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THE ROAR OF SS600 GETS LOUDER

Honda CBR600RR versus Yamaha YZF-R6 – that’s the rhythm of the SuperSports 600cc at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship scheduled for its first beat this weekend at the Chang International Circuit. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team uplifted the spirit of Honda in its revolution when he hailed champion in Season 2022. Is triumph in the cards for Honda once again? It was flying colours for Andi in the last race, last season when he took the circuit by a storm with his swift moves and blistering speed that placed him at the top of the chart. Although his greatest rival, Muhammad Helmi Azman of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team put on a brave fight to seize victory, Andi was indomitable especially after the casualty at Sepang International Circuit. Andi said, “My success is attributed to the preparedness of our team. Although the outcome is often unpredictable, sometimes with luck but most important is that we give our best shot all the way. The learning process is never ending with motorcycle racing even more so with so many excellent riders striding for the same goal. I learnt so much not only on my own but from the experiences of other riders too. My word of advice to the riders of SS600 would be to always concentrate during the rider. With the big machine in your hands, you can’t afford to lose concentration otherwise, all effort goes to waste.” Andi has fulfilled his dreams in SS600 race category and now, the Indonesian will pursue the next level of the Asian motorcycle racing championship. Helmi on the other hand will return to make up for his loss. An otherwise rider of great calibre, Helmi lost his chances to Andi when he was knocked down in the final determining race. Nevertheless, Helmi’s performances last season was a feather in a cap, undeniably, which will go a long way in gearing him up for this season. Commenting on the race, Helmi said, “I was disappointed at the end of Season 2022 – second overall? That’s not what I aimed for. But that will not dampen my spirits. I am fuelled further for the new season. There is more work to be done for sure but for me, the endgame is to be at the top. That’s motivation enough for me. Last season was an eye-opener for what I am capable of and this season, it is all about working on my strengths to achieve a better outcome.” It was also a home-ground celebration when Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA Racing Thailand bagged the third place overall last season. Performing consistently throughout the season, Nakarin strode competitively despite the stiff competition among the riders of an extremely powerful domain. It is evident that Nakarin has an upper-hand at his homeland circuit where he bragged the second spot, twice last season. Teaming up with Nakarin this season would be Pannasorn Kaewsonthi. Nakarin commented, “There was a great need for deep concentration in controlling the machine with my body and that was a huge challenge for me. It is not as easy as it may have seemed to be. This season however I would have to be quick in managing the issues while on the ground and manage my pace to avoid losing the riding momentum. My favourite part of the machine is its fantastic behaviour at the corners. It is pretty light-weighted but its power is simply fascinating. Once I am in tune with the machine, my goal is nothing less than being the SS600 Asian Champion.” This season will also see Ahmad Afif Amran, Muhammad Adenanta Putra, Muhammad Andy Fadly, Soichiro Minamimoto, Gerry Salim and Sha Juntong among others taking bold arduous strides in the SuperSports 600cc race category. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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AP250 IN MOTION

