2024

NAKARIN SHINES IN HOME CIRCUIT

2024, 2024 Round6, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The ASB1000 has begun at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand in Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Practice Session saw Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo stood out on home circuit with fastest lap time, combined. During Practice 1, Yuki Kunii of SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. emerged fastest, marking at 1’35:906s. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo made the second fastest at 1’35:983s. At the third fastest, it was Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo at 1’36:091s. In Practice 2, Yuki Kunii of SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. topped the session by clocking fastest lap time of 1’35:515s. Nakarin placed second at 1’35:629s followed by his teammate, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi at 1’35:745s. In Practice 3, Nakarin clocked the fastest lap time of 1’35:432s watched him made it top of the pack, Zaqhwan placed second spot at 1’35:457s and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing Team made it third with the best lap time of 1’35:515s. The combined practice results, Nakarin emerged as the fastest overall, while Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Yuki Kunii took the second and third spots respectively. Nakarin said, “Today’s practice session was very good, and I’m feeling really positive, especially after FP3, where I managed to improve my lap time significantly. I also tried on a long run, and my pace was solid throughout. I’m hopeful that tomorrow I can secure pole position, just like I did in Round 1. It’s important for the championship points, so my goal is to keep the momentum going and win.” Fastest Lap Time:Practice Session (Combined)

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APIWATH FASTEST IN HOME CIRCUIT

2024, 2024 Round6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SS600 category at the Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, held at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand with Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN topped the practice session that ended on Friday. In Practice 1, Ratthapong Wilairot of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team took the top spot with the fastest lap time of 1’39:937s. Two riders of Honda Racing Thailand, Thanat Laoongplio and Kiattisak Singhapong who clocked 1’39:969s and 1’40:013s placed second and third respectively. In Practice 2, Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN led the pack with the fastest lap time of 1’39:184s. At second place was Kiattisak at 1’39:518s. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team took third place at 1’40:046s. In Practice 3, Apiwath topped the session at the fastest lap time of 1’39:028s. Ratthapong placed second at 1’39:444s. Azroy took third spot at 1’39:504s. The combined practice results, Apiwath appeared as the fastest overall, while Ratthapong and Azroy followed suit, taking the second and third spots respectively. Apiwath said, “Today has been a really great day for me. Starting from FP1, I felt good, but FP3 truly boosted my motivation and has become my new good luck charm. We’ve got a different setup to try tomorrow, and I’m excited to see how it works. I’m hopeful that tomorrow will bring even more success and be another productive day for me.” Fastest Lap Time:Practice Session (Combined)

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GREAT START FOR FAEROZI AT CHANG

2024, 2024 Round6, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The AP250 category at Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, hosted at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand watched Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia appeared fastest in the Practice Sessions that concluded today. In Practice 1, Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM secured the top spot with the fastest lap time of 1’53:382s. Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia placed second with the fastest lap time of 1’53:738s. Muhammad Kiandra Ramadhipa of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM took third place at 1’53:892s. Practice 2 watched Cao Viet Nam of Honda Racing Vietnam Team took the top spot with the fastest lap time of 1’52:881s. Faerozi placed second at 1’53:071s, followed by Kiandra at 1’53:360s. In Practice 3, Faerozi clocked fastest lap time of 1’51:558s to claimed the top spot. Behind him was Herjun at 1’52:521s followed by Kiandra at 1’52:658s. The combined results from the practice sessions showed Faerozi emerging as the fastest overall while Herjun and Kiandra trailed behind setting the stage for the battle for pole position in tomorrow’s Qualifying session. Faerozi said, “Today I tested several different setups for both the suspension and engine. Alhamdulillah, in FP3, I found a setup that works well, so now I’m focusing on the Qualifying session and the race tomorrow. I’m feeling positive and ready to give my best effort.” Fastest Lap Time:Practice Session (Combined)

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MUROBBIL AHEAD OF THE REST AT CHANG

