2023 Round 4

STATEMENT: HARUKI NOGUCHI

2023, 2023 Round 4, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Dated 17th August 2023, in honour of Haruki Noguchi’s family and team who have requested for a moment of privacy to mourn their loss. It is with great sadness that we report the demise of Haruki Noguchi after three days of intensive treatment at the Public Hospital of Nusa Tenggara Barat. During Round 4 of the FIM Asia Road Championship, 2023 that was held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Haruki was critically injured following an incident at Turn 10, Lap 4 of the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category. The 22-year-old rider immediately received medical attention at the circuit’s Medical Centre before being transferred to the local hospital. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Haruki sadly succumbed to his injuries on 16 August 2023 at 1740H. The FIM Asia President and its Board of Directors, Two Wheels Motor Racing and the FIM Asia Road Racing family extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Haruki Noguchi. – FIM Asia

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT FIM ASIA

2023, 2023 Round 4, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

During Round 4 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, an incident occurred at turn 10 involving rider, Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS Harc-Pro. Honda. Ph. Following that, the Asia Superbike 1000cc has been cancelled to prioritise the medical situation of the rider involved. The rider was treated at the track medical centre and stabilised. He has been transferred to the local hospital for further treatment. Haruki’s situation will be updated accordingly in due course. We wish for your kind support and prayers for the speedy recovery of our rider! FIM Asia Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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YAMAHA BAGS VICTORY

2023, 2023 Round 4, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SuperSports 600cc went on to showcase yet another exhilarating performance at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN was extraordinary in his showmanship in Race 2 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Yesterday was a good day for the Boon Siew Honda Racing Team when they swept the two top spots on the podium. Azroy who steadily took control and lead throughout 9 laps was failed by the tires of his machine, gradually losing pace. Helmi grabbed the opportunity to rise with Khairul injecting as much pressure to take lead. At the last turn, Khairul missed out on his moves giving Helmi an added advantage to speed up towards the finish line. In today’s race, Helmi was pumped up when he took charge, immediately taking lead at P1 with Soichiro at P2 momentarily before Adenanta took over. With the race shortened to 8-laps, riders had to make quick decisions to strike. By the end of lap 2, Adenanta closed the gap with Helmi and moved over to the lead position. Meanwhile, Nakarin at P4 inched closer to Soichiro and before the lap ended, succeeded into P3. By then, Adenanta was seen fleeing ahead with a gap of 0.4s from Helmi. Nakarin at P3 began injecting pressure onto Helmi while Soichiro tried to close his gap with Nakarin. By mid- race, Helmi, losing his pace was succeeded by Nakarin and Soichiro leaving Helmi at P4. With another two laps to go, Adenanta lost his pace and Soichiro bagged the opportunity to take lead while Nakarin managed his pace at P2. The Yamaha rider seemed confident as he went on with another lap with the Honda riders trailing to strike. Soichiro however remained focused as he drew up gap. The battle continued though between Nakarin and Adenanta but the former was not about to budge from his position. As Soichiro took one last turn towards victory, Nakarin and Adenanta made their way into second and third positions respectively. Celebrating his first win for the season, Soichiro marked his first win for the season at 13’15:649s. Commenting on the race, Soichiro said, “Today’s race was only 8-laps and it was tough. We any issues with the rear tires and I was able to keep a good pace until the final lap. We know we were strong and I waited till the last two laps to push further. So, finally I managed to win. I am extremely happy and I want to thank the team and all the Yamaha supporters.” Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand took second at 13’16:154s. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM’s Mohammad Adenanta Putra took the third place at 13’16:291s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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1-2 FOR ASTRA HONDA

2023, 2023 Round 4, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

It was a strong presentation by the Indonesians in the Asia Production 250cc race category. Emerging consistent and relentless was Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who swiped another win today in Race 2 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Race 1 witnessed a battle between Honda, Yamaha and the Kawasaki riders in the first few laps before Herjun finally found his footing at the lead position. While Faerozi and Aldi fought their battle, Rheza broke into P2 and picked up speed to compete with his teammate. Nevertheless, it was futile. Herjun was on his way to victory when Rheza faced rivalry from Aldi and Wahyu, submitting to defeat. Today’s race began with Herjun and Aldi sprinting ahead. Aldi however managed to take lead at turn one for a moment before Kiandra made his move into P1. By lap 2, Kiandra picked up speed with Muklada injecting intense pressure from the back. Before the lap ended, Aldi who took a spot on the podium yesterday fell. Muklada found her way into P1 with Wahyu at P2. Before lap 2 ended, Rhezamoved into P3 while Aiki took P4. The AP250 race category seemed more vigorous this time around with the additional wildcard riders adding on to the pressure. The exchange of positions was intense but Muklada seemed confident as she went on to hold the position. By mid-race however, Herjun began working his magic and emerged at P1. He immediately picked up speed and drew a wide gap with the troop trailing behind. His teammate, Rheza moved next in line at P3 while Kawasaki Ninja rider, Aiki managed his pace at P3 before Wahyu took over. With another 2 laps to go, Herjun was comfortably gliding away while the heated battle continued between Rheza, Wahyu and Aiki. Wahyu succeeded Rheza before the Kawasaki boys took over P3 and P4 at the final lap. Seconds before the race ended, Rheza and Irfan fought a good battle before Rheza flaunted his mastery at the last turn, sprinting ahead towards the second spot on the podium. Herjun made it with flying colours at 18’03:881s. With this victory, ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM celebrated the overall team champion. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “In the beginning, it was not so good. I hit another rider and that made me lose my position. But I believed in myself and I had a good pace here so I took a step-by-step approach to move upstream into P1. Eventually, I managed to make a gap. With that, I was able to stay focus and continue to race without much pressure.” Teammate, Rheza Danica Ahrens took the second place at 18’06:321s. Irfan Ardiansyah of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing came in third at 18’06:367s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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INDONESIAN POWER AT MANDALIKA