It was a triumphant triple celebration for fans of Indonesia at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) last season when all three spots of the overall standings in the Asia Production 250cc were swept by their countrymen. Even more so, when Andy Muhammad Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team emerged champion for the second consecutive time. Andy’s advice to the riders of AP250 race category, “You know you are fast and talented, yes, but pay great importance to physical fitness and hard work. Having the right attitude and utilising the heart intelligence will take you one step ahead. When you enter the paddock with hope and optimism, you are ready to be a champion.” “The important lesson that I have learnt would be to take a step back, when necessary, before taking two steps forward. The mental strength is crucial when it comes to riding and that would allow you to maximise your potentials. I have many moments to celebrate as I recall but the best would be my first podium in 2019, Australia that led to my champion title in 2019 and 2022. If I could do it again, it will be a race to the top.” Andy will move forward with bigger aspirations this season in the SuperSports 600cc race category with YAMAHA Racing Indonesia. With Andy out of the equation, would it be an opportunity for ASTRA HONDA Racing Team’s rising stars? Rheza Danica Ahrens and Herjun Atna Firdaus have made striking impact last season in the AP250 race category when they charged relentlessly and competitively, spiking intensity and potential threat to the leading opponent. This season, the ball may just be in their court. Getting on board with the team for the season would be 15-year-old Veda Ega Pratama who bagged the third spot in the Asia Talent Cup Championship last season. Rheza commented, “Season 2023 comes with an additional round and consistency is a challenge that needs to be mastered. I joined AP250 since 2017 and moved to SS600 in 2019. Last season, coming back to AP250 posed some difficulties but I am happy to have made it thus far. My goal is to become the next AP250 Asian Champion and from the experience last year, I am confident that I can achieve it. As for Herjun, “I have enjoyed all the races in the AP250 race category. The machine was excellent, the speed was powerful. As a rookie rider, I was surprised with my performances throughout last season and making it at the third place was an amazing achievement for me. Of course, it was tou gh in the beginning of the season, not just for me but also for my mechanics. Nevertheless, the team came up with good setup and I was able to complement that with my achievement. This year, I hope to further establish my skills and enjoy the ride. Can’t wait to once again ride past the last corner – my fav spot!” Injecting pressure into the AP250 race category scene is Chinese Taipei’s lady riders in EEST NJT Racing Team and Motul Sniper Manual Tech team alongside Japanese and Thai’s best females in SDG MS Harc-Pro.Honda.Ph. team and Honda Racing Thailand team, respectively. Will the lads be fuelled further this season? The game will usher in a new experience for its riders and fans are sure to be entertained this season. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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MASTERY, THE BEST GOAL

It was a celebratory note for fans in Indonesia when Wahyu Aji Trilaksana made justice for ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team with the champion trophy in hand at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) for the Underbone 150cc race category. Come new season, Wahyu will embark on a new venture in ARRC with RACETECH SIXTY Racing team in a bid for greater success. Commenting on the move, Wahyu said, “Season 2022 was not an easy one. We had numerous ups and downs between races including crashes and engine failures. But, key to these unavoidable circumstances is being consistent and to trust that the team knows best. This season, I am more confident but we hope that luck will be on our side too.” “Teaming up with a new team is not really new for me after all as I have been working with them in the National Championship. I have strong faith in them and know that they will work their best in terms of the machine. The machine will be similar except that the setup will be a different. We hope for a better suspension that would enhance its characteristics. At the end of the day, we want to be excellent, consistently.” It’s the risk-taking, the pump of adrenaline rush and robust moves as riders go on full-throttle to be ahead of the troop that makes UB150 race category an ever-exciting feat in ARRC. The riders of Yamaha and Honda knows what it takes to pull a stunner that will leave their fans awed. As we count the days to the season opener, riders and teams from the Asian continent are buckled down to meet their goals for the year. Md Izzat Zaidi was merely one point shy of taking the winning glory last season. Pits JRT OneWay was a booster to an enhanced performance for Izzat. While he bagged more wins last season compared to the likes of his rival, this season is about rescripting his approaches, upping his performances and rewriting his accomplishments with CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM. Could this season be his to celebrate? Izzat is inspired and confident but it’s the wild and unpredictable nature of the UB150 race category that needs to be tackled and tamed. Izzat said, “There were a number of successful moments last season, personally but in the Underbone 150cc challenge, it is beyond the speed of the machine and dexterity. That is the beauty of the race category. Everyone has a chance to win therefore each round matters. And in each round, its about being 100% focused.” “Being in a new team, I hope to adapt as soon as possible and hopefully during the pre-season test, we will be able to fine tune the machine and find the right setup needed for the machine. I will aim to be the best. I missed out on the chances of claiming the victorious title by just 1 point and so, I hope that this year would be my year to celebrate!” In the Philippines, it was the sound of cheer from fans who were treated to April King Mascardo’s final accomplishment for the season when he made third overall on the chart. Teaming up with UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines once again, April is not about to miss his opportunities to strike and claim. The Philipino lad is equipped with the experience but so are the rest of the twenty-three riders in the UB150 race category. Will April make the cut this season? As April said, “Being in the 3rd place overall is already a huge achievement for me and my team. I consider it an award for a great teamwork. The win has definitely boosted my confidence. I am more hopeful that nothing is impossible with hard work and sheer determination. Along with that, I also believe that being attentive and alert is crucial. We have to be wise in making the right moves and this season, I hope to work with the experiences I have gained.” “My only goal is to make my fellow Philippine citizens proud and bring home the bacon! To be able to do that, it is a lot of practice and hard training. I do a lot of cycling and play basketball to build my stamina. My team has been a solid support system, more like a family who has given me the right supplements to fuel my aspirations. They are the best I can ask for.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA AIMS FOR CONSECUTIVE WINS

