2025

AIM – COME BACK STRONGER!

The Japanese went all out, staying clean within the racing lines with the aim of scoring a double-win on his home-ground circuit in the Asia Superbike 1000cc however, Hafizh Syahrin of JDT RACING TEAM who was all about making up for the loss in Race 1 traded blows with Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES before taking him down for a 25-point celebration. The rivalry is bound to continue at Mandalika International Circuit during Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship but with a certain additional twist from Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. The Indonesian lost a double opportunity to scale higher in Round 3 after encountering a racing incident in his local championship. Now, fit to embrace all possibilities, Andi will be back to make his story count especially on his home-ground circuit. Last season, Andi mesmerised the crowd when he took a win in Race 1 on his home-soil and although he succumbed to third place in Race 2, his rewarding performance gave him the boost he needed to be in contention for the championship title. Andi ended the season as 1st runner up, 2-point shy from his closest contender. This season has been somewhat glum for Andi who was seen struggling to seal the deal on the top three spots. The rider who is known to have it in spades currently sits ninth in the overall standings after the mid-season race with a total of 32 points. It’s a huge gap to fill to fit into the finest spots but the odds are there with a condition to make the top five cut – if he wraps the coming round up a 50-pointer. Will Andi be up for the challenge and make a quick turn around? Andi said, “I am pretty geared up for the coming race on my home soil. It will definitely be tough to compete with those ahead of me right now since I have missed out on two races. But I am recovery well and fine for now and I believe that I will be back to a 100% by this weekend. The aim is to improve further and make amends on aspects that I have lost, not just the missed weekend but also the two crashes in round 1 and 2. That has certainly pulled down further. The target is of course to aim big and take the win in the coming races and as fun as it may sound, it is not an easy task considering the close contention from the rivals. But again, who knows what could happen and where the championship will lead us all to?!” “I like the character of Mandalika’s tarmac and I particularly enjoy riding on the last sector when you need to brake harder to avoid overshooting from the racing line – to optimise speed. That is quite a challenge but I love it. It brings with it a different kind of umph. At this point of time, I am reducing focus on the rivalry and will pay more attention to what I can be achieved further. Every round is challenging as it is but we all know that every rider in the race category is highly capable. As per my mantra – “Life never gets easy but we try our best despite the odds.” I will look back and analyse the mistakes so that I can keep learning and be better!”

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A THIRD PODIUM-FINISH?

Both Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM and Md Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM put the pedal to the metal at Motegi circuit to score one win each and grace the top two spots of the chart. It’s an assumption that the latter might just have the added advantage in Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship scheduled to be held at Mandalika International Circuit but will the former be too naïve, oblivious of the challenges ahead? While both of them are quick on their feet and expected to bring their A-games to the next round, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA and McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MOTOR are getting the buzz after bagging a podium-finish each at Motegi circuit with the Indonesian having penetrated the top five spots and the Filipino marking sixth on the score board. What’s interesting though is their performance that has been on the up and up this season versus the last, having made the cut on the podium twice. The question is, would they be able to flap their way up further on the charts? Mandalika circuit may not be their strong suit considering their less than 10-point score last season but again, their ability to tame and tackle their machines and some of the strongest opponents in the race category this season indicates an amplified character which could work in favour of them. It’s easier to assume that Wahyu may have the upper-hand on his home-ground circuit but Kyle is not one to mess with either especially after his brilliant move in bagging a spot on the podium on what was deemed as one of the toughest circuit grounds in the championship calendar. Commenting on the game, Wahyu said, “Physically, I am better which in turn has helped me in my races especially at Motegi. Of course, I was also boosted after my race at Sepang and had to push myself further to make it to the podium. All aspects including the bike set up and the evaluation of strategies really supported me in my achievements. Mentally too, I am more confident now compared to before. I always remind myself not to be satisfied with the outcome so that I can continue re-targeting and achieving better results. The coming race at Mandalika – it is always an exciting thing for me when it comes to home-race. I feel a huge support from the Indonesian fans especially of Yamaha. The crowd atmosphere always feels different and that itself is good enough to increase my spirit. With that, I am also more motivated for greater achievements. Apart from that, I also know the circuit very well, so I believe it will help me a lot in my race. My aim is to give my fans the best performance. I want to make them proud. In terms of rivalry, I would say that everyone has their own character and they have their strong points that help them achieve the best. I will stay focused on my achievements and make sure that I do my best.” Kyle on the other hand said, “We went into Round 3 with a very positive mindset that we will make it to the podium and it happened. Key to this were communication among the team members and of course, self-preparation – not just physically but also mentally. I think I have also come a long way in terms of performance and I have been able to apply what I have learnt in my trainings effectively. Yamaha Philippines have offered support through proper training programmes and more saddle time aboard the Yamaha R6 which has made a whole lot of difference for me. We are definitely more prepared now than before. For the upcoming race, I am confident that I would be able to do better than last season. Last season was tough on me but it was also my first season in the SS600 race category. Right now, I have gained some input on how the track feels like so I believe it would be a better race for me. Also, I have come to understand the machine better. I am more comfortable riding since I’ve found a more suited riding technique. With the combination of the machine, its power and my enhanced performance, I am confident that the coming round would work well for me. The goal is to win each race but again, realistically, it is more of bettering myself progressively over time.”

