2024 Round 1

MARKUS HOT ON WHEELS

2024, 2024 Round 1, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The Chang International Circuit reverberated with the thunderous roar of engines as the Asia Superbike  1000cc category kicked off with Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The  practice sessions provided a thrilling preview of the intense battles to come, with Markus Reiterberger  from TKKR BMW Racing Team back to top the Practice Session.  In Practice 1, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing Team set the pace with an impressive  lap time of 1:35.421s, closely followed by his teammate Markus at 1:35.560s and Nakarin  Atiratphuvapat from Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo showcased his speed when he clocked in  at 1:35.601s, rounding out the top three.  Practice 2 saw Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman maintain his dominance with the fastest lap time at  1:35.443s, while Yuki Kunii from SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. demonstrated his prowess with a  strong performance at 1:35.487s. Meanwhile, Markus secured the third spot at 1:35.589s.  The race intensified in Practice 3 as Markus stormed to the top of the timesheets with the fastest lap  time at 1:35.411s, signaling his intent to defend his overall championship title. Despite facing challenges  with his bike, Markus found the right setup, setting the stage for an exciting Qualifying session tomorrow.  The combined practice results revealed the top contenders in the field starting with Markus of at  1:35.411s followed by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman at 1:35.421s and Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia Dream Racing with Astemo at 1:35.456s.  Markus said “I have to push harder to be on the top as all the riders are very fast and it will not be an  easy task for sure. Azlan is very strong, not forgetting Andi and other Honda riders, as well as Hafizh  Syahrin who displayed a drastic improvement with his Ducati bike. As for the machine, I am trying out  new engine and some parts, so hopefully will be able to adapt to it in shortest time possible.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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APIWATH MAKING WAVES

2024, 2024 Round 1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The excitement was palpable as the Chang International Circuit played host to the opening round of the  IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, featuring the intense battles of the Supersports 600cc  category. Practice sessions saw Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASIA  pushing the limits, setting the stage for a weekend filled with adrenaline-fueled racing. In Practice 1, Apiwath stormed to the top of the leaderboard with a blistering lap time of 1:38.902s,  showcasing his speed and skill on the track. Rheza Danica Ahrens from ASTRA HONDA RACING  TEAM with his best lap time of 1:39.514s and Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew  Honda Racing Team at 1:39.570s were also impressive with their performances, securing the second  and third positions, respectively.  Practice 2 witnessed Apiwath maintaining his momentum, reaffirmed his dominance with another  impressive lap time at 1:38.898s. Azroy Hakeem Anuar from IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team  showcased his consistency, securing the second spot at 1:39.283s, followed closely by Muhammad  Helmi Azman at 1:39.366s.  The intensity reached new heights in Practice 3 as Azroy Hakeem Anuar delivered a stellar  performance, clinching the top spot with the fastest lap time at 1:39.419s. Mohammad Adenanta Putra  from ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM showcased his skill with the best lap time at 1:39.524s, securing  the second position, while Apiwath rounded out the top three at 1:39.555s.  As the combined practice results were unveiled, Apiwath came out fastest for the day with his best lap  time at 1:38.898s. Azroy who clocked the best lap time of 1:39.283s in Practice 2 and Muhammad Helmi  Azman too recorded 1:39.366s in Practice 2 showcased their consistency, securing the second and  third positions, respectively, setting the stage for an electrifying battle in the upcoming races.  Apiwath said “I am happy with the result for today, and I will try more new parts on my bike tomorrow  and see how it goes. For sure, it will be better in the race. Besides that, the weather is very hot and the  track temperature hit 70 degrees Celsius, but I learned how to keep the tyre at minimal consumption. I  am quite confident for this round, Although I must admit that the Honda riders are very fast, but we will  figure out a way for a better performance tomorrow.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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FAEROZI, IMPRESSIVE 

