2023 Round 2

TWO WINS IN A ROW

2023, 2023 Round 2, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Hitting straight into the limelight at blistering speed was Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM when he emerged victorious in Race 2, Round 2 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category held at Sepang International Circuit. German rider, Markus definitely has his fingers wrapped around Sepang International Circuit and yesterday’s victory in Race 1 speaks volume of his abilities and strengths. While Malaysian riders Azlan and Zaqhwan took Japanese star, Haruki down in a nail-biting feat, today posed yet another round of extreme force between man and machine. Zaqhwan was off to a good start from the third position on the grid however seconds into the race, Markus geared up from the inside and grabbed P1. Haruki chased Zaqhwan furiously and seconds before the end of lap 1, he took a slide from the inside and into P2. Meanwhile, Kasma was struggling to keep up with his pace at P4 and by the end of lap 3, Azlan replaced him. Second day in a row, the BMW rider was topping up on speed and by the fifth lap, he has drawn up a gap of 0.700 seconds from the contender in line. Meanwhile, the other BMW rider was inching closer to the Honda rider ahead of him, waiting to strike and it was only a matter of time when he finally did. It is definitely a huge comeback for the BMW machines as it went on with powerful force, showcasing a one-of-a-kind capacity. Meanwhile, Andi Farid who was taking laps at P5 was getting closer to Zaqhwan and at the end of lap 10, he moved ahead into P4. With two more laps to go, it was only a matter of avoiding mistakes and maintaining the pace. Markus was on his way towards a double victory with a 3.057s gap and while Haruki did his best to get closer, it was to no avail. Meanwhile, Andi Farid was trying to close the gaps at the final lap however Azlan was at his best pace. Markus clocked in his best at 25’23:219s. Commenting on the race, Markus said, “I am really happy this weekend with maximum points in hand. Not in the championship though but as I’ve mentioned before, never forget to take a look at the competitors they are really strong. I have to push really hard. In the last two laps, I had some spare and I increased my speed. I am really happy for this weekend and am thankful to my team. Next round will be in Sugo. I have never been there so it is going to be difficult but I am really looking forward to it.” At second place, it was Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS HARC-PRO.HONDA.PH marking his best at 25’27:255s. Azlan Shah of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM made it at 25’31:070s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

TWO WINS IN A ROW Read More »

1-2 FOR BOON SIEW BOYS

2023, 2023 Round 2, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Fantastic showmanship by Khairul Idham Pawi of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM when he barged towards the winning line in Race 2, Round 2 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the SuperSports 600cc race category which was held at Sepang International Circuit this evening. Yesterday was momentous for BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM when Malaysian trio, Azroy, Khairul and Helmi summed up the race with a 1-2-3. It was a team strategy which kept the troop of riders behind at bay with a hug gap in between before the riders worked their strength towards the placement on the podium. It was yet another good start for Khairul from the pole position. Behind him was Helmi Azman and Ratthapong at P3. At the last turn of lap 1, Azroy sneaked into P3 while Nakarin found his pace at P4. Ratthapong dropped two positions down into P5. While the BOON SIEW boys stayed close in the top three positions, Thai riders Nakarin and Ratthapong were having a battle of their own. By the end of the fourth lap, the Malaysian trio have strongly drawn a wide gap with the troop behind and Azroy began working on the moves but Helmi was not about to give in. As Helmi and Azroy battled for a better position, Khairul worked on defending his position, one lap at a time. However, at the last corner of lap 7, Azroy took a slide from the inside and moved ahead of Khairul but the latter is not about to be defeated. He came back into lead position before the end of lap 8. At P4, Nakarin was facing his own battle with fellow countryman, Ratthapong before Japanese lad, Keito claimed P5. With one more lap to go, Khairul has drawn a gap of 0.230s with Helmi. Azroy unfortunately was left out of the scene when his tires gave way leaving the two BOON SIEW boys to fend for themselves. By then, Khairul was in a strong position. At the last corner, he went on a blistering speed towards victory at 21’47:715s. Commenting on the race, Khairul said, “It has been an incredible race today. From the very beginning, I had a good pace so I kept pushing all the way. Yesterday, my father sent me a message telling me to stay behind to save the tires but I had a better idea which is to stay in front and find the right rhythm. Of course, I also managed the front and the rear to avoid losing it. Azroy did manage to overtake me but I was confident with my pace and managed to take back the position in turn one. Overall, it was an awesome ride today!” Md Helmi Azman made it second on the podium at 21’47:937s. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND grabbed the opportunity for third place at 21’56:36s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