2023, 2023 Round 4, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The Underbone 150cc is a test of mastery and the Asian riders have never failed to showcase excellence in their showmanship. Arai Agaska Dibani Laksana of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team today emerged as winner in Race 2, Round 4 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Yesterday witnessed the rush of adrenaline among its riders as they fumbled between positions to take lead. Striking among them were Nazirul and Akid. While Nazirul played the strategy of maintaining position and momentum among the front troop, Akid took a different approach of making a grand entrance from the back troop. At the final lap, the duo entangled in a battle of speed as they raced towards the finish line. Today’s race saw Aditya picking up speed and moving ahead of the troop at the first turn with the other riders lining up in a long straight line, waiting for the right moment to strike. By the third lap, Race 1 winner who was in the back troop made his way into the top 5 but strikingly impressive were Husni Zainul and Fazrul Sham who maintained their top 2 positions for two laps. Nazirul played smart as he utilised his strength and strategy to move up into P3 by the end of lap 6. Wildcard rider, Husni did not budge. However, the UB150 race category, as tricky as it can be, saw changes as the 7th lap ended. Fazrul made it into P1 followed by Arai at P2 and Gupita at P3. With another two laps to go, the riders went on a wild chase and exchanged positions once again. At the final lap, ONEXOX rider, Shafiq took lead for a moment before one last chase down the circuit. As the race grew intense, Nazirul and Arai entangled in one last heated battle for P1. At the last turn, the duo emerged ahead of the riders at a close contact and barged towards the finish line. Local Indonesian rider, Arai Agaska took the win at 15’37:299s. Commenting on the race, Arai said, “I thank Pak Haji Putra for gifting me this wildcard opportunity. For that reason, I did not want to disappoint the team. It was a tough battle with many extremely good riders and I could only do my best. I am very happy with the win today.” At the second spot was Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team, clocking it at 15’37.299s Third place went to Husni Zainul of ZIEAR ARL RACING at 15’37:355s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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DOUBLE WIN FOR JAPANESE

2023, 2023 Round 4, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has seen the rise and fall of highly impressive riders in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Today, Hiroki Ono of Japan hit the jackpot with a double- win when he victoriously glided towards the finish line in Race 2 of Round 4 held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. In yesterday’s race, Hiroki dominated the circuit from the start to completion. The real battle was seen between Ramdan and Decky who were competing aggressively to take the next position in line in the first few laps. In the heat of the moment, Taiyo added on to the pressure before Decky lost his chances. As Hiroki went on to form a huge gap, Ramdan and Taiyo fought one last battle in the final lap before speeding towards the finish line. Today’s race began with Hiroki sprinting ahead of the troop and taking lead once again. Behind him was Ramdan at P2 and Vorapong at P3. Before the lap ended, Vorapong took a shot ahead of Ramdan for a moment before they switched positions into lap 2. Meanwhile, Indonesian rider Decky was finding his pace at P4 followed by Taiyo at P5. As the race progressed, Hiroki began opening up gap with Ramdan. Vorapong tried to close the gaps with Ramdan but the latter stayed focused and glided on confidently. By mid-race, Hiroki was once again at a far distance with a gap of 1.186s. The battle heated up between Ramdan and Vorapong, both with the aim of taking the next spot on the podium but Ramdan stayed within the racing lines, careful not to make any mistakes. Vorapong was seen finding for a loop-hole to slide ahead of Ramdan. With two more laps to go, Hiroki has drawn a 2.778s gap with Ramdan. Decky remained at P4 while Rusman moved into P5. Before the lap ended, Ramdan managed to pull away from Vorapong’s force as he picked up speed while Taiyo took back P5. By then, Hiroki was on his way to earning a double win. In a twist of fate, Ramdan’s machine that gave way towards the last turn opened up a pathway for Vorapong. In that moment, Vorapong struck and glided towards P2 at the finish line. Hiroki Ono completed the race with a 5-second gap at 14’03:365s and with a new lap record at 1’44:651s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “I am so happy today to have made a new lap record at 44. But Race 2 was very easy for me as I began pushing 100% from the start. With that, I managed to draw a fine gap ahead of the troop. This weekend started difficult for me to be honest but I changed some settings and also my riding techniques which helped me during the qualifying session. I am very happy and thanks to the TVS Team as well as my Japanese fans and sponsors.” At second, Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand clocked in at 14’08:408s. Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia made third at 14’08:971s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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MALAYSIAN MARVEL AT MANDALIKA