2024, 2024 Round 1, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The Asia Production 250cc category brought the heat to Round 1 practice sessions at the opening of  the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Round 1 held at Chang International Circuit,  Buriram, Thailand, with riders showcasing their speed and skill across three intense sessions.  In Practice 1, the track came alive with Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM leading  the pack with a blazing lap time of 1:52.490s. Cao Viet Nam from Honda Racing Vietnam Team made  it second at 1:52.847s followed by Muhammad Kiandra Ramadhipa of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM  at 1:53.122s, setting the stage for a fiercely contested session. In Practice 2, Cao Viet Nam asserted his dominance, topping the timesheets with an impressive lap  time of 1:52.047s. Muhammad Faerozi Toreqotullah from YAMAHA Racing Indonesia who clocked his  best lap time of 1:52.047s and Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech at 1:52.759s demonstrated their  speed and skill, securing the second and third spots respectively.  As soon as Practice 3 started, Faerozi showcased his prowess with a sensational lap time of 1:51.015s,  solidifying his position as a front runner. Besides Faerozi, Kiandra and Herjun continued to impress with  fastest lap time at 1:52.191s and 1:52.444s respectively, rounding out the top three with strong  performances.  The combined practice results revealed the true contenders in the field. Faerozi emerged fastest overall,  setting an impressive benchmark with his stellar performance. Cao Viet Nam and Muhammad Kiandra  Ramadhipa closely trailed behind, ensuring a thrilling battle for pole position in tomorrow’s Qualifying  session.  Faerozi said “I am happy with my performance today session by session. As you can see, I finished fifth  in Practice 1, then placed second in Practice 2 and got first place in Practice 3, in which the progress is  positive. To me all riders are threats as it was pretty hard to fight for the top position in each Practice  session. I will think of the best strategy to achieve the best result.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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GUPITA, STRONG AT CHANG

2024, 2024 Round 1, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The opening practice sessions of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Round 1 kicked  off with an electrifying display of skill and speed at Chang International Circuit at Buriram, Thailand  earlier today. As the riders geared up for the Underbone 150cc category, the competition heated up with  each passing lap, setting the stage for an adrenaline-fueled weekend.  In Practice 1, Gupita Kresna Wardhana of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team emerged as the fastest  rider, setting a blistering pace with a time of 2:00.841s. Following closely behind was Fahmi Basam  from YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team, just seconds behind at 2:00.882s. Ahmad Fazrul  Sham of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC rounded out the top three with a time of  2:01.030s.  Practice 2 saw a shakeup in the standings, with M. Murobbil Vittoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969  INDONESIA Racing Team claiming the top spot with a time of 2:00.914s. Despite facing some  challenges, Ahmad Fazrul Sham maintained his competitive edge, securing the second-fastest time at  2:01.201s. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill, also from CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC,  showcased his skill with a time of 2:01.294s, rounding out the top three. However, it was not without drama, as Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin, the defending Champion,  encountered bike issues during Practice 2. Despite this setback, Nazirul demonstrated resilience,  rejoining the track and battling for position until the final lap. In a thrilling finish, Ahmad Fazrul Sham  and Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill managed to overtake Nazirul, securing second and third place  respectively, while Nazirul settled for fourth.  The combined fastest lap times from Practice 1 and Practice 2 further highlight the fierce competition  in the Underbone 150cc category. Gupita Kresna Wardhana maintained his dominance, topping the  charts with a time of 2:00.841s from Practice 1, closely followed by Fahmi Basam at 2:00.882s from  Practice 1 followed by M. Murobbil Vittoni at 2:00.914s from Practice 2.  Gupita said, “I was rather pleased during Practice 1 today as I achieved a commendable lap time.  However, in practice 2, my engine encountered some troubles, thus preventing me from replicating the  same lap time as in Practice 1. Nevertheless, I am looking ahead to tomorrow’s qualifying, superpole,  and the race. I am committed to putting in the hard work necessary to secure a top position. Hopefully,  I can clinch the podium in race 1.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HIROKI, HEATING IT UP 