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WHO GOES UP AND WHO GOES DOWN?

The heat of rivalry between Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM and Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM at Motegi circuit came to a momentary end when the Thai lad swiped the most wanted 25-points in the final race of the Asia Production 250cc. The battle is about to resume soon for both the rivals in Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship scheduled to be held at Mandalika International Circuit with an expected advantage for the Indonesian lad. Will national pride spur the Indonesian forward or will the Thai racer snatch victory instead? It’s a hard guess especially with Krittapat’s wins, twice this season that indicates a polished performance and mastery in his game, quick to adapt and strike. Murobbil may not have bagged a win just yet but for a debutante in the race category, his performance has been more than ordinary especially with a double-podium in the recent round. Just a 6-point difference, Murobbil’s chances of closing the gap ahead is evident and easily achievable – only if he uses the home-ground circuit to his advantage. While Krittapat may not have a record from last season, Murobbil who competed in the Underbone 150cc race category scored third place in Race 2 after a “DNF” in Race 1 – a score that surmises his ability to strategize effectively and rise above the challenge. Having said that, Kritappat may have to burn the midnight oil in studying the potential calamities and throw in additional efforts to brush his prowess up considering his rival’s upper-hand, but its not impossible for him to maintain his current standings, not especially with the mark he has made this season in the race category. Commenting on the race, Krittapat said, “For me, at this point of time, it is more of avoiding mistakes and taking less pressure. So, while I would like to improve further, I am also very mindful on how it would also affect me mentally and physically. As for my machine, I think my machine is pretty much similar to the rest of the teams but more importantly, it is about timing and the right opportunity. So, the goal for me is to maintain at the top and it is not going to be easy for sure. We have to work very hard to survive where we are and do better. Racing in Mandalika is going to be tough as I do not have any prior experience on that circuit however, with the experience that I have gained over the course of three rounds, I can understand what is expected and needed. I have also been observing the patterns and character of riders which I believe is important to also know my own capacities against them. So, I am looking forward to the coming race, knowing that it will be an added advantage to some of the contenders from Indonesia. My goal is definitely to be a champion just like everyone else. We will continue collecting as many points and see where that takes us.” Murrobil on the other said, “For me, the rivalry is very strong in the AP250 race category and the only way to outperform them is by doing my best. I will continue to try especially by achieving a consistent pace. There has been progressive transformation and improvements from round-to-round which I am deeply grateful for. The goal for the team and myself is to be the champion however I know it is not going to be an easy task. I will always learn from mistakes of the previous round. Mandalika is one of my favourite circuit grounds which means that I am also confident with my abilities there. What I like about the circuit are the turns which makes the races interesting and of course, the long-straight where we can maximise speed. The settings of my machine are currently quite good but the rivalry is getting trickier each round. That is where I have to be on top of my game. I have adapted pretty quickly from the UB150 to AP250, thankfully. The year is my first year and I will stay focused on finding the right machine setup that suits my character and riding techniques. More importantly, getting the bike data that is pertinent for bike setups.”

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CHAMPION YET?

