2023

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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MARKUS, FASTEST IN COMBINED PRACTICE

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

The roaring of the Asia Superbike 1000cc has begun at the Sepang International Circuit as riders gear up for Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Round 1 saw Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS HARC-PRO.HONDA.PH. making waves on the circuit consequently taking lead in the overall standings. During Practice Session 1 this morning, Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM seem to be more confident when emerged fastest when he marked it at 2’07:092s. Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of HONDA- ASIA DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA made the second fastest at 2’07:407s. At the third fastest, it was Passawit Thitivararak of ASTEMO SI RACING WITH THAI HONDA at 2’08:507s. In Practice 2, Markus kept up to the momentum and made it fastest once again at 2’06:848s. Haruki who took his time to get adjusted to the pace made it second fastest at 2’07:447s. It may not be a significant increase in speed for Zaqhwan however he made it third fastest at 2’07:719s. Markus seemed relentless in making the cut for today and in Practice 3, his pursuit landed him fastest at 2’05:849s. Following up closely was Zaqhwan who made his fastest lap time at 2’07:257s and Passawit at 2’07:327s. As a result, Markus claimed fastest for today’s session followed by Zaqhwan and Passawit in the second and third fastest spot respectively. Commenting on the session, Markus said, “First of all, I am happy to come back to Sepang as I am pretty comfortable with the circuit. The humidity may be a little difficult for me nevertheless, I enjoy riding here. We changed the machine a little compared to Buriram, we improved. In the first and second practice, I was already at the first position but I didn’t feel so good on the machine. We were far away from the lap time in 2020 so we worked on the setting and tested a few times for FP3. While we have made it this far, there are improvements to be done on the grip. We shall see how it will be tomorrow. The weather can be unpredictable so if it rains, it may be different.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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KIP IS KEEPING UP

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

The SuperSports 600cc is one of the most anticipated races among Asian fans and it has once again set a rhythm at the Sepang International Circuit in Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The battle gained quite a traction as Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM and Thailand’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND engaged in a heated feat in Round 1. Khairul didn’t seem to waste any time. Familiarity definitely gave him an advantage on the circuit. In Practice Session 1 earlier this morning, he made fastest at 2’10:439s followed by his teammate Md Helmi Azman who clocked in his fastest at 2’10:660s. Nakarin was close behind, third fastest at 2’10:804s. In Practice 2, Khairul went on at an enhanced speed and clocked in fastest at 2’09:864s while teammate Helmi and Azroy managed their fastest lap time at 2’10:652s and 2’10:764s respectively. BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM is definitely powered up for this round and is on a positive roll for the day. As Practice 3 went on, Khairul was completely in control and once again made it fastest. He clocked in at 2’09:894s. His teammates however switched position with Azroy logging in faster at 2’10:359s than Helmi who made his fastest at 2’10:424s. As a result, Khairul made it fastest for day followed by Azroy and Helmi. Commenting on the session, Khairul said, “To be honest, I did not have a very good feeling with the rear as I did not find the grip that I wanted. So, tomorrow, we will have to figure out a lot more on the rear and front to see where we can fine tune further. As for the circuit, it is pretty much the same as in Buriram. I am quite familiar with Sepang for sure especially with the mileage that I have obtained. I am well aware of the corners and the racing line, the braking point to name a few. So, I have a little more advantage here. The weather has been good and I am hoping that it would not rain tomorrow. If it does, it will impact my riding abilities but I will still do my best.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM GEARED UP

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

The Asia Production 250cc is always an eye-catcher in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In Round 1, Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM set a benchmark of excellence as he strode to a double victory despite the rising temperature. What would Sepang International Circuit hold for him? It was a great start for the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM boys as all three lined up ahead of the rest when they made the top three fastest during the Practice Session 1 this morning. Herjun Atna hit it at 2’24:072s followed by Rheza at 2’24:687s. The youngest in the team, Vega Eda Pratama made it third fastest at 2’25:338s proving that he is slick in his moves. In Practice Session 2, Herjun maintained his composure and made fastest with an improved lap time at 2’23:465s. However, at second fastest, Irfan Ardiansyah of MOTUL SNIPER MANUAL TECH clocked in at 2’23:505s. Rheza seemed to be still finding his pace nevertheless marked a slightly better time compared to the earlier session at 2’24:472s. By Practice 3, ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM seemed to have established an interesting pattern. Herjun once again made it fastest at 2’22:578s, followed by Rheza at 2’22:732s and Veda Ega at 2’23:240s. That wraps up for the day in the AP250 with Herjun at the top followed by Rheza and Veda in the combined result. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “Compared to Round 1, I have taken the approach to enjoy the race better. With the new settings as well, it gives me greater confidence when I am riding it. This is a manageable circuit and I have raced here a couple of times. The weather here is not that hot compared to Buriram hence I am hoping for a better outcome. However, I know that the weather can be quite unpredictable here in Malaysia. Rain or shine, I will give my best and enjoy the moments as much as I can.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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AKID CONFIDENT FOR RACE

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

The Underbone 150cc has picked up its pace for Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and being held at Sepang International Circuit, it may be of greater advantage to the Malaysian riders especially Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM, currently at the lead position. Nevertheless, the end result is often unforeseeable until it’s over. Looked like the Yamaha YZ15 ZR riders were on full form as they went on with the first free practice session for the day with Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM making it the fastest at 2’33:660s followed by Ahmad Fazli Sham of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM at 2’34:108s and Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC at 2’34:155s. In Practice 2, Akid emerged fastest when he clocked in his best time at 2’32:927s. Nazirul on the other hand made second fastest at 2’33:331s. At third fastest spot for the evening was Murobbil Vittoni of LPN H. PUTRA. 969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM who marked his best at 2’33:698s. As a conclusion, Akid made the fastest in the combined result followed by Nazirul and Murobbil at the second and third spot respectively. Commenting on the race, Akid said, “Today’s session has been really good compared to Round 1. In terms of engine, we have made quite a significant improvement, at least about 50%. I feel more confident with the handling now. For Super Pole, I don’t have high hopes but for the race, I am definitely hoping to be on the podium.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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