2024, 2024 Round 1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS ASIA One Make Championship kicked off Round 1 in exhilarating fashion at Chang  International Circuit at Buriram, Thailand today treating spectators to a mesmerizing display of talent  and tenacity during the practice session of IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.  In Practice 1, the competition was intense as Mohd Ramdan Rosli set the early pace with a blistering  lap time of 1:50.130, closely followed by Sarthak Chavan and Md Muzakkir Mohamed, who  demonstrated their determination and talent with lap times of 1:50.134 and 1:50.322 respectively. The  competition was fierce, with each rider pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of perfection.  As the day progressed into Practice 2, the excitement only intensified. Hiroki Ono seized the spotlight,  storming to the top of the leaderboard with an electrifying lap time of 1:49.539. Sarthak Chavan  continued to impress, securing the second spot with a time of 1:49.702, while Md Muzakkir Mohamed  displayed unwavering consistency with a time of 1:50.293.  The combined practice results painted a picture of intense rivalry and razor-thin margins. Hiroki Ono  appeared as the fastest overall, his stellar performance cementing his status as a formidable contender.  Sarthak Chavan and Mohd Ramdan Rosli closely trailed behind, their determination evident in every  lap.  Hiroki said “Today in Practice 1, my engine broke and I had a big crash at turn 4. My bike was badly  damaged and my body hurts. I rode more carefully in Practice 2. It was positive to finish at the top on  the first day, and I was able to set a faster time than last year. I want to improve my time even further in  tomorrow’s qualifying. But for now, I will try to recover my body as much as possible for the qualifying  round.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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THIS WEEKEND AT CHANG

2024, 2024 Round 1, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The roar of the Asia Superbike 1000cc is getting louder as riders march their way to a weekend of fast and fury at Chang International Circuit for the season opener of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Blue-eye boy of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team, Markus Reiterberger was on a roll last season, with multiple back-to-back victories that landed him the champion title with a staggering 250.5 points to his name. Surprisingly though, with so many wins in a season, he unfortunately failed to carve himself a hat-trick but that’s probably not a big deal for the German lad who clearly was more adamant in bagging the golden spot at the grand finale, which he did, rightfully. Round 1 last year at Chang may have been just a navigating phase, trying to figure out the riding patterns however he definitely seemed to have decoded the game from Round 2 onwards as he went on to dominate the circuit grounds with his mastery. Of course, the rivalry between him and his closest contenders never ceased as they went on to provoke his aptitude but Markus was never off his A-game and despite the nagging threat that trailed him, he succeeded with flying colours. Commenting on his achievements, Markus said, “For this season, it is all about defending my title. I hope that it would be possible although there are many clashes this season. But ARRC is working to make one less clash so that we are able to attend minimum five races. That would give us a better opportunity to fight for the championship. The challenge for me would be the entry list especially with Hafizh Syahrin with Ducati. The others, more or less we know their performance but we can’t take anything for granted as we have many improvements to be done. The circuits are all good and I know and understand all of it now compared to last season. So, that gives me greater confidence. Nothing has changed in terms of the machine so far because we have a really good pace with the machine for now. We won many races so, it must be good. For sure, Round 1 last season was tough and I struggled a bit with the tires. So, that was the lesson learnt. We did some test back on the rear and we already had a good experience last season, so it should have been sorted out. My expectations are to win both races but I know it is not going to be easy because of the new contenders, the weather condition and the new season itself. Some things have also changed in terms of manpower as we made a very short and quick decision about our participation due to the clashes. So, we shall see. I work a lot in the workshop, that has helped me sharpen my skills and I have also tested for world endurance so I know the technicalities of it and I think I am fully prepared for the weekend.” Duo of Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team ASEAN, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi and Andi Farid Izdihar on the other hand watched Markus like a hawk throughout the season, waiting to strike however their best then was only to guard their own positions and induce challenge at each other. Of course, Zaqhwan had the upper-hand considering his time in the ASB1000 race category coupled with his remarkable sportsmanship aboard the Honda CBR1000RR R however for a debutante, Andi Farid was up to the mark and more than just learning the tricks and trades, he went on his way in setting a benchmark for the team. With two strikingly imposing characters to keep the heat on among the rivals, the ABS1000 race category is bound to get feisty this season. Adding on the line-up of the team is Nakarin Atiratphuvapat who graduated from SS600 after making it third overall. What’s the team going to be like this season for the trio? Zaqhwan said, “Last year was not so much about my mistakes but the fact that I could not compete in speed. I was frustrated because I failed to reach my target with the machine. I know that I could have done better but I think we need to try and solve the issue and improve the level of performance. We are still waiting for the pre-season test in March. As I know, there will be a new machine which could potentially be better than last season. But of course, it would take some time to learn and adapt to the new settings. Definitely, there will be changes to the electronics and the performance. Having said tha, at the end of the day, it is all about maximising speed. As for the teamwork, Andi and I go a long way. We understand each other and communicate on matters to help each other out. We also worked together in the 8-hour endurance challenge and have fostered a kind of trust towards each other. This season would be a little different with Chip Nakarin but I believe it’s a great move for the team. We are excited to work together. My advantage on Chang circuit would be familiarity. Apart from it being my fav, it is also one that I am used to. I understand its layout well. However, I believe it’s the same for many other riders too. So, while it motivates me to a certain extent, I know that I also have to be prepared for challenge for the others. At the moment, I am fully focused on improving my stamina and building my physique. Keeping my fingers crossed that it would be a great start for the season!” Andi commented, “Being on a competitive stride is inevitable and of course, riding is a never-ending game of learning and perfecting the strikes. This would be my second year in the ASB1000 but my will is strong and all I want to do is to make it better than last season. It was

