2023 Round 3

IMPRESSIVE LAP TIME

2023, 2023 Round 3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship began today with the free practice sessions for the Asia Superbike 1000cc, SuperSports 600cc, Asia Production 250cc and TVS Asia One Make Championship race categories and ended with the qualifying session for the Underbone 150cc race category. Despite the chilly weather at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course, the riders of the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category were pumped up for yet another exciting show. Today, marking the fastest in the practice sessions, combined for Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship was Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team. In practice session 1 that was held earlier this morning, Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda-Asia Dream Racing with SHOWA was impressive when he showcased his agility in adapting to the circuit layout, clocking in his best lap time at 1’28:436s. At the second fastest was Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS Harc-Pro. Honda. Ph. who marked his best at 1’28:748s followed by Rei Toshima of Dog Fight Racing at 1’29:051s. In practice session 2, Markus Reiterberger emerged fastest with a new record at 1’28:299s. Japanese riders Takume Kunimine of TOHO Racing and Rei Toshima logged in second and third fastest at 1’28:430s and 1’28:562s respectively. In the third practice session, Markus was on fire as he went on to mark a new lap record at 1’27:884s. At the second fastest spot was Haruki with his best time at 1’28:246s followed by Kota Arakawa of MOTO BUM HONDA with his best at 1’28:466s. That leaves with Markus taking the fastest spot in the practice sessions, combined. It’s an amazing achievement especially for a first-timer at the circuit which further accentuates his credentials as a well-established and experienced rider. Commenting on the session, Markus said, “The lap time was very impressive. We made a few changes again to the machine and I found a good tire combination which I am quite comfortable with. The tire is more or less consistent although I lost some grip over the lap. We definitely have to improve this but for the qualifying session and the race, I think we are there.” At the second fastest place was Haruki Noguchi followed by Takuma Kunimine at the third fastest spot in the practice sessions, combined. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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KIP MADE NEW LAP RECORD

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

A show that ignites excitement, the SuperSports 600cc race category saw riders making swift circles around the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course, preparing for yet another milestone. Among them Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team stood out most when he emerged fastest for the day at Round 3 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Practice session 1 that was held earlier this morning saw Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team marking the fastest when he clocked in his best lap time at 1’31:246s. He was followed by Keito Abe of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team with his best at 1’31:370s. Muhammad Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team logged in at 1’31:537s. In practice session 2, Keito Abe upped his performance and made a new record at 1’30:568s. Khairul came in second fastest with an improved lap time at 1’30:720s followed by Sho Nishimura of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team at 1’31:262s. In the practice session 3, Khairul managed to bring himself up the chart once again when he clocked in fastest with a new lap record at 1’30:503s. At second fastest was Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, clocking in his best at 1’30:837s. Azroy Hakeem Anuar began picked up speed during this session and emerged third fastest at 1’30:957s. With that, Khairul took the fastest for the day in all three practice sessions, combined. Khairul has certainly paid full attention to the circuit and scaled up well in his performances this season compared to the last one at this circuit. Commenting on the session earlier, Khairul said, “In the practice session 2, I struggled to keep up to my pace. I did not have much grip on the rear which resulted in me losing grip when I accelerate and brake. So, the stability was wearing out. For the third session, we revised our setting for the rear using the electronic device. It seems to have worked well as I was able to manage my pace better than in the morning. That was a positive achievement for me.” At the second fastest was Keito Abe followed by Soichiro Minamimoto at the third fastest place. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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RHEZA KEPT UP DESPITE RPM CUT

2023, 2023 Round 3, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The Asia Production 250cc race category once again called the riders for an ambitious ride in Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM took the call graciously and emerged fastest in the practice sessions, combined that was held earlier today. In the practice session 1 that was carried out earlier in the morning, Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand made a positive start when she logged in fastest at 1’41:529s. At the second fastest spot was Irfan Ardiansyah of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing, clocking in his best lap time at 1’41:696s. Third was Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM with his best time at 1’42:154s. In practice session 2, Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech made a new lap record with his fastest at 1’40:695s. Muklada showed consistency when she emerged second fastest at 1’41:129s whereas Irfan made it third fastest with an improved lap time at 1’41:201s. In the practice session 3, Rheza Danica who has been laying low in the first two sessions emerged fastest with a new lap record at 1’39:764s. Irfan made it second fastest while Muklada marked third fastest at 1’39:893s and 1’39:986s respectively. With that, Rheza claimed the fastest in the combined session for the day. It was quite an impressive move by Rheza this time around considering his performance last season where he only took home 2 points from the race here. Commenting on the session today, Rheza said, “Considering the cut in the RPM, I have to work extra hard now. But overall, though, I have been feeling good. This season has been good and I have been able to do so much more. Hopefully I am able to retain the same quality in performance for the qualifying session tomorrow.” Irfan and Muklada took the second and third position respectively in the practice session, combined. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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NAZIRUL SCORED FASTEST AT SUGO