2024, 2024 Round6, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The UB150 category began its journey today at Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship practice sessions, held at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. M. Murobbil Vittoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team emerged as fastest for practice sessions, combined. In Practice 1, Murobbil claimed the top spot with a fastest lap time of 1’59:575s. Adytya Fauzi of RACETECH SIXTY Racing Team secured second position with the fastest lap time of 2’00:550s. Husni Zainul Fuadzy of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team took third spot at 2’00:882s. In Practice 2, Murobbil took the top spot again with the fastest lap time of 1’59:819s. Husni claimed second spot at 2’00:281s followed by John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team at 2’00:476s. The combined results of the practice sessions, Murobbil emerged as the fastest overall, followed by Husni and John preparing for best result in Qualifying session in determining grid position. Murobbil said, “For today’s practice session, Alhamdulillah, I was able to set the fastest time and gather valuable data on the bike. However, there are still several areas I need to focus on and improve before tomorrow. I’m confident that with more work, I can deliver the best possible results for the team tomorrow.” Fastest Lap Time:Practice Session (Combined)

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PRESSURE-FREE, HIROKI FASTEST IN PRACTICE SESSION

2024, 2024 Round6, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS ASIA One Make Championship in Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand happened today. The Japanese rider, Hiroki Ono emerged as the fastest in Practice Session, combined. In Practice 1, Malaysian rider, Mohd Ramdan Rosli claimed the top spot with the fastest lap time of 1’51:099s, followed by Thailand rider, Vorapong Malahuan at 1’51:466s. Malaysian rider, Md Muzakkir Mohamed took third place at 1’51:975s. In Practice 2, Hiroki took the top spot with the fastest lap time of 1’50:465s followed by Thailand rider, Atih Kanghair at 1’50:514s. Malaysian rider, Ramdan set fastest lap time of 1’50:623s to claimed third spot. The combined results from the practice sessions, Hiroki emerged as the fastest overall, followed by Atih and Ramdan at second and third spots respectively. Hiroki commented, “It’s feels really good as today I was able to ride without any pressure unlike usual. In FP1, it has been a while since I last ride the TVS bike so it took me a while to get used to it, but in FP2 I was able to get the rhythm and make progress with the set-up. I’m not yet satisfied with the results, so I’ll do my best to make further progress in tomorrow’s qualifying.” Fastest Lap Time:Practice Session (Combined)

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WHO WILL TAKE THE CROWN?

2024, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The fight and fury just got better with the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and is bound to scorch the grounds of Chang International Circuit this weekend. As the season finale kicks in this weekend, will Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo rise above the challenge and defeat Japanese contender, Yuki Kunii of SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph.? It was a shocker when Yuki Kunii bolted right to the top of the overall chart with his double win at Sepang International Circuit especially after pulling in on a low profile in the first two rounds. His victory in his home-ground circuit after a “DNS” was the motivation needed to tame his machine and accelerate further towards the possibilities. In Mandalika, he strung the momentum right and took home one podium-finish at the second spot before throttling with his maximum capacity for an unexpected outcome in Round 5. The question remains, “Will he be able to tackle the challenges of Chang circuit?” Considering a 2-point difference with his closest contender, the odds are high but not impossible. Yuki Kunii certainly has what it takes but again, racing is unpredictable at its core and with man and machine, the possibilities are limitless. Commenting on the coming race, Yuki said, “We already had the experience of a double-P4 in the season opener, so that’s that and we hope to up the ante for a better outcome. I think at this point, if I am able to give my all, that would make me happy. At the moment, there is no pressure but I am pretty sure that the pressure will start mounting during the race weekend and it’s all about managing it well. At Chang, I think every one of the riders are fast and they definitely will speed up. But in my point of view, I think Andi will be very strong as will Hafizh and Chip Nakarin who is the home-ground rival. The change of machine has been very helpful and I am able to compete more competitively at this point. The bike is extremely powerful and my confidence level is much better now. All in, I am good to go for this weekend and keeping my fingers crossed that I will make it at the top!” As for Andi Farid, it was not exactly a pleasure holding on to the throne for the first two rounds. As pressure mounted, he caved and fell two notches down in Round 3 when he took a “DNF”. But the Indonesian lad is not one to mess with and when opportunities presented itself on his home-ground, Andi was quick to seize and strike before moving himself back up comfortably where he belonged. Comparing with his closest contenders, Andi definitely has an upper-hand on the grounds of Chang circuit. But again, will he be able to fight the gravity of the storm that is about to hit the grounds? Will Andi be able to tip the scales in favour of himself? Andi said, “Personally, taking a stride alongside former MotoGP rider and future Moto2 rider does not induce any kind of pressure in me. I just want to enjoy the ride and see where we end up. At the end of the day, I can only be focused on my performance and apart from that, it is beyond our control. The contenders are all strong and just waiting their moment to strike. They have their strengths and weakness in different sectors but I take it that this is what makes it even more exciting. Compared to last season, yes, I am more ready now and I have picked up on valuable insights. I have better understanding and greater clarity which I think worked well for me throughout. I am keeping my fingers crossed that there will be no major setbacks though.” Also in contention are Hafizh Syahrin of JDT Racing Team and Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo. While Hafizh may have countered his challenges with productive outcomes throughout the season, Chang may not necessarily be a bed of roses for the Malaysian boy. As for Thai rider, Nakarin has his shots lined up for him on his playground but again, tying the lose ends may not be as easy as it may seem. In a nutshell, ASB1000 race category is about to heat up the grounds this weekend.