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ROUGH AND TOUGH DEAL

2024, 2024 Round 1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The distinguishing sound of the Super Sports 600cc machine will be heard once again on the vast space of the Chang International Circuit this weekend during the season opener of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Even more exciting is the entry list for the season which will complement the roar of the engines. If last season, Apiwath Wongthananon was seen making strokes in favour of his teammate, Soichiro Minamimoto in locking the championship deal, this year, he will be filling in the vacant spot as the latter graduates into ASB1000 race category. It was a brilliant move by the team, placing Apiwath as a wildcard rider in the grand finale considering his recognizable capacities in conquering the machine and his home-ground circuit. Apiwath may have missed the full-season but what he brought to the table was worthy of an applause. This year, he is full-on to take lead in the narratives of the SS600 race category. It is not an easy feat though with rivals waiting to prey at just about every inch. Striding alongside him would be Pilipino rider, McKinley Kyle Paz. Commenting on the season, Apiwath said, “I am extremely excited to be back in ARRC for a full season. This definitely feels like home to me. Although I am fully aware that this season will be filled with a different kind of challenge for me, I am determined to strike it in the best possible way and make the most of my time here this season. Everyone wants to win for sure so, it is going to be a pretty tight fight. For sure, I have to be very careful. I can’t afford to be careless because these players watch like a hawk for their moment of opportunity. Having onboard with Kyle Paz would be something new as I have not worked with him but I am certainly looking forward to it. It all looks good with the machine and as far as I know, there has not been much changes to it from the last season. We will still use the original specs and test further during the pre-season test. The upside to the season opener would be my home-ground for sure. Chang has always been my favourite racing ground. Having said that, I would still have to practice hard and be more detailed oriented during the race week. Also, I have to constantly remind myself that Chang is also a favourite to many seasoned riders which means, it’s a one up for them too. My overall aim is nothing less than to be a champion.” Of course, with one of the main contenders, Khairul Idham Pawi off to a different play-ground, it would probably be much easier for Apiwath to make his mark. However, it would be presumptuous to claim that it would be touch and go for him with the remaining duo of Boon Siew, Helmi Azman and Azroy Hakeem still on the scene. The dynamic duo has proven their dexterity last season in the midst of the highs and lows. They definitely seemed poised aboard their machines and were bold in their moves in injecting the right amount of pressure on their counterparts. The synergy between the two buddies is exactly what is needed for a more competitive stride in the race category. Commenting on the coming race, Helmi said, “Last year, I was already there, maintaining top three throughout the championship but unfortunately, in the last round at Chang, I struggled with the machine and couldn’t make it with a better result. This season, it is definitely going to be more challenging because there will be many experienced riders as well as new comers. It is pretty clear that Apiwath would be a strong contender as he already gained a different kind of experience at WSSP. Also, he has been in the ASB1000 race category so it would surely be an uphill battle. Machine wise, there has been some improvement compared to last season and the team is working really hard to ensure that the details we struggled with last season are rectified. At Chang, my favourite part would be turn four, there is a fast corner which is crucial in making a good lap time. In terms of preparation, I am focused on building up my physique through bicycle rides. It improves my overall stamina and gives me the advantage of handling the machine better. Personally, SS600 is an interesting race category and what I love most is speed and the weight of the machine which gives a better slide when the throttle is maximised. That feeling is the best for me!” As for Azroy, he said, “Last year has been quite a bitter-sweet experience for me. Somehow, while I did my best and I am sure that I was great with the machine, luck was just not on my side. Therefore, this season is all about redemption. I am in a better space, mentally and emotionally and I am prepared to do better than last season. Keeping my fingers crossed, that luck will be on my side too! As for the rider line-up, it is hard to say who will be my closest contenders. We have quite a strong bunch of them riding this season so we have to wait and see how it goes. In terms of the machine, nothing much has been changes. We will still be using the same machine, like last season. It is all about warming up and getting into the right mindset for now. The Chang circuit is one of the hardest circuits for me to be frank. It is quite hard for me to maximise my speed on each lap. There is also a tricky corner in the second sector which I would need to familiarise and practice on more. At the moment, I focus on my fitness training every single day. It is an important aspect in racing to maintain our physique. The exciting thing about SS600 is that