The spotlight Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA (HADR) will participate in the 2023 race in a two riders’ system. The HADR will be contested by Malaysian rider Zaqhwan Zaidi, who participated in the 2022 ARRC’s highest class ASB1000 and won the series championship, and Indonesian rider Andi Farid Izdihar, who participated in the ARRC SS600 class with Astra Honda Racing and won the championship. HADR is a collaboration team of Honda subsidiaries in Asia and Oceania. For riders, we have established a route as a step up from the class in which affiliated companies in Asian countries participate. HADR was able to that despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, the team was able to participate in the ARRC and at the same time win the series championship, counting a year of advancement for the team. This year will continue to be a challenging year for us as we will continue to participate in the ARRC, which we originally planned to participate in, and participate in the MFJ All Japan Championship Road Race, , and the FIM Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race,”which is positioned as a team level-up that the HADR targets for the first position in all ARRC races, thanks to our experience riders. Makoto Tamada, Team Manager of Honda Asia-Dream Racing said, I am very happy to participate in the 2023 HADR with the champion riders who have won both ASB1000 and SS600 classes. Zaqhwan is a powerful person. He has been fighting with HADR. He won Race 1 of the opening round of 2022 last year, which was the debut race for the new CBR1000RR-R. Whereas, Andi competed in the Asian Dream Cup (ADC), Asian Talent Cup (ATC), Spanish Championship (CEV), and then Honda Team Asia’s Moto3 and Moto2 classes, gaining a lot of experience. He could show speed right away in the test and on the CBR1000RR-R. Although Andi is a newcomer to the ASB1000 class, I am confident that Andi will be able to break into the fight for the championship and the series championship from his first year, Makoto Tamada described his team members. He added that having Andi on the team will challenge Zaqhwan, and at the same time, it will be a good stimulus to encourage him and the team to improve. The morale and the spirit of the whole team will rise with a good rivalry between each other. We will work hard to win the series championship for the second year in a row, so please continue to support us, Makoto Tamada also called for support to HADR in the 2023 races. Zaqhwan Zaidi, a HADR rider from Malaysia, said that “My aim this year is the same as last year as I want to defend my title. I know it will be more challenging and have some pressure, but for me, I like this feeling. The challenges and pressure make me more focused and keep me stronger to fight. I will do my best as I want to improve my feeling with the bike. I will work very hard to accomplish my goal this year”. Andi Farid Izdihar, HADR racer from Indonesia, said that “It is such as great feeling for me as this year I move up to ASB1000. I am so excited to start the 2023 season. It will not be easy because everything is new for me, but I have been prepared physically and mentally to face this new challenge. I will continue to do my best as I always do for the team and for everyone who always supports me. My goal is to get the points and if I can fight for the podium or championship then I will do my best to achieve it. “ Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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REITERBERGER RETURNS TO ARRC

