AZLAN, PROVEN GOLD

Round 1 of IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship reached new heights with Race 1 in the fiercely contested Asia Superbike 1000cc category at Chang International Circuit. In a stunning display of skill and determination, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing Team emerged triumphant, thrilling spectators with his remarkable performance on the track.
 
Azlan began fifth on the grid with his fastest lap time at 1’34:978s behind Nakarin Atiratphuvapat and Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo who finished in first and second at 1’34:287s and 1’34:603s. Hafizh Syahrin from JDT RACING TEAM took third on the grid at 1’34:733s.
 
As the race started, Nakarin took an early lead, setting a blistering pace at the front of the pack. Behind him, Andi and Yuki closely trailed, eager to challenge the top positions. By the fourth lap, Azlan made a remarkable surge from P7 steadily climbing up the ranks and showcasing his determination to vie for victory. With each lap, Azlan continued his ascent, overtaking competitors and steadily closing in on the leaders.
 
In a breathtaking series of maneuvers, Azlan overtook Nakarin and Yuki to secure P2 by the ninth lap, setting his sights on leader Andi. With relentless determination, Azlan closed the gap, eventually overtaking Andi in the last corner of the race and crossing the finish line in first place with the total time of 20’50:147s.

Azlan expressed, “I pushed too hard initially and lost a few positions, but I managed to regroup and maintain my pace while controlling the tire wear. In the end, I was able to pass Andi in the last corner, and I am overjoyed with the result. Thanks to the team, the bike performed exceptionally well today, despite being last year’s model and engine.”
 
Top 5 Fastest – Race 1
 

  1. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (TKKR BMW Racing Team) – 20’50:147s
  2. Andi Farid Izdihar (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) – 20’50:541s
  3. Md Zaqhwan Zaidi (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) – 20’53:491s
  4. Yuki Kunii (SDG Team Harc-Pro Honda Ph.) – 20’53:674s
  5. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) – 20’53:983s