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The Underbone 150cc race category has always been an impressive feat with the best of Asians making the most of their potentials to bag the winning spot. Today, Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team ended the day with a striking mark when emerged fastest in the qualifying session of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Earlier in the morning, M. Murobbil Vithoni of made the fastest in the practice session 1 with a new record at 1’45:922s. At the second fastest was teammate Dimas Juli Atmoko of at 1’47:004s. At the third fastest was Gian Carlo Mauricio of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines clocking in his best at 1’47:123s. During the practice session 2, Nazirul Izzat made a striking mark when he created a new record at 1’45:766s. Wawan Wello of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team marked second fastest at 1’45:911s while Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY Racing took the third fastest spot at 1’45:925s. In the Qualifying Session that was held later in the evening, Nazirul Izzat went on to make the fastest lap time at 1’46:766s. The Malaysian rider has showcased an improved lap time this season compared to the last in the qualifying session at this circuit. He also bagged the third spot on the podium in Race 2. Commenting on the session, Nazirul said, “It was cold, the temperature when we headed out. After a while, it started drizzling so I came out a little later. I was at the back position then and at that time I had no other choice but to make my time because otherwise, the tire will become cold and it would be more difficult to score a good lap time. I am not sure what the race holds considering the unpredictability of the weather but if luck is on my side, I hope to be on the podium. I will continue to give my best.” At the second fastest spot was Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team, logging in his best at 1’46:892s. Murobbil took the third fastest spot at 1’47:439s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HIROKI CARVED NEW LAP TIME

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

It was an awesome start for the riders of the TVS Asia One Make Championship at Round 3 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Standing out tall today with an impressive lap time was Hiroki Ono of Japan who claimed fastest for the day in the practice sessions, combined. This morning during practice session 1, Hiroki Ono of Japan marked the fastest when he clocked in his best lap time and a new record at 1’38:644s. At the second fastest spot was Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia at 1’39:681s followed by Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia at the third fastest at 1’41:228s. During the practice session 2, Hiroki came back with a boosted performance when he made yet another record at 1’37:949s. Decky once again made it the second fastest with more than 1-second improvement at 1’38:682s. At third fastest was Ramdan, clocking in his best at 1’39:552s. With that, Hiroki takes the fastest spot in the practice session, combined. Returning for the second consecutive year as a wildcard rider, Hiroki bagged a win in Race 1 and second spot in Race 2 last season. The Japanese rider seemed to have the mastery required at the highly technical circuit and seems adamant in marking his territory. Commenting on the session, Hiroki said, “Not bad for a lap time?! Compared to the morning session, I made some changes to the machine in terms of suspension and my riding techniques. That resulted at 37s which is not too bad. I feel so much better than this morning. But we will see what happens in the qualifying session. I target maybe 36s, but hard to say. I will still push as much as I can.” At the second fastest for practice session, combined was Decky followed by Ramdan at the third fastest place. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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ADDING SUGO TO THE EXPERIENCE

2023, 2023 Round 3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

It is not just the speed that makes the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship intriguing but the striking dexterity of the rider that complements the machine that keeps the race exciting. Round 2 showcased the extraordinary abilities of Markus Reiterberger of the ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM as he flaunted his manoeuvring techniques at the Sepang International Circuit. As the troop prepares for Round 3 at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course, what has Markus got to say? Commenting on the upcoming race, Markus said, “I have not raced at Sugo circuit but I have heard some wonderful things about the circuit. Many have said that it is a nice circuit to race but also dangerous with no many “crash” area of gravel. Based on my evaluation on the on-board footage, I personally think that I would do fine but since I do not have the experience, it would still be challenging for me as I would have to start from zero-experience. Even more so, with most of my contenders who have had the experience riding on the circuit. Nevertheless, I will do my best with the help from my team.” The German born rider found his passion for ARRC in 2020 however his endeavours were brought to a halt when the global pandemic took the world down on a lockdown. His achievements nevertheless were rather impressive when he took the win in Race 2 that landed him on the second spot overall. The 29-year-old is no stranger to the motorcycle racing scene. He has been actively involved in numerous championships including the German Yamaha Cup, European Superstock 1000 championship and Superbike World Championship (WSBK) to name a few. His vast experiences and his showmanship on the circuit has earned him quite the reputation even more so in Round 2 at Sepang where he was seen fleeing ahead while the other riders played catch up. Markus said, “I like Sepang circuit since I was a kid. I used to watch it on TV and play it on the play- station. The layout is interesting. My first time there was in 2016 for WSBK but unfortunately, my machine gave way and I missed out on achieving a spot on the podium. However, it’s a special place for me. I recognise my strength and I enjoy riding there which makes it easy for me. There were also progresses with the machine during Sepang and that concluded with a happy ending for me.” Commenting on the experience in ARRC, Markus said, “2 years ago, I remembered that I was extremely fast. This season as well, I was fast but I had to push hard to achieve that. Chang circuit was tough compared to before. The competitiveness in ARRC has definitely increased and compared to IDM, there are maybe three fast riders in ARRC with top six who are strong. I hope that there will be more riders next year even more so now with our machine that is equally competitive with the other machines. “There are the likes of highly competitive riders such as Noguchi and Zaqhwan who are equally robust and, in my team, Azlan who make up for the best of rivalry. The others too, who are always close by which makes the race tough. However, we have a strong person who manages the suspension of the machine and works hard to ensure that the biggest part of the machine is well maintained. Of course, the electronic parts too which requires equal attention. On my part, it is more of mental and physical preparedness to manage the hot temperature. Overall, I will do my best in Sugo.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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SUGO, ALL-TIME FAV!