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BIGGER IMPACT IN AP250!

2024, 2024 Round 1, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The feisty appearance of the Asia Production 250cc machines will once again be seen on the grounds of Chang International Circuit this weekend for the season opener of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The entry line-up is just about everything that ups the ante in the race category. On for another season of competition and exhilaration is Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who was close to sealing the deal as champion last season. However, bowing defeat to Rheza Danica is all he needed to be back with a renewed aspiration and this time around, it’s nothing but tripled-effort to take the crown. It was a tough game and standing out among his equally competitive teammates was not as easy at it seemed, however Herjun settled for 1st runner up after taking four wins including a hat-trick. Accompanying him on the team’s strategic plan this season is 14-year-old Kiandra Ramadhipa who made a one-time appearance last year filling in for Veda Ega on his home- ground circuit, Mandalika. Together, the team seems all set for the race this weekend. Commenting on the season, Herjun said, “Last season was a great experience for me although it was a stiff battle between my own teammate. This season however, it is all about making it to the top spot on the podium. I want to be the Asian Champion for the season, no doubt! As usual, my preparations include activities like physical training and bike practices. I have to work on my riding techniques so that I don’t lose touch. With the machine, I am aware that the power is slightly decreased compared to last season which means I would have to be more aggressive to take chances. With the new regulations being implemented, I think that there will be many good opportunities for an enhanced performance. On my part, I need to be more consistent and focused in achieving my goals. Chang circuit is an interesting one as it keeps the riders going on a good fight from the very first lap to the last one. Of course, there is also one tricky corner at the circuit’s tail end. It’s all about one round at a time though and my aim for the coming round is to quickly adapt with the regulations. I believe my team is also well prepared in helping me achieve my dream for the season.” Kiandra on the other hand said, “This year is going to be a lot more different for me but I am excited to be a part of the ARRC community. It will be the platform that changes the direction of my riding career and I am quite positive that it will have a big impact on it. I had the opportunity to have a feel of what it would be like riding in ARRC, specifically in the AP250 race category last season when I came in as a replacement for Veda. Although it was only for a round, I somehow have a rough idea in terms of the strategies and rhythm. Of course, there will also be a lot of learning on the go and the plus would be my teammate who has had way more experience and is also superb in what he does. I just have to learn from him and get the fastest time as possible in a short period of time. Overall, I think I am quite ready to race and most importantly is to have the right mindset on the circuit ground. Part of my preparation includes maintaining my physical fitness and picking up on riding techniques on the bike. For sure I will utilise my experience from last season in TTC Racing as best as possible for make the most out of ARRC.” If last year was not his year to celebrate among the top five riders, this year may just be the year for Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech team. The Japanese rider lost his chance when he was trumped by lady rider Muklada Sarapuech. But that is not going to dampen his esteems as he prepares himself for another season of uphill battle. Aiki may have concluded last season with only one shot on the podium however rewinding to his past performances, traces of unpredictable tricks can be tracked in his moves which gives us a hint that he has what it takes to make, only with a little more push. Perhaps, his new teammate Diandra Trihardika may just be the boost he needs to up his game. Aiki commented, “Last year was really tough for me. I was fully aware that there were huge gaps between myself and the riders ahead of me. It was quite competitive and I could not keep up. This season, I am hoping that it would be different, more so with some changes to the machine. We will be riding aboard a 250cc 4-cylinder. Of course, it is not just about the machine but all in, it is also my ability to strike where possible. I will definitely try and do my best to take advantage of the situation where it permits. So far, I haven’t met my teammate so I am not sure what it would be like however, I believe we are on the same page. Therefore, it is all about progressively improving and helping each other out. Chang circuit is one of my favourites but I think the biggest challenge is from the second half section to the final corner. So, that’s where I have to work on. It is all about winning and that’s where it begins for me!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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UNPREDICTABILITY, BEAUTY OF UB150

