2023 Round 3

It gets bigger and more exciting with the TVS Asia One Make Championship of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and since its debut last season, it has unearthed hidden talents of numerous Asian riders. Among them, Piyawat Patoomyos of Thailand who has worked his moves in the last two rounds and eagerly awaits the challenge of Round 3 at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Formerly a rider from the AP250 race category, Piyawat ventured into TVS Asia this season to gain different exposure and experience. However, his move not only gave him a new insight but also garnered him a spot on the podium twice this season. He currently sits on the third spot overall with a total of 53 points. Last season, Piyawat made it 6th overall with three podiums throughout the season. Interestingly, it has been a good start for Piyawat this season and he has showcased his competitive side in TVS Asia race category. Commenting on the machine, Piyawat said, “There are many challenges when it comes to the machine although we have riders from the AP250 riding in the race category. The machine is undoubtedly more powerful since it is 310cc but it is fun to ride it. The manoeuvring is much easier but of course, it takes time to get used to the machine.” From being in a team and into a one-make race category, there are other circumstances to consider. According to Piyawat, “The difference is that, we cannot adjust or change anything in regards to the machine as soon as we want it to. Of course, all decisions are regulated to ensure that the standards are not compromised. Nevertheless, being in a one-make championship, we learn to adapt and support each other in the best way we can.” Last season, Piyawat made quite the impression at the Sugo circuit when he took the third place in Race 1. Although it was his first time just like any other ARRC riders, Piyawat was able to make impactful decisions that landed him on the podium. Although he didn’t make it top three in Race 2, he said, “The Sugo circuit is quite an exhilarating one and I enjoyed myself there last season. The pros and cons are part and parcel of riding. I am yet to discover what the circuit holds for me this time around. My assumption is that, it would be highly competitive just like Round 1 and 2. What fun would it be if it is not, right?” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Riveting as it may seem, the TVS Asia One Make Championship of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship gets more competitive each round and riders may just need to buckle up further to make the ride worth the shot. For Ramdan Rosli, it is a different kind of exhilaration and Round 3 at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course may be just the boost he needs for another round of success. The Malaysian rider who rode in the SS600 race category last season embarked on a brand-new experience with TVS Asia this season and showcased robust moves from the very beginning. However, while luck was not on his side in Round 1 when he was declared “DNF”, he nailed it at Sepang circuit with a double-shot on the podium including a win. He said, “Sepang is one of my favourite tracks. I gave my best for my home race and found my way to victory in Race 2. It was literally making up for the unfortunate incident at Chang circuit in Round 1. Although I made it third once in the SS600 race category at Buriram, the issues with the machine the other day hampered my moves and I could not finish the race.” “For the race at Sepang though, I kept my faith and was off to a good start during that weekend. I made good lap time during the free practices and made it to the pole position during the qualifying session which gave me a booster during the race. With the achievements that day, I am more confident with my performances and hope to be consistent throughout the season.” Ramdan was seen flawlessly cruising on the machine at Sepang, taking lead while also putting the right amount pressure to maintain his position. Speaking about the TVS Apache RR310 machine, Ramdan said, “I have never ridden a 310cc machine before this. For me, there is definitely a huge difference compared to a 600cc machine. Personally though, I enjoy the rider on the TVS Apache and it opens up a whole new experience for me. It is definitely a move to a wider learning curve. I have also picked up on different riding styles which is crucial in complementing the capacities of the machine.” For the upcoming race, Ramdan went on to say, “Sugo is a technical track and one of the toughest I would say. But, lucky for me, I enjoy riding on a technical circuit. Of course, there will be challenges as this would be my first attempt with the TVS machine on the circuit but I have to move quickly from the very beginning of the practice to identify the right settings for the machine. The aim is to repeat my successes I achieved at Sepang and to do that, I will have to be completely focused.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com