2016

MALAYSIAN ROOKIE HELMI AZMAN TRIUMPHS AT SENTUL IN RACE 1

2016, 2016 Round4, Underbone 130 /

Rookie rider Mohd Helmi Azman netted a surprise win for fledgling team IUGB AFB Tech Racing as he stormed to victory in Race 1 of the Underbone 130cc class at the Sentul Circuit. Pitted against seasoned campaigners who had survived thousands of close-fought Underbone battles, Helmi carried himself with perfect composure throughout the 10-lap race to emerge victorious with a time of 19’45.426s. The 17-year-old Malaysian rider pipped Wahyu Nugraha to the finish line by a mere 0.043 seconds, forcing the Indonesian favourite to settle for second place. Mohd Amirul Ariff Musa from T Pro Yuzy Honda Racing grabbed third place with 19’45.598s. Wahyu Aji Trilaksana, who had hoped to revive his title chances at this round, was disappointed when engine problems pushed him down to 9th in the race. The championship lead is held by Mohd Izzat Zaidi Salehan who has picked up a total of 82 points after finishing fourth in Race 1. Mohd Amirul Ariff Musa is second overall with 73 points while Wahyu Aji Trilaksana stays third with 63 points.

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ZAQHWAN SMASHES SENTUL RECORD

2016, 2016 Round4, Supersports 600 /

Malaysian rider Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi interrupted what would be a full-Indonesian domination in the first day of practice for the SuperSports 600cc class at Round 4 of the 2016 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in Sentul, Indonesia. A last-minute dash to the finish line netted a blazing quick time of 1’29.936s for the MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda rider and spoiled the party for the Indonesian riders who were on course for a top-five monopoly. In the process, Zaqhwan also erased the 2015 record set by Mohd Zamri Baba (1’29.984s). However, the 22-year-old is bracing for a tough battle ahead. “I went all out just to squeeze that extra 0.019 seconds out of my laptime to get in front of Gerry’s time. The home advantage is particularly important at this track because of its challenging track surface. The local riders, having raced here more often, would naturally be more confident during the heat of the battle. If this formation continues with the four Indonesian riders surrounding me at the starting grid, I will have a tough battle on my hands,” said Zaqhwan. Behind Zaqhwan, the local heroes featured prominently on the timesheets. Team Astra Honda Racing’s rookie Gerry Salim, was phenomenally fast in the second practice session, clocking 1’29.955s. Dimas Ekky Pratama, Andy Muhammad Fadly and Ahmad Yudhistira look set to lock out the remainder of the first and second row as they posted third, fourth and fifth fastest respectively. In the absence of two other title contenders Yuki Takahashi and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, championship leader Tomoyoshi Koyama could afford to take it easy on the first day. He was seventh fastest with 1’30.696s. Qualifying for the SuperSports 600cc class will take place on the morning of the second day, ahead of Race 1.

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GALANG SMASHES 250cc LAP RECORD

2016, 2016 Round4, Asia Production 250 /

For the first time this season, Indonesian rider Galang Hendra Pratama topped the Asia Production 250cc timesheets. To sweeten the deal, the Yamaha Racing Indonesia rider also created a new lap record at the 3.964km Sentul Circuit where Round 4 of the 2016 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is taking place. Having been outshone by high profile rivals Takehiro Yamamoto and Apiwat Wongthananon for the first half of the season, Galang rocketed into the lead when he clocked 1’44.229s during the second practice session and effectively erased Yamamoto’s lap record by almost a full second. “We had an engine problem during the first practice. We’re still not sure what the problem is, so the team decided to change the engine entirely rather than waste more time on diagnosis. It proved to be the right decision as the bike performed perfectly in the second session. This has boost my confidence level and I hope to continue this momentum into the qualifying session and the two races,” said Galang. Defending champion Yamamoto ended the day as the second fastest rider with 1’44.822s while the championship leader Apiwat Wongthananon was third fastest with 1’45.204s. Galang’s team mate Rey Ratukore also made it into the top five when he posted the fourth fastest time of 1’45.634s. Thailand’s Anupab Sarmoon was fifth fastest.

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WAHYU TAKES IT EASY AT SENTUL

2016, 2016 Round4, Underbone 130 /

Indonesian rider Wahyu Aji Trilaksana took early control of the Underbone 130cc category when he posted the fastest time in all three practice sessions on Day 1. Comfortable racing at the Sentul Circuit, host to Round 4 of the 2016 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Wahyu confirmed his pole position with a time of 1’55.802s. For the 24-year-old rider who is third overall in the standings, his home race would be the best chance to turn the tables on championship leaders Mohd Izzat Zaidi and Amirul Ariff Musa. However, Wahyu is shrugging off the pressure, intent on enjoying the upcoming race. “It is good to start from pole position but let’s not forget that in Underbone racing, even those at the back of the grid stand a chance to catch up to the lead. I just want to relax, stay focused, and have fun this weekend racing in front of our home fans. Hopefully we can deliver good results for them,” said Wahyu. Alongside Wahyu on the front straight are two Malaysian rivals – Mohd Amirul Ariff Musa who posted second fastest with 1’55.985s and Ahmad Fazli Sham third fastest with 1’56.135s. Conversely, it is the two Malaysians who will feel the most pressure at the starting grid, especially when the second row is completely filled by the home ground heroes. Wahyu Nugraha leads the second row with 1’56.731s, followed by wildcard Richard Taroreh fifth fastest with 1’56.742s and Florianus Roy sixth with 1’57.481s.