Not only did he score a hat-trick – a continuation of his victorious mark from Round 2 but the highly dextrous rider, Husni Zainul of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 banked in a 50-pointer flat in Round 3, instantly shooting him out of the boundaries of rivalry and onto the pathway towards stardom in the Underbone 150cc race category. Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will be held at Mandalika International Circuit may just be the ground he celebrates the championship glory. Not a stranger but not a full-season rider, Husni made his appearance in 2023 as a wildcard rider in the debut season at his home-ground circuit, Mandalika. He may not have taken a win then but he certainly flaunted his prowess to finish third. In Season 2024, Husni once again marked his entry in the championship, not for a full-season but as a replacement rider. Despite his trial and error as well as limited mileage on the ARRC front, he scored two podium-finish before concluding the season seventh for his team. Fast-forwarding to where it stands to-date, Husni seemed to have taken a huge leap up in terms of input and output through the quiet strength found across the previous two seasons. The Indonesian lad with a big-smile seemed to have unlocked the door to mastery and he is unstoppable. But again, with a handful of competitive countrymen competing on a common ground, will Husni be able to ward of the threats and release the pressure? It’s a tough bet but not an impossible one and if Husni pulls it off, it will be a hat-offs moment that deserves nothing but a standing ovation. Husni said, “I am truly blessed and thankful to have won the races a number of times in this season’s underbone race category but it is not time for me to relax yet because the season has a long way to go before it ends. While the pressure is always there, maintaining my position doesn’t come as a pressuring factor but more so a motivational one. I enjoy riding and that’s the best part of it. If I were to take a double-win in Mandalika, my home-ground, it would mean an early championship title and if that happens, I will be the happiest. I have an excellent team with such great mechanics, Pak Bima and Pak Bonce who use their own data to ensure that the machine is in a perfect condition for race. That’s probably where my strength is. Of course, the fact remains that everyone in this race category has an opportunity to win but it is also luck to a certain extent. Next race in Mandalika, it is my favourite track and also of many other Indonesian riders but my best part is T15 and T16 where I will optimise more as my winning strategy. Overall, I hope to continue enhancing my riding capacities and performance in ARRC.”

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TAPPING INTO FAMILIARITY

It was not a surprise when Hiroki Ono of Japan bagged a double-victory on home-soil in the recent TVS Asia One Make Championship races and it is definitely not new that he still graces the top spot. However, intriguing in the season’s updates are the competitive stride and the upgraded performances of duo Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia and Sartak Chavan of India who now share the same scores on the board. Which one of them would take lead in Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mandalika International Circuit? Last season, Hiroki lost his winning streak to Ramdan on the grounds of Mandalika when the Malaysian pulled a stunner in Race 2 to bag his first win for the season. Sartak on the other hand concluded the round third, twice after the massive tug of war among the trio. This season, while Hiroki maintains his superiority in the racing series with an advantage of 16 points, Ramdan and Sartak on the other hand have some scores to settle especially with the growing rivalry between them at 108 points each. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “Round 1 and Round 2 of this season was really but Round 3 on my home-ground was a fantastic race for me. It is definitely not an easy season but that is what that makes the race not just interesting but also a motivational factor for me. As long as my machine is in a good condition and with a perfect setup, I have the potential to win once again this season. So, I am actually not that worried. For Mandalika, I am gearing up as usual. The circuit layout comprises a long-straight so it’s one of the circuits that can easily pull in strong contention from the rivals. I will draw from my strengths however in braking to ensure that I am in a good space and position during the race. The ultimate goal is to make it championship, for two-consecutive years. To achieve that, I truly have to be focused, win and earn as many points as possible.” Ramdan said, “Last season was really wonderful for me and I have those memories, fresh in my mind. I will continue to do my best and try to emulate the strategies that worked best on the circuit ground, perhaps take another win along the way. The rivalry is as good as it gets which means, the challenges are going to be pretty much the same across the rounds. We have those among the front troop which are the ones to be mindful of as they know their strategies well. I usually don’t compare myself with the other riders but instead, compare my performance on a round-to-round basis to see where I can fix. I know that I have a good pace and I have always enjoyed riding on Mandalika ground. I also like the circuit layout as it is easy to tackle. My goal this season is surely to take the crowning victory but at the same time, it is about re-scaling the benchmarks and marking more wins.” Sartak on the other hand said, “This season comes with many experiences put into good use. I have implemented different riding styles and techniques which have been really effective especially when managing different circuit grounds with different kinds of challenges and layouts. Just 16 points to the leader and tied points for 2 or 3 position but I don’t want to put myself under any kind of pressure at the moment. I would like to think and work more in achieving the results rather than putting a fixed mark on a particular target. Mandalika is a great ground and my favourite part is the fast sectors of the track. The result in Thailand has really been the highlight this season for me and a motivational factor to push harder. So, I will go all out in the coming round and hope to score something more than the usual. Of course, the goal this season and every other season is to be a champion but again, it is not as easy as it sounds. So, keeping my fingers crossed!”