1-2 FOR BOON SIEW BOYS Read More »

1-2-3 FOR ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM

2023, 2023 Round 2, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Striking in his moves and showcasing mastery in the Asia Production 250cc race category, Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM went on a grand finish when he swiped victory in Race 2, Round 2 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that took place at the Sepang International Circuit. It was a day to celebrate for the Indonesians when trio of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM bagged all three spots on the podium in Race 1. Steady and poised, Herjun, Rheza and Veda were relentless in their pursuit towards their goals leaving a trail of robust riders, defeated. With the flag off, ASTRA HONDA boys were off to a fiery start with Rheza taking lead followed by Herjun and Veda. However, before the lap ended, Thai rider Jakkrephat made a slide past Herjun into P3. His moves did not last when he crashed before the end of lap 2 opening up the space for Herjun to move back into P3. Meanwhile, in the second group behind the leading trio were Aiki Iyoshi, Irfan Ardiansyah and Thanat. Into lap 4, Herjun picked up speed as he moved past Rheza. Veda remained in P3. A wide gap started forming between the trio and the pack behind. Between teammates Irfan and Aiki, a battle of their own forced them in and out of P4 and P5. The Kawasaki Ninja riders may not make it into P3 considering the huge gap in between nevertheless, its all about scoring. With two more laps the go, Herjun was fearlessly taking charge drawing up almost a 1-second gap from Rheza. Into the last lap, Herjun was on fire as he picked up speed while staying focused to avoid any mishap. Seconds towards the end of the game, Veda made his final move into P1. At the last turn, teamwork prevailed as the trio rode towards a 1-2-3. Commenting on the race, Veda said, “This is my first win for the season in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and I am beyond thrilled. I did face some difficulty in a few laps and I was left out in the beginning. But I am grateful to have picked up the momentum and maintained the right rhythm after that. It is a huge achievement for my team members and I in the AP250 race category. I thank my team members, the crew who have been supportive towards us throughout.” Veda clocked in at 19’13:176s followed by Herjun Atna Firdaus at 19’13:274s and Rheza Danica Ahrens at 19’13:517s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

1-2-3 FOR ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM Read More »

WAY TO GO FOR NAZIRUL

2023, 2023 Round 2, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

It was not an easy feat with an unpredictable temperament in the Underbone 150cc race category however Md Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM moved swiftly alongside more than twenty riders to make the most and best of Race 2, Round 2 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship before claiming victory. It is a common scene in the UB150 challenge for riders at the back to move up into the lead position within seconds. Yesterday saw multiple exchange of positions among riders however Wawan was striking at the last corner when was stayed focused despite the chaos of the casualty and went on to put on one last fight with his closest contender, Murobbil before bolting ahead. It was a good start for Wawan who was at the pole position. He immediately took lead at the first turn and dashed ahead. Unfortunately, seconds into the race, Wawan encountered issues with the machine and was out of the equation for the day. Wahyu however found his way to the lead position by the end of lap 1 with Fazli Sham and Haziq Fairues close behind. By the end of lap 2, Murobbil pulled himself up the line while Haziq and Nazirul motioned into P2 and P3. By mid-race, Nazirul was taking lead and from all the way back, Izam Ikmal moved up and positioned himself at P2. With two more laps to go, the riders were fiery, fuelled to succeed. At the last corner, as riders embraced for one final push, it was strategizing at place when Nazirul slip-streamed ahead of Hafiza Rofa for a dramatic finish. He clocked in at 15’43:701s. Commenting on the race, Nazirul said, “I put on a good fight from the start of the lap till the end. Each lap posed different kind of challenge but I was determined to surpass it. I gave my best shot throughout, knowing that at the end of the day, it is not just the act of mastery but also fate. Ultimately, today’s win is a blessing from Allah. I am truly happy and grateful. Thank you to my mum especially for the endless support and of course not forgetting, the team who have been there throughout.” Second and third place went to Md Shafiq Rasol and Md Hafiza Rofa at 15’43:710s and 15’43:715s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

WAY TO GO FOR NAZIRUL Read More »