2023, 2023 Round 4, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SuperSports 600cc went on swiftly today with the Asian riders bidding for a victorious spot but standing tall among them was Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team who emerged with a win in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. In the morning during the qualifying session, the Boon Siew Honda Racing Team trio took the front row on the grid with Helmi Azman at the pole position after scoring the fastest lap time at 1’37:785s followed by Azroy Hakeem Anuar with his best lap time at 1’38:293s and Khairul Idham Pawi at 1’38:319s. It was an awesome start for the Boon Siew team and with the flag off, Azroy went on a flying start into P1 while Khairul took the opportunity to take P2. At P3 and P4, it was a heated battle between pole man and Fadillah Arbi and by the end of lap 2, Helmi superseded Fadillah. Into the third lap, Helmi moved in closer to his teammates and the trio began drawing up a slight gap with the contender on the chase. As the Boon Siew boys went on with confidence and consistency, Soichiro began to threaten Helmi. Nevertheless, Helmi was not to be shaken. He picked up speed and went ahead of Khairul. Soichiro in the heat of the moment made a quick move and sled ahead of Khairul just for a moment before the latter moved back into P3. Meanwhile, ONEXOX rider, Keito Abe who began at P7 found his pace as he moved into P4 before the end of lap 4. With three more laps to go, the Boon Siew boys have positioned themselves strongly ahead of the troop with Azroy leading, steadily. Before the 8th lap ended, Khairul made an impressive move ahead of Helmi. But the highly competitive trio were adamant to be the best. Into the 9th lap, Helmi overtook Khairul before going for Azroy. At the final lap, Helmi overtook Azroy who began facing technical issues with his machine. He went on to take speed with Khairul at P2 and Soichiro at P3. Azroy was out of the equation but his teammates were on their way towards a glorious finish. Helmi clocked in his best at 16’32:170s. Commenting on the race, Helmi said, “It was a great job by the team who has prepared an excellent machine. I was not very comfortable yesterday but I am truly grateful that I was able to do great today. It was a really hot day today and the race was tough partly because of the weather. In the beginning, I tried not to push too much to manage the tires. Also, with the experience from yesterday, we have a flat tire, twice so I tried to control the pace today. It was not until the last two laps that I pushed further and I am very satisfied for today’s win.” Khairul Idham Pawi took the second spot on the podium at 16’32:654s. Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN made it third at 16’33:445s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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IMPRESSIVE INDONESIAN

2023, 2023 Round 4, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

It was a highly competitive feat, the Asia Production 250cc race category with aggressive riders moving on full force to gain victory. Nevertheless, the mark of excellence is meant for only one and it belonged to Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. During the qualifying session that was held earlier this morning, Herjun Atna of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM took pole position at 1’47:258s. Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Team made it to the second spot on the grid at 1’47:479s followed by Aldi Satya Mahendra of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia took the third spot on the grid at 1’47:561s. It was a great start for Herjun before Aldi overtook him at turn one. At P3 was Kawasaki Ninja rider, Aiki Iyoshi, appearing strongly before superseding the duo ahead of him into P1. Herjun seemed to have lost his momentum for a moment but find his footing once again before taking lead towards the end of lap 2 with Faerozi close behind and Aldi at P3. By the end of lap 3, Herjun has picked up speed and drawn a gap of 0.9 seconds. As Herjun went on to create an impossible gap, Aldi overtook Faerozi. At P4, Wahyu tried to close the gaps with Faerozi as Rheza moved into P5. The current championship lead, while he managed to move into P4 from P7, he seemed to be struggling with his momentum as Wahyu inched closer, placing immense pressure. With another four laps to go, Herjun was speeding way ahead of the troop. In that moment, Rheza found the opportunity to strike and he crossed the two riders ahead into P2. By then, Rheza was seen picking up speed and he went on a chase to close the gaps with his teammate. The three robust Yamaha riders behind him went on to pump in pressure. With two more laps to go, the ASTRA HONDA riders were determined to make the best in their home- ground. Rheza embraced the continuous pressure as he guarded his position. At the final lap, Herjun was on his way towards victory but his teammate began feeling the intensity. At the last turn, Rheza gave in to the challenge as the two Yamaha riders moved ahead into P2 and P3 before claiming the spots on the podium. Herjun Atna Firdaus madfe an impressive finish at 17’59:708s. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “In the beginning of the race, I tried to manage my tire but at the same time, I enjoyed the race and went on a good speed to ensure that there is a comfortable gap between me and the rider behind me. It was a good race to be honest, taking the win at my home- circuit. There is another race tomorrow so, will keep my fingers crossed.” Teammates Aldi Satya Mahendra and Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA Racing Indonesian made it second and third at 18’00:278s and 18’00:762s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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NAZIRUL CONQUERED MANDALIKA