2024, 2024 Round 1, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The Underbone 150cc race category is about to heat up the asphalt of Chang International Circuit once again this weekend in the season opener of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The best of Asian are geared up once again for a wild ride in a bid to supersede the challenges that awaits them. The Chang circuit may not have been very friendly to Md Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team who seemed to have struggled in the season opener and finale last season. However, the defending champion seemed to have warmed up on other circuit grounds where he swiped five podiums including three celebratory victories throughout the season, instantly placing him on top of the charts. Needless to say, that was one heck of a trick up the sleeve that made his presence in the race category noteworthy. Having said that though, Nazirul definitely has certain limitations which requires more attention, in addition to the underbone race category being highly competitive. Nevertheless, his performances and experiences add on to his advantage and this season, it is all about perfecting his flaws. Commenting on the season, Nazirul said, “It is not easy to be the defending champion, frankly speaking. Therefore, more than thinking about defending the championship, I am more focused towards the machine and the race. If you ask me, there is not much difference in the competition last season because everyone is of the same level of competence. What is more important would be having the right strategies in mind, working towards it and to making sure that I do better than before. Of course, I would not say that my strategies will work out 100% but I will try my best. We can’t say much about the settings or the changes to the machine as we still have to do testing at Chang circuit this week. Only once we have identified that we will have better clarity. Last season, I did not do very much at Chang circuit so I would like to make sure that this time around, I would have a better chance at the podium there. My goal is to of course to make it to the podium and bag the championship once again however, it is not just dexterity but also luck at the end of the day. So, keeping my fingers crossed!” 2nd runner up, Murobbil Vittoni of LFN H. Putra 969 Indonesia Racing Team was equally striking as he went on to take the podium thrice throughout the season including one win. It was a tough fight for Murobbil considering the troop of highly energised riders grabbing their chances where possible while racing towards one goal however, in the midst of the chaos, he made a sweet deal for himself at the finale. Teaming up with him this season are Fahmi Basam who made it at the thirteenth spot last year and Felix Putra Mulya who together will work towards raising the standards of the team. Murobbil said, “For this season, by God’s grace, I will try my best to fight from the front troop and hopefully make it to the top spot on the podium. Over last season, I have learnt that I have to maintain my speed and momentum among the front troop as it would provide a better space for me to move ahead at the right time. In my opinion, the Chang circuit is one of the best and most riders are quite well-versed with the layout. My personal favourite would be turn 9 and although rivalry is at its peak there, it helps me make the move I need to get ahead. The final turn is usually the toughest and this is where I have to work on a strategy to enhance my riding techniques there. Last season, I was quite optimistic with my performances as I have put in a lot of hard work. I work through my limitations and mistakes round by round. The team has been very helpful and has supported me throughout. We work in a positive manner and cooperate in the best way we could. To me, everyone in UB150 is a threat to me as they are all equal in terms of competency however my target for Round 1 is to maximise my capacities and try my best to collect points.” Gupita Kresna Wardhana of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team was close to making it in the top three list last season unfortunately, it was not his moment to celebrate. He raced to the chequered flag third, three times last season, a triple-ripple that landed him fourth in the overall spot. The Indonesian rider has certainly spared himself some justice after the long-exhausting season however, the ride has not ended yet for him. Another season of play is about the begin and as much as Gupita flexes his muscles this time around, the underbone race category is at the end of the day a game of mastery and fortune. Gupita said, “Last season was a tough one for me even more so the last round where I had to fight the battle on my own without a teammate. This season, I am much more prepared mentally and I plan to improve further by refining my race strategies. I also need to be more focused and adapt quickly to this year’s race machine. I enjoy racing at Chang circuit. The advantage would probably be familiarity of the turns which I quite am at Chang. The disadvantage would probably the same as the other riders, what I know, they may not and vice versa. So, it is hard to tell. Everyone performed very well last season and I am pretty sure that this year will be another competitive one. Our technical team has been continuously researching and developing the machine especially off-season and with the new engine, I hope that it would benefit me in terms of the forms and functions of the machine. Apart