RAMDAN RAMPED UP

2023, 2023 Round 2, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has been quite a show with riders of Asia pulling their best stunts in their endeavours to succeed. Race 2 saw yet another round of exhilaration and dexterity but one that was significant was Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia when he claimed victory in Round 2 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Sepang International Circuit. In yesterday’s feat, Muzakkir draw attention with his flawless performance as he took lead from the start till the end. Although Ramdan and Piyawat were equally competitive in their strides, they failed in their attempt to supersede the man in charge for the day. Today started with Muzakkir picking up the speed and taking lead from the first turn. He was fiercely chased by Ramdan and Piyawat nevertheless, Muzakkir was leading with confidence. Meanwhile, Vorapong was waiting for his moment to strike at P4. By the end of lap 2, Muzakkir has drawn a gap of 0.399s from his contender, Ramdan. The first cluster of riders seemed to maintain their pace and position playing it safe. By mid-race, the top five riders included Decky at P5. By the sixth lap however, Indonesian lad, Decky managed to swerve ahead of Piyawat, into P3. But Piyawat was quick to recover his position and by the end of lap 5, he fired his moves and into P1. Vorapong was coolly striding at P5. With one more lap the go, the intense feat saw rivalry at its best in the last corner. By then, Ramdan was leading while Vorapong, Muzakkir and Piyawat pushed their machines to the limits. Malaysian rider, Ramdan glided towards a win at 14’21:125s. Commenting on the race, Ramdan said, “I was hoping to take the win yesterday but I failed. It is not as easy as it seems racing in this category. Everyone in this challenge is equally skilled and experienced therefore, it was crucial to stay focused on the end result. I understand the machine better now and while every one else has the same machine, it is more of having the right mindset and optimising the skills. I am grateful for today’s victory and hope to win more races to come.” Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia took the second place at 14’21:204s. Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand made it third on the podium at 14’21:203s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

RAMDAN RAMPED UP Read More »

BMW RIDERS NAILED IT

2023, 2023 Round 2, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

It was quite a scene during the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category at the Sepang International Circuit with riders hitting their top speed in an endeavour to surpass the ordinary. However, the title is but for one. Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM triumphed as winner in Race 1, Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The morning saw the qualifying session with Markus taking the limelight at the speed of lightning, clocking in at 2’05:010s. Kasma Danial Kasmayuddin of YAMAHA GEN BLU RACING TEAM ASEAN came in second fastest at 2’05:576s. Third on the grid was Zaqhwan Zaidi of HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA at 2’05:771s. Markus went on a blistering speed as soon as the race flagged off. Zaqhwan who was trailing at P2 was superseded by Haruki mid lap 2. As Markus picked up speed steadily, Andi Farid took the opportunity to slide into P2 with Zaqhwan at P3 and Haruki at P4. Meanwhile, Azlan was seen trying to close the gaps however the four riders ahead of him kept him at bay. Nevertheless, persistence pays off and by the end of the fourth lap, Azlan broke into P3. The BMW M1000 RR machine is definitely one step above the rest in its speed. Proving that were Markus who drew up a huge gap with Azlan who was already pacing at P2. Haruki who was at P3 by the end of lap 7 engaged in a chase and succeeded Azlan at the last turn of lap 8. Zaqhwan, a little left out began to work on his strategies and mid lap 9, he made a daring move past Haruki and into P2. Amidst that chaos, Azlan took a slide into P3. By then, German rider, Markus was unbeatable with a 6- second gap. With 3 more laps to go, the pressure mounted as Zaqhwan, Haruki and Azlan entangled in a heated feat. The near miss and the close calls between Zaqhwan and Haruki only made them even more persistent. With one more lap to go, Azlan made it past Zaqhwan. Haruki dropped to P4. Markus was on his way to victory as Azlan and Zaqhwan went on one final push. At the final turn, the BMW machine took speed and bolted ahead as Honda succumbed at P3. Commenting on the race, Markus said, “It was an excellent race with an 8-second gap. To be honest, I don’t feel as good as the qualifying session though as the machine was really perfect then. Now, we tried something different on the rear to improve further for the heat especially but it is normal in the heat for the tires to lose grip compared to in cooler temperatures. I am glad that I could still fight although I was doubtful if I was fast enough. I kept pushing myself as much as I could. We have quite a good setup with the machine and I like Sepang a lot. To add on, it’s a 1-2 for the team. So, we can’t ask for more.” Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman marked his best at 25’37:402 while Zaqhwan made his fastest at 25’37:659s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

BMW RIDERS NAILED IT Read More »

