this season. So he can do better every other. I wish him all the best and we will definitely work together to give the best to our team.” It was a great start for the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM boys as all three conquered the AP250cc category after two rounds. What awaits them towards the end of Championship? Let’s wait and enjoy the feast for the eyes soon in the upcoming rounds.

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has been an incredible spectacle, showcasing the impressive skills of riders from across Asia. Now into its 2nd season, Round 2 saw the Malaysian riders dominated the Sepang Circuit. It could be an added advantage of performing at home ground with the cheers of friends and fans but it was undeniable Muhammad Muzakkir Syah caught everyone’s attention with an exemplary performance, leading from start to finish. Despite, competitive efforts from fellow Malaysian Ramdan Rosli at every turn, Muzakkir’s dominance was solid! Competing in different category for the 2023 season, from AP250 to TVS, Muzakkir who is well known as Muz, sees no hurdle to make his ways to the front in every race. Interestingly enough, Muz finds it easier and more pleased with his machine and skills in this category. “I would say the competitiveness in TVS is fairer compared to the other categories. I competed in AP250cc category before this, there is not much of a difference in riding skills but the challenges are pretty massive. In AP250cc class, there are different manufacturers with machines of different capacities. Some machines can be slower than the usual level of speed or heavier and some can be super fast. So, strategically, it was quite hard for me. “I was a lil surprised when I came into this category and found it more comfortable. Yet, the level of competitiveness is not any lesser because all the riders that have been chosen are the best from every Asian country. The plus, machines with same capabilities and only the skills differs. Hence, the best takes up the victory. This is surprisingly appealing for me.” “There are still fair amount of challenges here in TVS. For example, Vorapong. He is my main contender at the moment. As the champion of the first season definitely he would want to defend his title and his mentality, something to be praised. He has the winning mentality and he has his own strategy for every race.” “Hence, to get my first title in my debut season is still pretty tough but not impossible. Regardless, I’m all good here in TVS! And there is Ramdan, he is the fastest among us at the moment, but the luck wasn’t on his side in race 1 at Sepang. I believe he can catch up soon in the upcoming rounds, especially after Sugo and climb to the Top 3 of TVS category” The two Malaysians showcased adrenaline rush kind of performance in Sepang which proved their hunger for the victory. While Muz aced the Race 1 of Sepang, Ramdan pulled off a pretty cool stunt to clain his first ever victory of the season. The Malaysian rider, triumphed with a time of 14’21:125s. “My main target for the season would be placing myself in the top 3. My machine had some technical issues during opening race in Chang International Circuit and unfortunately I was unable finish my race. DNF! I was super disappointed but never gave up. Home race was a boost to me and together with Muz we decided to give all our best into the last race. “God’s grace we both manage to climb on the podium! “Definitely, this is a boost for me in the upcoming race in Sugo. I have to work harder and work on my strategies as Sugo is quite a tough one. The weather over there is unpredictable as well. I’m looking forward to next round!” After two rounds, Muz clinching the 2nd place of the chart, eight points behind the defending champion, Vorapong Malahuan. Meanwhile, Ramdan at the 6th with 45 points.