Markus Reiterberger is switching to the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) after winning his fourth championship title in the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM). With this move, Reiterberger returns to the championship in which he already wanted to fight for the championship title three years ago. After a very promising start for Reiterberger and his team, the 2020 ARRC season was ended prematurely by the coronavirus pandemic. Together with the ONEXOX BMW TKKR team, Reiterberger will start a new attempt this year. In addition to his commitment in Asia, the 28 year old German from Obing will also remain a part of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in the FIM Endurance World Championship and is targeting the World Championship title together with BMW. Reiterberger will ride the 2023 version of the BMW M 1000 RR in both championships. ARRC & EWC 2022 dates: 24th – 26th of March – ARRC season opener Buriram (Thailand) 13th – 16th of April – EWC 24 Hours of Le Mans (France)12th – 14th of May – ARRC Sepang (Malaysia)16th – 18th of June – EWC 24 Hours of Spa (Belgium) 23rd – 25th of June – ARRC Sugo (Japan)4th – 6th of August – EWC 8 Hours of Suzuka (Japan)11th – 13th of August – ARRC Mandalika (Indonesia)14th – 17th of September – EWC 24 Hours of Bol d’Or (France) 6th – 8th of October – ARRC Zhuhai (China)1st – 3rd of December – ARRC season finale Buriram (Thailand) Markus Reiterberger: “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 in Sepang. Back then I finished fourth in the wet first race and won the second race in the dry with a big lead and a new lap record. I really enjoyed it, but unfortunately Corona intervened and the rest of the season was cancelled. So I’m even more happy to have another chance to race in Asia. It’s a cool championship. It’s international. The factories from Japan are very interested in this championship. So it’s very interesting for us. We are competing as a European manufacturer with a Malaysian team. The race tracks are really good. Most of them are tracks from the MotoGP calendar. I also like the climate because it should always be very warm.” “Besides the ARRC, I will continue to compete for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in the Endurance World Championship. The goal is clearly the World Championship title. I think we have the package to do that. Our rider line-up is unchanged and therefore just as strong as last year. In the 2022 season, we were able to make a strong showing on a regular basis. Our bike is even better for 2023. I’m particularly looking forward to Spa, because apart from the IDM circuit in Schleiz, it’s my absolute favourite circuit by now. The circuit is simply awesome.” Links & more informations: Website ARRC: https://asiaroadracing.comWebsite EWC: https://www.fimewc.comBroadcasts EWC: https://www.fimewc.com/watch-on-tv/ Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: ARRC ROUND 4 WILL BE HELD AT PERTAMINA MANDALIKA INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

Round 4 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship [ARRC] is now confirmed to be held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on 11th-13th August 2023. The circuit will see the arrival of ARRC for the first time since its development in 2021 and would serve to provide a different set of riding perspective for its riders. Troy Reza Warokka, Director of Operations, Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation [ITDC] said, “We are delighted to bring Asia’s most respected motorcycle racing series back to Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. This is also a commitment from ITDC and MGPA to the racing enthusiasts in Indonesia to continue to make this circuit the centre of motorsports activities and at the same time bring the name of Indonesia to the world.” Commenting on the announcement, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn. Bhd. [TWMR], Ron Hogg said, “We are thrilled to be back in Indonesia after our last race at the Sentul International Circuit back in 2018. ARRC has always been at the heart of our Indonesian fans and is undoubtedly one of the most watched motorcycle racing series in the country. We have a mega fanbase there which complements our exceptional Indonesian stars and teams in all the race classes, thus signifies the need and importance of our presence in the region. Since the launch of the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, we have received numerous requests to mark ARRC’s presence at the circuit however due to various unavoidable reasons, we were unable to fulfil the requests back then.” “We definitely look forward to exploring the circuit further now and we believe that this would be an enriching experience for our teams, riders and the crew of ARRC. Our aim for ARRC is to work with our partners especially ITDC, MGPA and IMI in developing the industry that would further refine and enlarge the standards of our riders at the highest level. Therefore, together with FIM Asia, TWMR looks forward to a successful joint venture initiative with our Indonesia partners! Season 2023 Championship Calendar as follows: Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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2023 FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR 