BLAZING TRIO

2023, 2023 Round 2, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Scorching up the Sepang International Circuit with their speed, the SuperSports 600cc tickled the nerves as riders went on a feat to win. After a much intense battle, Azroy Hakeem Anuar of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM claimed victory in Race 1, Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In the qualifying session earlier this morning, Malaysian trio of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM raked the top three fastest spots with Khairul Idham Pawi clocking in at 2’08:888s, followed by Muhammad Helmi Azman at 2’09:360s and Azroy Hakeem Anuar at 2’09:602s. That definitely was an added advantage for the team. It was excellent speed when Khairul superbly took lead with Helmi and Azroy calmly trailing behind. As the trio embarked on an exciting feat, slowly distancing themselves from the relentless troop behind, Azroy was inching closer to Khairul in a bid to overtake and by the end of lap 4, he did. Meanwhile, in P2, Nakarin struggled to keep up with his pace and he was soon superseded by Soichiro. By mid-race, Azroy began flexing his muscles, picking up speed as Khairul went on an attempt to steal the limelight. By the seventh lap, the blue and red riders drew up a huge gap between the troop behind. In that wild chase, Helmi began taking charge and took his chance to slip ahead of Khairul. Nakarin emerged back at P4 while Adenanta took P5. Among the leading trio, Helmi began to work on his moves. At the last corner of lap 8, he took a slide past Azroy and made it to the lead position. But Azroy recovered his position once again. In the last lap, the trio presented an entertaining performance as they switched positions rapidly to secure the winning title. At the last turn, Azroy took lead as Khairul and Helmi raced behind. Azroy clocked in fastest at 21’53:231s. Commenting on the race, Azroy said, “It was an incredible battle between the boys and I. It was our target to be on the podium together this time around. In the beginning, I provided a pathway for Pawi to create a gap. By the fourth or sixth lap, I noticed there has already been a huge gap between P3 and P4. That’s where I started to attack KIP. No doubt, the last two laps, the battle was quite intense however I kept going. Perhaps, today is my day. Tomorrow, we will do it again!” Khairul made it second at 21’53:311s while Helmi marked his fastest at 21’53:313s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

BLAZING TRIO Read More »

TRIPLE TRIUMPH FOR INDONESIANS

2023, 2023 Round 2, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Confidence and determination described the Asia Production 250cc riders as they glided with great dexterity to attain the winning title. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM however stood up best in his performance when he bagged the top spot in Race 1, Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Sepang International Circuit this evening. In the qualifying session this morning, trio of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made the top three fastest positions with Rheza Danica Ahrens taking lead at 2’22:498s followed by Veda Ega Pratama at 2’22:895s and Herjun Atna Firdaus at 2’22:901s. It is not surprising that the trio went on to makes waves around the circuit. In the first lap, Veda went on a strong front but he was then superseded by rising AP250 star, Rheza with Herjun shadowing closely behind. At the last corner of lap 2, Herjun managed to slide ahead of Rheza. Only for a moment before Rheza barged back ahead. Meanwhile, Jakhreephat was comfortably pacing at P4 with Irfan trailing behind. As one after another lap went down, the Indonesia trio were strongly grounded ahead with a wide gap. By the end of lap 5, Irfan Ardiansyah made it to P4 as the troop behind began picking up speed. With 3 more laps to go, it seemed almost impossible for rider at P4 to speed up into the top three position. The battle for the winning title went on among the teammates as they exchanged positions rapidly. With one more lap to go, the battle became stiff among the trio. Herjun took lead at the last lap and while Rheza tried to pursue the position, the former was adamant in securing the win. By the last turn, Herjun managed to build a little gap as he fled to the finish line. He marked his best at 19’17:057s. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “I am extremely happy. I enjoyed the ride throughout. The circuit condition was good including the newly resurfaced asphalt which makes the race even more exciting. Today, my teammates and I did a pretty excellent job and it was fun to have had a good fight with them. I am truly proud that we bagged all three spots. It’s a proud moment for Indonesians however I hope to ride competitively with the other riders as well. As for tomorrow, I am not sure if I can get the same result considering my very robust teammates however, I will try my best.” Rheza finished the race at 19’17:231s. At third, Veda Ega Pratama clocked in at 19’17:292s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

TRIPLE TRIUMPH FOR INDONESIANS Read More »