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The rebel between riders of the SuperSports 600cc in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is endless and their fiery retribution to take lead never fails to create a twist of its own. Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN may be entangled in the battle but with one mission, to win. With Round 3 just around the corner, what would Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course hold for him? The Japanese rider may have been absent from the ARRC scene last season to be part of the All Japan Championship in the ST1000 race category however he came back sturdy this season with his new team and seeks to realise a much more meaningful goal this year. Riding aboard the Yamaha YZF-R6 machine, Soichiro made it to the podium once after an intense battle in Race 2 at the Chang International Circuit. He said, “Actually, I was thinking of retiring last year but then, Yamaha came along and invited me to participate in ARRC. I was thrilled and am ever grateful for the opportunity once again.” The 23-year-old rider has been in the Asian motorcycle racing domain since 2018 and have showcased gradual improvements in his performances. Soichiro also rode in the Moto 2 race category of MotoGP as a replacement rider this season which adds on to his riding masterpiece. His thoughts on ARRC, “The level of competitiveness has been increasing steadily year-by-year. I noticed a huge difference especially with a strong entry list. The riders performing in the ARRC scenes are the best in their regions hence it is difficult to foresee the end result. It is truly a privilege for me to be racing in the ARRC and I am thrilled to be a part of the much-celebrated Asian motorcycling event.” Commenting on Round 2, Soichiro said, “It was unfortunate that we could not maximise our strengths on the Sepang circuit, even more so with the likes of Malaysian riders who are well-versed with the circuit’s characteristics. Nevertheless, I am still happy with my performances there. I managed to get the 5th position in Race 1 so it is still an amazing achievement for me.” For the upcoming race at Sugo, Soichiro said, “The next race would be on my home-ground. Sugo is one of my all-time favourite circuits and having said that, I think I may have some added advantage on that circuit. It is quite a technical one but having had races there before, I have some understanding of its layout. The team has also worked wonders on my machine and it has been a good match for me since the beginning of the season. So, I’m all out for the upcoming round and if all goes well, I hope to take a win on my home-ground.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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ASTRA’S YOUNGEST READY FOR SUGO

2023, 2023 Round 3, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Never ceased the amaze, the boys of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM showcased exemplary team work as they worked hand-in-hand to conquer the Asia Production 250cc race category in the last two rounds. Standing out among them is youngest in the team Veda Ega Pratama who has raised eye-brows with his exceptional performances. What would Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course hold for Veda? Round 3 will say it all. As a debutante in the AP250 race category, Veda has stunned fans with his racing actions. In Round 1, the Indonesian lad was seen engaging in furious strides alongside his teammates. He was steady and in control of his machine, maintaining his position among the top three. In Round 1, Veda emerged with a strong front when he bagged the second spot in Race 1. Although a miscalculation in his move brought him down in Race 2, he returned for Round 2 with a greater disposition. Charging ahead in the front troop, Veda made a quick recovery and into the second spot in the overall standings when he took the third place in Race 1 and the winning spot in Race 2. Commenting on the race, Veda said, “Personally, I think that ARRC is one of the toughest championships in the Asian region and it definitely challenges me to be better. I love the adrenaline rush, the speed and the pressure injected by the other riders. My aim with ARRC is to gain more experience. I think the exposure has a lot to offer in terms of helping me in my riding abilities and also in understanding the machine’s technicalities.” Speaking about his team, Veda chirped, “I am happy to compete in ARRC with such a great team as a backup. The team has a highly experienced mechanic who is ever-ready to look into matters pertaining the machine and make the right calls. I have awesome senior riders who have been insightful and ever willing to guide me. To be honest, I have learnt many tricks from them when it comes to riding and I am truly lucky to be part of this amazing team. In fact, I feel privileged to be the youngest riders in the team and I have a lot to be thankful for.” The rider took interest in two-wheels at the age of 4. He said, “My father exposed me to motor-cross at that time and I immediately took a liking for it. The extremity of the sports kind of inspired me to know more and be part of the two-wheels racing scene. So, here I am! Of course, I had to brace through many challenges to be where I am but those are all somewhat the fundamentals of motorcycle racing. So far, the circuits in Thailand and Malaysia have been really a push-factor for me. But I have never raced at Sugo. At this point of time, I put my trust in my team and am confident that they will fight the battle with me.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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READY FOR SUGO!