GREAT NEWS YET TO COME The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) celebrates yet another success – Season 2022! Two Wheels Motor Racing seeks to acknowledge and express gratitude towards all parties involved directly and indirectly for the great efforts placed towards realising the aspirations of the championship. As we transition into a more stabilised socio-economic structure globally, we foresee a much feasible response towards our initiatives for the coming year especially in leading the way into different Asian regions. While last year was filled with uncertainties, we are looking towards a more promising and fulfilling year ahead. Commenting on the championship, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd, Ron Hogg said, “It has been quite a year for all of us in the industry nonetheless, the end result has been a fulfilling experience. I would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all our partners, sponsors, teams and riders for the endless support and sheer determination to walk this path with us and “Congratulations” to those who have made their milestones. FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Season 2022 would not have been possible without you!” “We are quite positive with the outlook of Year 2023. Having been exposed to unavoidable situations has definitely equipped us with the much-needed experiences to move things around swiftly with minimal impairments. As such, we are confident that the coming year would to set the right momentum for our ARRC community to gain better traction and expand their wings further. I assure you, Season 2023 will present a more exciting phase. So, stay tuned!” FIM Asia President, Stephan Carapiet said, “The Season 2022 was an outcome of passion-driven motorsport community working towards one goal which is to keep the championship going amidst the new norm. Although we faced numerous setbacks due to the travel and movement restrictions that limited our access into different regions, we nevertheless were able to make prompt revisions which contributed to the completion of five rounds in total. That is quite an achievement. Kudos!” “Moving forward, we expect a much smoother road ahead and the experiences derived from the hurdles this year will definitely be a monumental guide for Year 2023. With six rounds scheduled for the coming year, we hope that FIM Asia Road Racing Championship continues to enrich our teams and riders in their endeavours as they march towards greater accomplishments. With that, we are pleased to announce the Championship Calendar for Season 2023!” MORE EXCITING NEWS TO COME IN 2023. WAIT FOR IT! In the meantime, Season 2023 Championship Calendar as follows: Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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SUHAITHAI WINS RACE 2 – ZAQHWAN, ASIAN CHAMPION

The intensity of the high-powered machine complimented by the extremely dextrous riders taking charge of the circuit is one of the greatest accomplishments one can achieve in the Asia Superbike 1000cc. Today, Suhaithai Chaemsup of EEST NJT Racing proved his accomplishment when he took the win in Race 2 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. At turn one of the first lap, Ikuhiro Enokido took an immediate move into P1, followed by Apiwath and Zaqhwan at P2 and P3 respectively. Poleman Kasma however lost his pace and went down to P8 in the first lap. Meanwhile, Zaqhwan was trying to close his gap with Apiwath however it was not an easy feat. The front troop, Ikuhiro, Apiwath, Zaqhwan, Anupab and Yuki Ito were lined up in a row waiting for their moment to strike and by the end of the third lap, Apiwath managed to take lead. Half way through the third lap, Zaqhwan made a quick move and switched positions into P1. Apiwath inches away was adamant with his chase, trying his best to supersede Zaqhwan. At the back, Kasma moved his way back up to P6. Seconds into the sixth lap, Zaqhwan lost his momentum. With that, Apiwath and Anupab quickly made their moves ahead of him. By the end of the seventh lap, several changes took place with Anupab at the lead position, followed by Apiwath and Zaqhwan at the top three positions. Kasma made impressive moves and locked into P4 waiting to strike. His moment to slide from the inside came when Apiwath took a fall, instantly placing him at the lead position. Anupab dropped to P4. As the heat picked up between duo, Kasma and Zaqhwan, Ikuhiro managed to slide ahead of Zaqhwan at the last turn of the tenth lap. The critical moment among the riders began when wildcard rider Suhaithai came out of nowhere into the lead position. By the last lap, Suhaithai charged ahead fearlessly with a gap of 4.8s from Ikuhiro who was at P2 and marked victory at 23’01:544s. The Thailand rider was 2-time Asian GP125 Champion for year 2000 and 2002. Commenting on the race, Suhaithai said, “It was a very good weekend. In the beginning, I was not serious about the race however the decision to change the tires made a whole lot of difference for me.” At the second spot was replacement rider Ikuhiro Enokido of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph. who clocked in at 23’06:347s. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team takes the third place when he logged in at 23’07:374s. The Asian Champion for the Asia Superbike 1000cc year 2022 goes to Md Zaqhwan Zaidi.  Commenting on the title, Zaqhwan said, “I have no words to describe the happiness that I feel right now but I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have supported me in my journey. I would like to thank the team for the great setup of the machine. This victory is for my friend, Rozaiman – have a speedy recovery!”