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FEBRIANSYAH QUICKEST IN FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE

2016, 2016 Round4, Asia Dream Cup /

Indonesian Muhd Febriansyah has set the benchmark time in the Asia Dream Cup category as the first day of practice got underway at Round 4 which is held in the Sentul Circuit. Febriansyah posted a time of 1’52.035s as the quickest ADC rider. Laptimes were comparatively slower than previous years as the class of 2016 opted to spend more time on getting familiar with the tricky track conditions than clocking fast times. Championship leader Hiroki Nakamura was second fastest with 1’52.299s. Meanwhile, Indonesian rookie Yaasiin Gabriel Somma rode into prominence for the first time this season as he used his knowledge of the Sentul track to clinch the third fastest time of the day, 1’52.681s. Malaysia’s Hafiz Nor Azman and China’s Zhou Sheng Jun Jie rounded up the top five spots.

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ROZALIMAN TOPS SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE FIRST PRACTICE

2016, 2016 Round4, Suzuki Asian Challenge /

Muhd Rozaliman Zakaria from Malaysia checked in with the fastest time in the Suzuki Asian Challenge during the first day of practice at Round 4. The rider who is currently second overall in the title chase clocked 2’00.516s at the top of the timesheets. However, Rozaliman will have his work cut out for him in the encounters to come, especially with Indonesian Jefri Tosema a mere 0.082 seconds off Rozaliman’s pace. Jefri was second fastest of the day with 2’00.598s followed by the Philippine’s April King Mascardo in third with 2’01.307s. The 2015 Race 1 winner at Sentul, Jagan Kumar from India, was also strong during the first practice session. He posted fourth fastest with 2’01.453s, beating out Indonesian duo Rizal Feriyadi and Muhammad Sapril.

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TOP RIDERS MISSING FROM THE SENTUL GRID

2016, 2016 Round4, Supersports 600 /

The SuperSports 600cc class has been hit by a spate of injuries even before Round 4 takes off at the Sentul Circuit in Indonesia this August 6 and 7. Several of the top riders had been injured in other racing championships during the mid-season break and deemed unfit for racing in Round 4. Defending champion Yuki Takahashi, second in the 2016 riders ranking so far, has confirmed that he is not fit enough to race in Round 4. Takahashi crashed during one of the rounds of the All Japan and his doctors had confirmed that he is not fit to race. Team MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda will bring in wildcard rider Satoru Iwata to take Takahashi’s place. But as a wildcard, Iwata is expected to have little impact on the title chase. Malaysia’s former Moto2 rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman suffered a broken leg at the end of the Suzuka round and has also confirmed that he will not be racing in Sentul. “I broke my leg during Round 3 at Suzuka two months ago. The injury was quite serious and I spent more than a month in the hospital in Japan undergoing surgery. The injury is getting better now, but we feel that it would be too risky to resume racing so soon. If I were to crash again in Sentul, the consequences might be even more serious. So while I am disappointed to miss out on the battle in Sentul, I have to agree with my doctors that it is just not worth the risk particularly as a number of the other top riders will also be absent this weekend,” said Azlan. Most recently, Thai rider Ratthapong Wilairot fractured his wrists during the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Race and is still recovering from surgery. The spate of injuries suffered by the top flight riders now open up the opportunity for Tomoyoshi Koyama and Zaqhwan Zaidi to change the course of the 2016 title chase. Koyama, who leads Takahashi by one point, could provisionally strengthen his position at the top of the riders’ rankings. Similarly, Zaqhwan now has the opportunity to establish a stronger position for himself. Additionally, the Indonesian riders will also be given a wider berth to dominate the Sentul podium. Dimas Ekky Pratama, Ahmad Yudhistira and Gerry Salim who are fifth, sixth and seventh respectively, would be expected to be in the limelight of their home race.

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STATUS QUO FOR ALL CLASSES

2016, 2016 Round4, Supersports 600 /

Extended Races Will Not Apply In Sentul The recent confirmation of longer races in the SuperSports 600cc class will not apply for the Indonesian round this coming August 6 to 7, 2016. Instead of the extra two laps, Race Direction had dialed back the number of race laps to its original 16. In addition, the final races for the open-make class will take place at an earlier time, flagging off at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. This is to ensure that all riders enjoy maximum visibility and the races happen during the brightest time of the day.