2023, 2023 Round 4, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

It is all about expecting the unexpected in the Underbone 150cc race category. Today, Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team made a fantastic finish when he barged in victoriously in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. During the Shoot-Out session earlier this morning, Gupita Kresna of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team clocked in fastest at 1’55:116s, giving him the added advantage as the pole man. At second spot on the grid was Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC who marked his best at 1’55:407s while Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team took the third spot on the grid at 1’55:550s. As soon as the race started, Gupita took lead at the first turn but seconds into the race, the riders exchanged positions before the first lap ended with Wahyu Aji at P1 followed by wildcard rider Aditya at P2 and John at P3. The feisty race category went on with riders, slip-streaming to progress ahead of their nearest contenders. With a wide circuit, the challenge was much greater with more opportunities for riders to strike. By mid-race and between changes of positions among riders, Nazirul Izzat who currently is leading on the overall standings emerged to the lead position followed by Haziq and Lombokian rider, Arai Agaska. While the UB150 race category is undeniably tricky, the most important skill is to maintain position among the front troop. By the end of lap 6, Nazirul emerged at the lead position once again. The Malaysian lad has been smart in his moves as he worked his strategy. With one more lap to go, Aditya took lead but Akid emerged out of nowhere into the front troop. At the last turn, Nazirul moved from the inside and took lead with Akid chasing furiously. Aiming to slip stream, it was a close bet between Nazirul and Akid with both clocking in at 15’36:338s. Commenting on the race, Nazirul said, “I am extremely happy with the win today. It was truly a tough one especially at the last turn, knowing that another rider was close behind. Nevertheless, I am glad that my strategy worked today. It was all about being among the front troop and maintaining the momentum. There is another race to go tomorrow and so we shall see how that goes.” Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC took the second spot. At the third place was John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team at 15’36:675s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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JAPANESE VICTORIOUS IN MANDALIKA

2023, 2023 Round 4, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has never failed to create a fulfilling experience for both its riders and fans. This time around at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Hiroki Ono of Japan awed his fans and audience when he emerged with a win in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. During the qualifying session earlier, Hiroki Ono added on the pole position to his advantage when he clocked in the fastest lap time at 1’45:113s. He said, “I improved a little bit from the FP sessions yesterday because I did some changes to the settings. But let’s see how it goes during the race.” Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia took the second spot on the grid in preparation for the race at 1’45:465s followed by Taiyo Saito of Japan at 1’45:731s. Taking the lead at the very beginning was Hiroki Ono followed by Ramdan at P2. As the race picked up, Ramdan switched positions with Decky for a moment at the end of lap 2. As Hiroki went on to dominate the circuit ahead of the troop, the battle continued between Ramdan and Decky with Vorapong trailing close behind. Muzakkir who started at the ninth spot on the grid closed up the gaps and moved into P5. By mid-race, Hiroki was leading with a 3.8s gap. Meanwhile, Decky overtook Ramdan but the latter furiously chased to close the gaps. Vorapong seemed to have lost his momentum before Taiyo took over P4. With a bold move, Taiyo then sled ahead of Decky and Ramdan from the outside. With another 3 laps to go, Hiroki has drawn up a huge gap with the troop behind while Ramdan found a loop hole from the inside before superseding Taiyo. At the final lap, it was all about keeping up with the momentum for Hiroki as he sailed towards victory. Behind him, the battle continued between Taiyo who by then overtook Ramdan. Vorapong moved into P4. The chase was heated up as Ramdan tried to challenge Taiyo. Taiyo however was resistant to pressure as he picked up speed and raced towards the second spot on the podium. Hiroki celebrated victory at 14’07:383s with a gap of 7.3s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “As the race began, I pushed 100% and in the middle of the race, I made sure that I kept a distance with the troop behind. It was not very easy and I have to keep the tires for Race 2. I foresee that it would be much tougher tomorrow. Overall, I am very happy to be back here and join the team for yet another excellent challenge.” At the second spot was fellow countrymen, Taiyo Saito who clocked in at 14’14:735s. Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia took the third place with his best time at 14’14:991s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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