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ANDI FARID, SS600 CHAMPION

The thrill of the SuperSports 600cc race category, apart from the carefully engineered machine which functions perfectly at full speed is the highly competitive riders who are never complacent. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team today showcased extreme prowess in his domain as he dashed towards victory in Race 2 at Chang International Circuit. As soon as the race begun, Irfan made a strong move into the lead position. Not expecting the move by his rival, Kritchaporn went on to make his chase from P2. Andi Farid who lost his footing in the first lap landed in P4 however he was quick to make his recovery. By the end of the third lap, the winner of Race 1 made his comeback into P1 while Kritchaporn battled with Nakarin who was eager to make his move. Meanwhile, Ratthapong was lurking close behind. By the end of the fifth lap, Ratthapong superseded Kritchaporn and took P3. Meanwhile, leading with a wide gap ahead, Andi was riding fearlessly. Into the seventh lap, Ratthapong managed to slide ahead of Nakarin. Closing in behind the latter, Kritchaporn was waiting to strike. By then, Andi was fully in charge with a gap of 2.3s from his rival who was working very hard to close the gap.  Meanwhile, Helmi Azman who began from the tenth spot on the grid managed to pick up speed and moved into the front troop at P5. The Malaysian rider who was leading in the overall standings seemed to have grappled with his pace however he was determined to make his cut. With one more lap to go, Ratthapong began picking up speed and succeeded in closing the gaps as he swiftly switched places with Andi. However, Andi was not about to give up. The ASTRA HONDA rider was quick to find the opportunity and at the last turn, he grabbed P1. Ratthapong lost control of his machine but made a quick move only to be defeated by Andi who dashed confidently to the finish line. Andi clocked in at 21’49:924s consequently making him the Asian Champion of the SuperSports 600cc for year 2022. Commenting on the race, “I don’t know what to say but first of all, I would like to thank my family for being my pillar and also the Indonesian fans who have supported me endlessly. I am grateful to my team who has been there to lift me up through my ups and downs. This season was challenging but they never gave up. Thank you.” Ratthapong Wilairot of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team logged in his best at 21’50:474s. Kritchaporn Kaewsonthi of HONDA Racing Thailand took his first podium at the third spot with his best at 21’57:730s.

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INDONESIANS MARKED VICTORY

The Asia Production 250cc has interestingly seen an increase in its fanbase with extremely agile riders expanding their capacities through experiences and bold moves. As the season came to a close, Rheza Danica of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team put on one last show before racing down the straight line to claim victory. The race began on the wet grounds with Adenanta taking lead, closely trailed by Anggi Setiawan, Rheza Danica and Piyawat. Aldi who was close behind began picking up speed and broke ahead of the troop in the first lap. Meanwhile, Adenanta took a slip and fell. By the end of the third lap, Aldi made it to P1 while being closely shadowed by Rheza Danica, Anggi Setiawan and Piyawat. The battle between the four fiery riders grew stronger as they made their laps. Meanwhile, Rafid Topan began inching closer towards the front troop and by the end of the fourth lap, he closed the gaps and made his move into P3. By the end of the fifth lap however, Anggi Setiawan had a fall and was out of the equation. Rheza went on at the lead position. However, behind him, Rafid Topan and Aldi Satya were entangled in a battle to retain their position at P2. Blame it on the wet circuit, Aldi Satya unfortunately slipped and fell consequently opening up the opportunity for Piyawat to strike. With two more laps to go, Piyawat went on at P2, trying his best to close the gaps with his rival ahead of him however with a gap of approximately 9.3s, it seemed impossible for Piyawat to move any closer. By the last lap, Rheza was confident, far ahead of the troop. After the last turn, he strode swiftly to the finish line, clocking in at 20’36:566s with a gap of 16.196s away from Piyawat. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “From the start, the circuit has been wet and I just enjoyed the ride. I stayed focused on the race and finally, I am back at the top spot on the podium. Thank you to ASTRA HONDA team and my family for the unwavering support given to me.” Piyawat Patoomyos of HONDA Racing Thailand logged in second at 20’52:762s. Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team made it third with his best at 21’01:105s. With the conclusion of Race 2, Muhammad Andy Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team celebrated his win as the Asian Champion of the AP250 race category for year 2022. Commenting on the title, Andy said, “I feel extremely happy. This season has pushed me towards working even harder. Even more so when my RPM was cut down since Round 3 in Japan. I struggled a lot but I am thankful to God for the blessings. Also, thanks to my family members and the team who believed in me and have supported me in every way.”

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