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THE TEMPS’ UP!

2024, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The final dance is on for the SuperSports 600cc race category of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and will take place at Chang International Circuit this weekend. Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN is getting closer towards victory but will Md Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM bow defeat? Six podium-finish including three wins is where Apiwath currently stands with his next drive to dominate all at the season finale. The Thai rider definitely holds the trump card considering his flying colours in Round 1 that awarded him with a double win, more so, with the added advantage on his home-ground circuit that he has grown accustomed to. From then on, Apiwath did not budge from the limelight and flaunted through the adversities to keep himself comfortable throughout the season at the top spot. The seasoned rider definitely had his down-time when he succumbed to a “DNF” and when he failed a chance on the podium, twice but the odds seem to be in his favour for now especially for someone who is known for his flair aboard his machine. Looks like it might be double aces for him this weekend?s Apiwath said, “Of course, this is our home-ground and we are more than familiar with it. It would definitely be the much-needed added advantage. My goal is one and only one – to be the Asia Champion of SS600 for this season. There are no two ways about it and I am all about carving out the racing lines and hitting it right. From the FP sessions to the race sessions, the only key to unlock victory is by acing it all the way. For the current gap, there is the likes of Adenanta whom I am pretty sure is not going to be an easy one to defeat. But again, I can’t underestimate the others as well who have been banking their points well. So, let’s see where this leads us to.” Adenanta is not far off in his chase to defeat the Thai rider and the coming round may just be the right call in unveiling the tricks up his sleeves. The Indonesian rider may have taken time last season to adopt and adapt but this season is all about zapping towards stardom. From round 1 to round 5, Adenanta made it to the podium five times including one win. For a rider who just graduated into the SS600 race category two years ago, it’s a hats-off moment. Having said that, he has not hit the easy streets just yet especially with the fiery Malaysian duo trailing right behind him. Neither is it a bed of roses with the likes of the ultimate home-ground rider. Commenting on the race, Adenanta said, “It’s finally here, a chance to be the SS600 Asia Champion and I am confident that my team will support my every move towards our shared goals. Every circuit comes with its own unique disposition and obstacles but I think this time around, I will be able to overcome it. I am all hyped up for the win and I love competition more so at Chang. Of course, the local riders have better advantage at it but again, racing is not just about the rider but the whole works including the machine, the crew and ultimately performance. I trust that the CBR600 RR can make the cut. Beyond that, it’s all about enjoying the race itself and I am sure my mechanics are working hard to ensure that I have the best of the moment. In the meantime, I will upkeep myself, work on my physique and make sure that if it’s not this weekend, it will be the next.” Meanwhile, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Md Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team are both in contention and awaiting the right moment to strike. Azroy who currently takes the third spot overall followed by Helmi at fourth are not going to pave a smooth pathway for their contenders ahead of them. The riders known for their prowess made the headlines a number of times but unfortunately the two “DNF” in their records marked their shortcomings for the season. For the teammates, it is all about strategizing and planning out the moves for a successful team effort.

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HOT ON WHEELS!