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TVS ASIA, RAISING THE BARS

2024, 2024 Round 1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

Marking its third year in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, the notable TVS Asia One Make Championship will once again adorn the paddock with the livery of blue, white and red alongside its noteworthy players for another season of competence and competition. Standing tall in the art of mastery within the race category was Hiroki Ono of Japan who made his entry from round three onwards. The Japanese lad got himself the DNF status in Race 2 but that was all the defeat needed before he went with blazing guns to conquer the race category in the remaining rounds. He ended the season on the second spot after scoring a flat 25-point in seven races. With such a strong positioning last season, Hiroki certainly is a threat to the many well-established riders however it is a game yet to unveil. Commenting on the season, Hiroki said, “This year will be my first full-season participation and of course, whatever said and done, the goal remains the same which is to win the championship for this season. Part of my preparation, apart from the usual training and routine is to get a hair-cut before race week. I think the races would be highly competitive but I don’t know the riders yet. All I know is that TVS has many great riders every season. I definitely hope to gain more experience this season alongside bagging the most points. So far, I have excelled well in the race category and I have to maintain that kind of achievements. I like Chang circuit and there is of course the technical part of it in the second half section which makes it quite an interesting circuit. The great part about racing in the one-make series is that it is done on an equal ground which I think is important and necessary in the improvement of riders’ skills.” Despite the scorching heat from his countrymen, Malaysian rider, Md Muzakkir survived the burn and emerged champion in his debut season after finishing podium six times including one win on his home- ground. Muzakkir and Ramdan may share many things in common however their distinguishing riding techniques is what makes up for a lasting impression. Unfortunately, while Ramdan may have claimed more victories last season, his double DNF status at Chang was the gate to Muzakkir’s gold mine. At the finale, Muzakkir trumped the troop of TVS Asia when he went on to mark his territory after a fiery battle his lead contender. Muzakkir said, “Just like last year, body weight is always an important thing in racing especially in this lightweight category so I focus on my diet this time around. I want to be in shape and fit so that I can maximise speed and manage the machine better. This year, I foresee more challenges than last season. Looking at the rider line-up, this year we will be racing with some pretty strong riders and I have a feeling that we will see Indian rider on the podium. They have really good preparation for this season. Of course, Hiroki, Ramdan and Vorapong will be there to continue injecting the pressure. Some of them are in their third year while some of us as in second year. They are also fast and experienced. TVS R&D crew and all staff really know how to build a racing bike. They take a listen to every detail and feedback from the rider and always give the riders the best machine each round. As a defending champion, of course, I want to win but realistically, taking the top three positions would already be good enough for me. Most importantly, I want to be competitive in each race. Buriram is like my second home, I like the environment and the circuit has always be an awesome playground with a dramatic effect.” Vorapong on the other hand had a colourful start when he took a double win on his home-ground however, as the competition became stiffer progressively throughout the season and as the riders gained their momentum, he began to face his own fair share of struggles. In Round 5 particularly, he went on a down spiral with a DNF status in race 1 before scraping 4-points in race 2. Nevertheless, Vorapong determined to take the overall stage quickly bounced back up on his home-ground circuit where he went on to cash in a triple third. Commenting on the season, Vorapong said, “Last year, so many dramas for me. I had a wonderful feeling in Round 1 and Round 2 but Japan and China were disastrous for me. I lost the championship because of that. This year, it is all about making a comeback. Chang circuit is home for me. I have an added advantage in sector two and three. So, I am feeling good for Round 1. Nevertheless, the line-up is quite intimidating especially with top three riders who were really strong. Also, this year we have Sarthak from India who will be joining us for the season. All I know is that I have to work very hard and I have been especially doing training in the programme with the AVRP racing riders, running, cycling and motocross. Of course, I also have to be mentally prepared and am doing my best to make sure that I am all set for the coming race. TVS Team has made many huge improvements in the TVS Apache RR310 since 2019 and I hope that I can come back stronger this time around for the championship title.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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