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The Underbone 150cc is one of the most watched race categories among Asians who comprehends its complexities and the unforeseeable challenges that makes it ever interesting from the beginning till the end. M. Murobbil Vittoni of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM is all out to inject more excitement in Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Sportlands Sugo International Racing Course. The Chang circuit may not be his favourite playground considering his struggles to take lead but Sepang circuit has definitely made a mark on Murobbil who made it second on the podium in Race 1 amidst the chaos from the casualty at the last turn. The Indonesian rider was quick to make his move, in control of his machine as he accelerated towards the finish line. Race 2 may not have been quite as impressive but he landed himself at the 4th spot. Last season, Murobbil made it 10th in the overall standings with one time podium at the third spot. Commenting on his experience in the UB150 race category, Murobbil said, “I have been racing in this race category for three years now since 2019. Then there was the lockdown and I continued last season before resuming this year. To me, the most important thing about the race category is to understand the situation, the circuit layout and also being aware of the riders’ abilities. The pattern in this race category is usually the same, with a huge troop trailing. Being able to find the pace and striking at the right moment is crucial.” “In Race 1, Round 2, I grabbed the opportunity from the casualty that happened. It was an added bonus for me as there was a gap between them and myself which made it possible for me to avoid the crash. It was probably also luck on my side. The important thing would be to continuously strive. I usually follow the troop from the very start of the race and find an opening where I can make my move.” At Sugo last year, Murobbil took the 4th spot in Race 2. He said, “The Sugo circuit is extremely exciting. I enjoyed the race there last year and I look forward to maximise my potential there. I would like to remain optimistic that I could win the race there. It is important to ensure that my performances are consistent throughout although realistically, it is unpredictable in the UB150 race category. I want to make sure that my points add up to a good position.” Overall, Murobbil said, “I think the UB150 race category is exhilarating. As a lover of two-wheel motorcycle racing, it gives me a good balance. Being a rider, there is need to constantly work on my physique to maintain my stamina and my mental wellbeing. In a highly pressured environment like this, it is very important for any rider to make sure they are well-prepared in all aspects. I am ready and here I come!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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FOCUSED FROM START TO END

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The Underbone 150cc race category of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship has continued to keep audience immersed throughout the race. Reason being – it is the only race category that is filled with action as soon as the race flags off, on each lap as riders grab opportunities, up until the chequered flag comes down. Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM was one the many riders who have scored the big deal at the 11th hour and ready for yet another round in Round 3 at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. It is not an easy feat but the UB150 race category riders have showcased persistence, resilience and never-ending determination to succeed. Among them, Nazirul serves as a great example. Last season, the Malaysian born rider took one win and two podiums throughout the season. Being among a large troop of highly competitive riders, the achievements are considered a huge success on the rider’s part although that only meant the 8th spot in the overall standings for him. Currently on the 4th spot in the overall standings, Nazirul made a stunning move in Race 2 of Round 2 at Sepang circuit when he barged ahead of the leading duo in less than a second before stealing the limelight. Commenting on the moment, Nazirul said, “I stayed focused at from the very beginning until the end of the race. With that, I was able to identify the right moment to strike and I did. It was a sweet success for me.” On UB150 race category, Nazirul added his views. He said, “The UB150 race category consists of highly- competitive riders from the Asian region. Therefore, I would say that they are equally on par. Everyone is a potential winner and that what makes it so exciting. It requires full attention – being consistent and being aware of the opportunities that requires immediate action. To me, I enjoy UB150 because it is action packed, all the way from the first lap till the last lap.” Nazirul has been one of the many riders in the UB150 race category who has showcased exemplary performances. He attributed his achievements to his team saying, “My team has been working very hard to ensure that all our riders are well-equipped in terms of machine. Our mechanic and crew have been diligent and constantly find newer approached to optimise the performance of the engine. I owe it to my team therefore, I always strive to do my best to make them proud.” For the race at Sugo, Nazirul said, “Last year, I made it third in Race 2. For the coming race, I will work on whatever I have learnt last season and put it to good use to make sure that I can obtain the best possible points to close the gaps with the ones above me. It will definitely be another nip and tuck battle but the team and I are ready to roll!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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