2024, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The Asia Production 250cc of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is bound to get feistier in the season finale at Chang International Circuit which will take place this weekend. With the likes of teammates Herjun Atna Firdaus and Md Kiandra Ramadhipa of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM against Md Faerozi Toreqotullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia, it is a race not to be missed! It has been quite an overwhelming season for the AP250 riders but duo of ASTRA HONDA has stayed above the rest in their bid to secure the finest spot on the chart. Herjun of course would not give in to a debutante considering his prowess and years in the race category but Ramadhipa is not one to shy away from the limelight too. The battle between the teammates while has been relentless has also been a powerful motivational force that drove both towards multiple victories. Herjun currently takes lead with six podium-finish including two wins whereas Ramadhipa takes second on the chart with three podium-finish including a double-win. Will the dynamic duo be able to ward off the threats ahead? Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “I believe that we can work as a team to keep the contenders at bay. Our team is always prepared and they are all about us making it at the top. It would definitely be a competitive round at Chang – from start to completion especially at the final turn where the drama unfolds. I like the circuit and I have had my special moments there when I won the Thailand Talent Cup in 2018. So, I am pretty confident, I would say! But of course, everyone wants the fine piece of the pie but I want it more and I am almost there. Next round, I will follow ASTRA HONDA’s rider formation and go all out towards victory. I want to move on to the next level. My body is too big for AP250 already!” Ramadhipa on the other hand said, “We will definitely fight in our own ways and capacities with the same goal – to win! My current challenge is the RPM limitations and I am trying my best to optimise the potentials of the machine for a maximised outcome. The Chang circuit is quite tricky for our machine but what I love about it is the long-straight in sectors 1 and 2. There are the low-speed corners too which need more acceleration which could be a challenge for us. Our goal of course is to become a champion for sure but again there are many of us with the opportunities and its all about striking while the iron is hot. I will continue to be in the moment and do my best.” Shying away with a 2-point difference at the third spot is Faerozi who shot to fame this season with his brilliant and competitive stride. If last season was a bummer for the Indonesian lad, this year came along with his A-game with three wins and two podium-finish. The rider took home a 25-point in Race 1 during the season opener at Chang circuit which also means that Faerozi is one-up on the circuit ground. Will he be able to replicate the victorious moves is but a question that comes with greater disputes. Faerozi has nevertheless come a long way and what other better way to justify his accomplishments if not with a win? Faerozi said, “The first win at Chang changed my perspective of the overall season. It gave me enough fighting spirit to be on the podium in the consequent rounds. Not only that, racing on the Yamaha YZF-R3 machine for the first year has given me a lot of advantages throughout and I am pretty confident that I will be able to put on a good showdown in the season finale. I like the Chang circuit but I am also sure that all the other riders have their own advantages there too. So, we shall see. Overall, this season has been a great one for me. It is a total package – great machine, experience and team work. This has also given me the boost that is needed to perform better and fight for podium. The primary challenge is definitely the possibilities of becoming a champion which also means bucking up and no more fooling around. My goal is only one – to be the AP250 Asian Champion!” Malaysian rider, Md Syarifuddin Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team is not far off and its all about pulling in the right stunts at the season finale. The rider finished podium twice this season and clearly, it has been quite a struggle for him however the opportunity is open and with the right and much-needed moves, he might just be in for a celebration.

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WHO’S GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

