2023

MIND-BLOWING STRATEGY

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

It was a no-shocker in the Asia Production 250cc when Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM charged towards the chequered flag ahead of the rest for an impressive win in Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course this evening. During the Qualifying session that was carried out in the morning, Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia marked the fastest lap time at 1’39:078s giving him the additional boost needed for the race. At second fastest was Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM at 1’39:097s followed by Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand at the third place with the lap time of 1’39:270s. Faerozi was off to an awesome start from the pole position however seconds into the race, Rheza grabbed P1 from him while teammates Muklada and Jakkreephat moved into P2 and P3 respectively. Mid lap 2, Irfan Ardiansyah found the opportunity to strike and immediately took P3. While it was not surprising of Rheza to makes waves once again at the circuit, female rider Muklada was quite a stunner at Sugo. She was relentless as she went on a chase to bring Rheza down. Meanwhile at P4 and P5 teammates Herjun and Veda made it past Jakkreephat and began pressuring Irfan. By the end of lap 5, Veda succeeded. The trio was left battling for a better position as duo, Rheza and Muklada fled ahead with neither distraction or pressure from the troop. By end of lap 7, Aiki closed his gap with teammate and moved in P5 before overtaking Herjun. With another 3 laps to go, Rheza began working his magic as he drew wider gap with Muklada. At the final lap, it was almost impossible for Muklada to make her moves. Rheza was on his way to yet another victory and clocked in at 19’58:348s. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “After the practice sessions yesterday, we have achieved quite a good lap time so we were aware of our strengths and the capacities of the machine. During the race, I was able to manage my rhythm well and I avoided making mistakes on each lap. I know that Muklada was right behind me at each lap but I kept my focus on creating some gap towards the last few laps. For the remaining rounds of the season, I aim to give my best shot even though there have been some changes after the RPM cut. It definitely will require more work but I will do my best.” Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand took the second spot on the podium at 20’00:396s. Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made it third at 20’00:456s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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STRIKING IT RIGHT

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

Easily deceivable, the Underbone 150cc race category with a trademark of long trailing riders is one that is not to be missed in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Today, it was a day to celebrate for Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team when he made a grand finish in Race 1 of Round 3 at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Earlier this morning, the Super Pole session saw 15 riders working on their lap time to add the pole position to their advantage and among them M Murobbil Vittoni of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team made the cut with the best lap time at 1’46:401s. Taking the second spot on the grid was Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team who clocked in at 1’47:097s followed by Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY Racing at the third spot on the grid at 1’47:468s. The race began with Wahyu taking lead as the troop furiously trailed behind. But seconds before the end of lap 1, ONEXOX TKKR riders, Hafiza and Shafiq Rasol made it into P1 and P2. By mid of lap 2, Shazras took lead before Gupita and Nazirul emerged in the first two positions. By the end of lap 3, Nazirul made it to P1 with Gupita and Wawan close behind. It was opportunity waiting to be struck and riders were on a constant lookout as they trailed on through the laps. By mid-race, Wawan took lead shortly before Haziq overtook. Wawan was seen managing his pace at P2 while Nazirul kept at P3 before striking Wawan. By the end of lap 7, Nazirul was leading followed closely by teammate Haziq at P2. The exchange of positions went on among the riders but the trio maintained their momentum well at the top three positions. With one more lap to go, the robust riders went on for one last push. After the last corner and going uphill, it was battle between Wahyu and Nazirul and in a stiff exchange, Nazirul slipstreamed his way into victory at 18’03:880s. Commenting on the race, Nazirul said, “I am truly grateful for the win today. During the race earlier, everyone was at their best. It was a huge battle among all of us. I stayed focused and tried to get ahead. I utilised the strategies to ensure that I stayed among the front troop. As a rider with a teammate, I always try to help out in whichever way I could and the sign language earlier was an indication to him to strategise.” At the second spot was Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY Racing, clocking in at 18’03:975s. Gupita Kresna Wardhana of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team made his best at 18’04:411s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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JAPAN MADE PROUD

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

Riding aboard the TVS Apache 310 machine, the riders of the TVS Asia One Make Championship put on their best performance to dominate Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Standing tall with victory in hand was Hiroki Ono of Japan. The day at the circuit began with the Qualifying session of the race category. Hiroko Ono of Japan went on to amaze audience with his remarkable lap time of 1’37:772s which consequently secured him the pole position. At the second fastest spot was Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia with his best time at 1’39:378s. Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia made the third fastest at 1’39:402s. As soon as the race started, Japanese lad, Hiroki took lead at the first turn with Deck close behind at P2 and Ramdan at P3. Before the lap ended, the red flag was waved due to a casualty involving Chiranth of India. The race continued shortly after with a reduced number of laps and this time, Muzakkir took lead at the first turn followed by Decky and Ramdan. Before the end of the race, Hiroki stole P1 and went on full-throttle. By mid of lap 2, Hiroki has drawn a gap of 0.8s from Muzakkir. Meanwhile, Ramdan who was at P4 broke into P3 in lap 3 and Decky maintained his speed to avoid Ramdan’s moves. Into the fourth lap, Hiroki was way ahead of the troop with a 3.813s gap. With two more laps to go, Ramdan was pressuring relentlessly from behind but Decky was careful not to slip. By then, Muzakkir has lost his chances of moving into the top 3. With one more lap to go, Hiroki was gloriously speeding ahead towards victory. The battle went on between Decky and Ramdan but the former was determined to bag the second spot. Ramdan refused to give up and went on to chase Decky down but the latter confidently glided to the chequered flag ahead first. Hiroki Ono clocked in at 9’53:668s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “So the race was awesome. I kept focusing on and monitoring the riders trailing me. For me, it was an easy feat furthermore with only 6 laps. It did not strain me physically and mentally. But, there is another race tomorrow and I am certainly looking forward to it.” Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia made it second on the podium at 9’59:457s. Malaysian rider, Md Ramdan Rosli took the third spot at 9’59:830s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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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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OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: ROUND 5 OF ARRC RESCHEDULED

2023, 2023 Round 5, Latest News /

Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Zhuhai International Circuit will be held on 3rd – 5th November 2023. Commenting on the change of date, Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) said, “ARRC will take place at Zhuhai International Circuit as promised but on a later date due to unavoidable restrictions imposed by the government. We assure that the change of date will not affect the essence of the championship as we look forward to continue enriching the experiences of our teams and riders.” On behalf of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship community, we would like to take the opportunity to thank all parties involved in accommodating us with the changes. A special thank you to our sponsors, the teams, riders and government agencies as well as our community who continue to support us in realising our mission and goals. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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