WAWAN WOWED IT

2023, 2023 Round 2, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

It is hard to miss out the long line of riders in the Underbone 150cc race category as they work their machines to take lead at the Sepang International Circuit. Wawan Wello of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team found his rhythm this weekend in Race 1, Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship when he emerged first at the finish line. During the qualifying session earlier this morning, Md Haziq Fairues of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM clocked in the fastest at 2’33:149s followed by Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM 2’33:166s and Md Shahrol Syazras of ESTREMO YUZY HONDA TEAM at 2’34:168s. During the Superpole however, Wawan bagged the pole position at 2’34:532s. Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY RACING took the second spot at 2’34:554s and Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM made his best at 2’35:055s. It was a good start for the riders as soon as the race flagged off. Flocking together in a tight line, the riders seemed quite confident on the circuit. While every one of them were relentlessly pursuing a steady pace, Wawan went on to take lead before he dropped down the line at the end of lap 2. Fazli Sham went to on take lead before passing on the baton to Haziq Fairues at the end of the third lap. By the end of lap 4, Fazli Sham emerged back at the lead position, playing his games well to avoid losing momentum. By then Pilipino riders John Emerson and April King began following close. The highly competitive stride went on for another lap and Fazli Sham retained his position. With one more lap to go, tension brewed further and towards the last turn, a casualty occurred with a bunch or riders going down. The doors for victory opened up for Wawan and Murobbil. Inches away, Wawan clocked in ahead at 15’41:697s. Commenting on the race, Wawan said, “I felt very easy today as I have found the right setup for my machine from the very beginning for today’s race. I believed in my machine and I went on with the rhythm throughout the race. At the last turn, I enhanced my speed but Murobbil somehow moved in to the left but thankfully, we did not collide. For tomorrow, I hope that I could repeat the same victorious move.” At the second spot was M Murrobil Vittoni of LFN H.PUTRA 969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, clocking in at 15’41:729s. Gupita Kresna of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA RACING TEAM made it third at 15’41:941s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

WAWAN WOWED IT Read More »

MEMORABLE FOR MUZAKKIR

2023, 2023 Round 2, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The blue and white hue of the TVS Apache machines set a stunning sight at the Sepang International Circuit as riders went on a feat to further accentuate its character. Among them, Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia made a striking remark when he emerged with a winning move in Race 1, Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In the qualifying session earlier this morning, Malaysian duo Md Ramdan Rosli and Md Muzakkir Mohamed emerged with the top two fastest lap time at 2’21:772s and 2’21:809s respectively which placed them at a good position on the grid for the race. Following suit at the third position was Vorapong Malahuan when he clocked in at 2’22:212s. When the race began, Muzakkir pulled strength from his 2nd spot on the grid and raced ahead to take lead with Ramdan close behind. By lap 2, a huge gap was formed between Malaysian duo and Indonesian rider, Decky. At the end of lap 2, Piyawat broke into P3. The leader of the troop seemed poised as he went on drawing gap with the equally strong contender at P2. By the end of lap 4, Malaysian duo teamed up with Thai rider, Piyawat as they together formed a gap in between the troop behind. Meanwhile, Fugo Tanaka, Decky and Vorapong were trying to close the gap however the chances were slim. By the end of lap 5, Muzakkir has established his position firmly at the lead position. Piyawat who overtook Ramdan started making his move against Muzakkir and succeeded making a swipe past. Muzakkir was not about to be defeated. At the last turn, the battle heated up as the top trio bolted ahead and in what was a tight fight, Muzakkir hit it ahead of the rest at 14’19:677s. Commenting on the race, Muzakkir said, “Today is an extremely special day for me because my last win was in 2020 in the CP150 race category. With the increase in age, I had to work hard. I do my training everyday without fail and that has become a routine. Therefore, I am truly grateful for the victory today and I am proud to have presented the nation, family, friends and the team with a win. For tomorrow, I will do my best. We can’t go very fast like today as we will be using the same tires as today’s but I will try to maintain my momentum in the front troop and perhaps work towards the podium at the last lap.” “The atmosphere is definitely different when riding the AP250 because we fight it with different teams. Here, we are one team except that we are from different countries. So, there is a different kind of feel to it. It is fair and square here and we draw lots to decide on the machines for the week. The TVS Apache is an extremely stable machine and TVS has definitely done an amazing job on the machine. The technology is world-class and each part are selected carefully to ensure the standards are of the best. Compared to the AP250, this machine is probably about a second faster and I am confident that this machine will continue to develop for the better in motorsports.” At the second spot was Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia, clocking in at 14’19:689s. Third place went to Piyawat Patoomyos of Thailand, logging in at 14’19:735s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

MEMORABLE FOR MUZAKKIR Read More »