2024, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

It’s steaming up in the Underbone 150cc race category and its about to get explosive in the season finale of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit this weekend. The bold and buffed riders are prepared to bulldoze anyone in their way, only with one mission in mind – to dominate the circuit ground. Only 1-point difference between Md Akid Aziz of PitsBike OneWay JRT Tech2 Racing Team and Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team, the two riders shoulder massive pressure that is sure to keep mounting throughout the weekend. Between the duo, who would rise above the challenge? It’s quite unpredictable in the UB150 race category. Both riders are exceptional in their output although based on records, Fahmi may have the upper-hand at Chang circuit considering his win during the season opener. But having said that, Akid has the advantage in adaptability based on his four-podium finish on different circuit grounds. Beyond that, all the other riders are equally competitive which makes the race quite unpredictable. Akid said, “Every race comes with its own set of pressures especially the UB150. The competition is fierce. But I have trained hard and am focused on my strategies so while I still am nervous, I also see it as a motivation. With just 1-point difference, there is no time to lose. I need to be consistent throughout and also take calculated risks especially on the last lap on the last turn. That is my biggest concern actually. One mistake and it would cause a major crash. It’s not going to be an easy ride for sure. Winning the title before gives me the experience I need but ARRC is ever evolving. This season, there has been tremendous advancement overall which requires me adapt quickly. My winning strategy though is a combination of preparation, adaptability and teamwork. It is not just myself but the entire team has to be on the same page with one mind-set.” As for Fahmi, he said, “With a gap of 1 point difference, it is not going to be an easy ride. Of course, I will try to stay calm so that I can be more focused. In my opinion, the top four riders will be tough competitors. Having said that, there is no room for me to be complacent. These are only temporary results which will change very quickly if I don’t perform. As for the machine, I will leave it to the team. The mechanics know best on working out the setup. We will analyse data from round 1 and see how best we can elevate its performance for the finale. The challenge in the UB150 is being consistent from the start till the end. Everyone wants to be the champion therefore everyone is always pushing beyond their limits to stay at the front. So, staying ahead of everyone is considered the number one challenge. Chang circuit is a good one but the last turn on the final lap will be the crucial point.” The top two duo aside, Adytya Fauzi of RACETECH SIXTY Racing Team and Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team are both climbing up the ladder quite swiftly. If not for his injury, Nazirul would have certainly been able to defend his championship better but again, racing is not just about prowess and more often, luck has its way of pulling it tricks. Adytya on the other hand may just be a debutante but lucky for him, his victory on the podium twice has given him the upper-hand to sustain the pressure and load from his contenders while keeping himself contained at the third spot overall. Between slip-streams and aggressive attempts from the riders, particularly at the last turn on the final lap is what determines the twist of fate for the riders. Among the four riders, managing that predictable scenario and rarely, stripping away from the forces of slip-stream may be an effective move but not always easily achievable. Who will make it to the top is no longer a play-safe battle but one that would require pulling the right strings and surviving luck!

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WHO WILL SHINE AT CHANG?

2024, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The season finale of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will heat up the circuit grounds of Chang International Circuit. On the lookout for this weekend is the heated battle between Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia and Sartak Chavan of India who will string the chords for the 1st runner up position in the TVS Asia One Make Championship. After seven wins and being defeated twice, Hiroki Ono bagged the championship title in Round 5 at Sepang International Circuit with a staggering total of 201 points leaving Ramdan and Sartak for the final dance at the chance of filling up the next spot in the overall chart. Between the Asian duo, its quite obvious that Ramdan holds the golden key at 144 points however Sartak who is 46 points behind definitely has a chance too. Who would pull the strings better is likely the question. During the season opener, Sartak added another string to his bow when he made it to the podium twice as compared to Ramdan who made it only once. The Indian rider definitely crafted an impression of his capacities on the circuit ground as opposed to Ramdan who unveiled his struggling moments for two consecutive years. Would he be able to charm through for a victorious lap this time around? It’s hard to predict but with the mileage he has earned throughout the season, Ramdan may just unleash a different side of him in the coming round. Commenting on the race, Ramdan said, “Buriram has always been the tough one for me compared to the other racing circuits because the track has its own set of difficulties. So, I am a little overwhelmed but of course, I will give my best there like I have in each round. I aim to win and be on the podium. I have always been focused but I know I have to improve further as well. I will try my best to avoid mistakes, that is key especially to keep up to a consistent lap time. I believe it would be a tough race at Buriram but I continue doing what I know best and tackle the challenges as and when it comes. As for next season, I will still be racing but nothing is confirmed.” Sartak on the other hand said, “The first round in Thailand was really good and I was able to get two podium finishes. I also became the youngest and first Indian in the championship to finish podium. It was indeed a proud moment however, while finishing the subsequent rounds on the podium has been good, I am not very happy with it especially when I finish third. My goal for the coming round is to make a win out of it. There are two riders who will be fighting for this position but I am sure I can put on a good fight and secure the 2nd runner up position in the championship. Ramdan has been really fast in this season. He definitely has the right experience, having raced in various different championships as opposed to me. So, he definitely has the upper-hand in this. Despite that, I will still go all out and do my best. This year, I would like to finish on the podium overall but next season, I will go for the champion title.” Inching closer in their bid to tackle the 2nd runner up position are Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand and Rocco Sessler of Germany shy of 5 and 8 points respectively. Despite their slow start to the season, both the riders have showcased exceptional quality in their riding techniques especially in the Malaysian round where Vorapong bagged his first podium-finish. Rocco on the other hand made two podium-finish including a win. Could they topple their contender and take home the 2nd runner up spot?

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