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NAZIRUL’S TAMIYA TIME-OUT

You’d think that after taming a 150cc race bike at breakneck speeds, Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM would spend his free time doing something calm like fishing or napping. But, no. Instead, he grabs a tiny car, sends it flying around a plastic track, and grins like a kid on his birthday. Welcome to Nazirul’s other race track, where the engines are small, but the fun is full-sized. “If I’ve got free time, I’ll be playing Tamiya,” Nazirul says with a laugh. “It’s my way of switching gears. And apart from that, I also attend Quran classes at the mosque. It’s a balance between fun and personal growth.” This isn’t a new obsession. Nazirul’s been into Tamiya since his school days, but his love for motorcycles took centre stage for years. “I’ve been into Tamiya since I was in school, but back then I was more focused on motorcycles. Now, with a bit more time outside my racing schedule, I get to relive that childhood passion,” he shared. So what’s the draw for a professional rider who already gets to experience speed and competition on the world stage? “Tamiya is still racing, just on a smaller scale,” Nazirul grins. “The excitement’s there, the competition’s there, but it’s different enough to feel fresh. Plus, I’ve learned so many new things about building and tuning them. It’s like engineering in miniature form.” For someone used to the intense, high-pressure atmosphere of championship racing, Tamiya offers a whole different kind of joy. “With Tamiya, it’s pure fun. No pressure, no expectations. Just racing for the joy of it. It’s my stress-buster!”

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HAFIZH’S FIRST VICTORY OF THE SEASON

Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM delivered an inspiring ride to claim his first victory of the season, bringing the Malaysian flag to the top step of the ASB1000 podium in Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. As the lights went out, Hafizh launched well off the line, immediately taking the lead with Keito Abe of SDG HARC―PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES close on his tail and Sho Nishimura of JAPAN POSTHonda Racing in third. Drama struck early when championship leader Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA crashed out following contact with Apiwath Wongthananon of A1 ENERGY BMW RACING TEAM, forcing both riders into an early and frustrating retirement. By lap 3, Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA made a smooth move on Sho to slot into fourth and began hunting down Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND for third. Up front, Hafizh maintained his lead as Keito shadowed him relentlessly, waiting for his chance to strike. That moment came on lap 6 when Keito made a decisive move to take over the lead. The final lap delivered a nail-biting duel as Hafizh and Keito traded overtakes in a heart-stopping battle for the win. With a bold move in a section where he knew he was strongest, Hafizh reclaimed the lead and unleashed everything he had, charging past the chequered flag to seal a memorable victory in 24’09.165s. Keito crossed just behind in 24’09.378s, while Sho Nishimura completed the podium in third at 24’12.201s. Hafizh reflected on his comeback, “I had a good start, but yesterday didn’t end well for me. Even this morning, I almost lost all my confidence because I wasn’t pushing, I was just riding with my rhythm but suddenly lost the front at Turn 9, which really made me doubt my bike. I didn’t understand why I lost grip so easily, so it shook my confidence heading into Race 2. Today, I got another good start but I didn’t feel ready to push 100%, maybe just 95%. When Keito overtook me, I decided to just follow him, save my energy, and keep the tyre in good shape. On the last lap, I attacked him in the place where I knew I was really strong, and we got the win. This isn’t a perfect weekend, but it’s still a good one. There are 14 people behind me who made this possible, so this win is for them.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

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ADENANTA UNSHAKEABLE AT MOTEGI

Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM delivered a spectacular performance to secure a commanding victory in Race 2 of the SS600 category at Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan.As the lights went out, Adenanta made a lightning start to seize the lead, with Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING slotting into second, Khairul Idham Pawi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA close behind in third, and Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA in fourth. By lap 3, Adenanta stamped his authority on the race by setting the fastest lap at 1’54.680s, opening up a 0.762s gap to Khairul in second. Wahyu Nugroho, showing strong pace, overtook Kasma and Khairul to move into second and began closing in on the race leader. Meanwhile, McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING held steady in fifth, biding his time. While Adenanta controlled the pace at the front, Wahyu relentlessly hunted him down, cutting the gap to just 0.291s and setting up a tense duel in the closing stages. Drama unfolded on lap 8 when Khairul crashed out, promoting McKinley to third as he led the chasing pack. He soon came under heavy pressure from Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, who smelled a podium finish and closed in fast. On the final lap, Helmi made his move and overtook McKinley, but his push ended in heartbreak when he crashed out, losing not only a podium place but also valuable points. Up front, Adenanta kept his composure under intense pressure to power across the line first at 23’02.586s. Wahyu crossed just behind to claim a hard-fought second at 23’03.082s, while McKinley capitalised to complete the podium in third at 23’06.430s. Adenanta said, “Today’s race was really tough, but it played out exactly how I planned. Push hard from the start, keep up the pace, and build good momentum. It wasn’t easy, because in the last four or five laps my tyre wear was almost gone, so I just focused on maintaining my rhythm. In the end, I’m really happy to stand on the top step of the podium.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

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KRITTAPAT’S GUTSY RIDE SEALED VICTORY

In a dramatic showdown during Race 2 of Round 3 at the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM delivered an outstanding performance to claim victory in the AP250 category at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. As the race flagged off, Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM made an explosive start to take the early lead, with Ryota Ogiwara of SANWA RACING TEAM and Riichi Takahira of TY Antares Racing Team close behind.By lap 2, Riichi had seized the front, with Krittapat piling on the pressure as he moved up to challenge for the lead. Ryuji Yokoe of TEAM TECH2 & YSS also joined the lead pack, setting up a thrilling multi-rider battle. The fight for the top spot remained intense throughout, with the lead changing hands multiple times as the riders traded positions. On lap 4, Krittapat surged to the front, but Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM fired back with the fastest lap of the race at 2’09.349s, moving up to second and immediately launching an attack. The duel between Krittapat and Arbi electrified the final laps as they swapped places in a relentless fight for victory. In the end, it was Krittapat who dug deepest, holding off every challenge to charge across the line first in 21’36.597s. Murobbil secured a well-earned second place at 21’36.722s, while Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA completed the podium in third at 21’36.850s. Krittapat Keankum shared, “This race was really tough. So many riders were trying to overtake me, but I just kept telling myself not to give up. I focused on pushing forward no matter what and in the end, I won Race 2 today. I’m so thankful to my team and everyone who has supported me.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

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HUSNI, DOUBLE WIN DESPITE DEBUT

Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 delivered yet another masterclass in race craft to secure a thrilling victory in Race 2 of Round 3 at the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. The win marks his fourth consecutive victory of the season in the fiercely contested UB150 category, solidifying his status as one of the standout riders of the year. At the start, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM stormed into the lead, but the front-runner shuffled immediately as the field dove into the first turn — before disaster struck and Fahmi crashed out of contention. By lap 2, Dimas Juli Atmoko of RACETECH SIXTY Racing took over at the front, with Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM hot on his heels. Drama unfolded behind them as Ahmad Darwisy Ahmad Sahir of ESTREMO YUZY ASIA TEAM and Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY Racing both crashed out. Moments later, Md Akid Aziz of Pitsbike Superfast JRT Racing Team also fell on the final straight just before lap 3, handing an opportunity to Adytya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING, who capitalised by clocking the fastest lap time of 2’17.970s to launch himself into contention. The same lap saw more casualties — Md Badly Ayatullah Massorong of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM and Peerapong Luiboonpeng of ONE FOR ALL both crashed, intensifying the already chaotic contest. The lead changed again on lap 4 when Nazirul hit the front, only to suffer a costly crash of his own. Adytya, with no room to avoid him, went down too, shaking up the order yet again. On the final lap, the fight for the podium became an all-out sprint. With the finish line in sight, Husni Zainul Fuadzy surged from third, unleashed a perfectly timed attack and edged ahead to seize the win in a nail-biting dash to the line, stopping the clock at 18’44.200s. Riky Ibrahim of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM crossed just behind in 18’44.246s to secure second, while Ahmad Afif Amran of Pitsbike Superfast JRT Racing Team clinched third at 18’44.252s in a dramatic photo finish. Husni Zainul Fuadzy shared, “In the race, I just focused on staying calm and consistent, that was the key. I stuck to my usual strategy and waited for the right moment. Only on the last lap did I push to the maximum, and thankfully, I was blessed with another win today in Race 2. I’m very grateful for this result.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

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