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SPECIAL SALUTE TO M. FADLI IMMAMMUDDIN

2016, Supersports 600 /

As the championship returns to the Sentul Circuit on August 6 and 7, the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship pays special tribute to Indonesian rider M. Fadli Immammuddin for his remarkable perseverance and determination to overcome the odds. 14 months after the accident in Sentul last year, Fadli is on the mend. Today, Fadli has regained his mobility, actively cycles to keep his fitness, and leading a busy yet fulfilling live with his role as official trainer for Astra Honda. “The first six months after the tragedy were the most challenging. I underwent numerous surgeries in a bid to save the foot. During that time, I suffered depression and despair because the feeling of the re-attached limb was not good,” the 32-year-old Indonesian ace recalled. “I prayed a lot for guidance and by the grace of the Almighty, I learnt to accept. In early 2016, I made the decision to amputate and move on with my life. I was inspired by stories and videos of the athletes in the Paralympics – their dedication and positive attitude gave me a lot of strength. The moment the decision was made, I felt a load off my shoulders.” “Within a month after the amputation, I was fitted with prosthetics and started intensive physiotherapy. Three months later, I was finally fully mobile again. Today, I can not only cycle but am back on the bike. I can even shift gears with my new foot,” said Fadli. The 32-year-old M. Fadli has a permanent place in the Asia Road Racing Championship history books – as the first Indonesian rider to win the Asian title. Fadli accomplished this feat in 2004 when he won the Underbone 130cc title.

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YOUNG YAMAHA TALENT TO ATTEND VR46 RIDERS ACADEMY

2016, Asia Production 250 /

In an effort to help young talent develop their racing careers, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and the VR46 Riders Academy are proud to present “The Master Camp”, a project that offers selected Yamaha riders a chance to learn from none other than living MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. Young Yamaha talent is offered the opportunity of a lifetime; Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has nominated five Yamaha riders currently competing in the Asia Production 250 (AP250) class of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) to attend the VR46 Riders Academy. The selected riders will travel to Valentino Rossi’s hometown of Tavullia in Italy to take part in a programme dubbed “The Master Camp” from July 4th – 8th, 2016, where they will receive instruction and guidance from none other than nine-time World Champion and living MotoGP legend, Valentino Rossi, with the goal of improving their racing skills. The participants for the first run of this exclusive programme were chosen amongst young Yamaha riders from Asia, based on their current AP250 class points standings, age and other factors. ‘The Master Camp’ that they will be a part of will combine the knowledge and experience of both Yamaha and the VR46 Riders Academy to train, develop and prepare young riders to flourish on the world stage of motorcycle racing. The planned curriculum for the programme will have Rossi himself and full-time VR46 Riders Academy instructors teaching the participants about dirt track riding at the Motor Ranch at the Academy, track riding at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and other technique enhancing activities. To support young Italian riders aiming to become world-class racers, Rossi decided to put his vast experience and knowledge from his many years of racing to good use and established the VR46 Riders Academy in 2014. Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is currently in the process of creating a step-up model and system to provide tier-based opportunities for young riders to further develop their careers. With the goal to help young talent make their way in the racing world, Yamaha entered into a formal three-year partnership agreement with the VR46 Riders Academy in March 2016 as an Official Partner and also as its Official Motorcycle Supplier. The VR46 Academy will play a key role as a step in Yamaha’s rider development and mentoring system by boosting the motivation of young riders, provide them with an unparalleled riding experience and build up skills to help them move up through the step-up programme. Valentino Rossi “Only a few months ago the partnership between Yamaha and VR46 began and it brought the guys of the Academy some fantastic bikes for their training, on track and at the Ranch. This was already a great step towards helping young talent, but today I am even happier when thinking about the start of the first edition of ‘The Master Camp’, which is only a few weeks away. In the first week of July some by Yamaha selected riders will come to train with me and the VR46 Academy riders. This initiative is a great achievement, and it’s only the first of many more exciting projects to come from this collaboration. Yamaha and VR46 have the same objective; they aim to help young talents to achieve top results in the motorcycle racing. I’m personally very happy to play an active role in helping young talent and I’m looking forward to meeting the Yamaha riders and training with them and the Academy guys at the Ranch and at the Misano circuit. They will spend an entire week with us, train with us, following the same programme every day, on track and at the gym. It won’t be easy for them, but I’m sure we’ll have fun! It will be a beautiful and busy week!” Participants for the Master Camp are Peerapong Loiboonpeng(Thailand), Galang Hendra Pratama(Indonesia), Soichiro Minamimoto(Japan), Kasma Daniel Bin Kasmayudin(Malaysia) and Imanuel Putra Pratna (Indonesia).

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