Asia Production 250

The machines are lined up and the riders are geared up. Another season of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is just days away at Chang International Circuit. What’s new in the Asia Production 250cc? The format remains but the riders are one step away from recognising their worth and strength in what is seen as one of the most competitive feats in the championship. After many “almost-there” situations, Herjun Atna finally laid his hands on the most sought-after championship trophy last season and with him out of the picture this season, it’s an open spot for the high-achievers of the race category in testing their limits and breaking the boundaries. Coming in as contenders in the race category, representing the two consecutive winning team, ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM are Fadhillah Arbi and David Britani who may seem like they are dipping their toes but could potentially be the dose of the much-needed challenge to the scene. As for luck, Cao Viet Nam of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM was not really a strong match last season despite his striking moves and close encounter towards victory. Looking back at his rush of adrenaline, the Vietnamese rider definitely has what it takes to soar to the peak but again, will he be able to fight off the bursting energy from his closest contenders this coming season? “To me, most importantly, I finish all races without crashing or slipping at the eleventh hour. I want to avoid pressure and enjoy the race as much as I can. I like my current machine and I get to compete competitively with the other strong contenders. So, that is a plus for me at the moment. So, at this point of time, luck or not, I would take it with an open mind to do my best.” The Kawasaki team on the other hand was not bad themselves last season with Aiki Iyoshi of MOTUL KAWASAKI SNIPER MANUAL TECH pushing through and taking fifth on the scoreboard. The Japanese lad definitely knows his way aboard his machined and has even unveiled some of his hidden tactics however this season may come with a considerable challenge especially with 2022 champion, Andy Muhammad Fadly coming back for another shot at stardom. He said, “I am happy that Fadly is back but again, he is also one of my biggest rivals. Having him back on the team means we can together work on strategies, gather enough data with out four-cylinder machines and try out various other approaches in optimising our strengths as a team.” Andy Fadly on the other hand said, “I am not very coming back racing into the AP250 race category however due to my serious injury last season, I think this is my only option and at that the best one. The goal is to take the championship title once again for sure and with the injuries, it means more work and greater effort. Having had the experience in the AP250 long enough is a plus I would say. Teaming up with Aiki is great and I can’t wait to challenge him further and be on the podium together with him.”

Cao Viet Nam, a rider from Honda Racing Vietnam Team, has been making waves in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Known for his determination and rapid growth in motorsports, Viet Nam’s journey is a testament to perseverance, especially given the underdeveloped racing culture in his home country, Vietnam. Despite racing in a country where the sport isn’t well-established, Viet Nam’s performance has caught the attention of fans and competitors. During a tyre test, he was seen riding a 600cc bike, which led to speculation about his involvement in the SS600 category this season. However, he quickly cleared the air, stating that he will continue to compete in the AP250 category. His ambition and focus on improvement are what make his journey truly inspiring. Reflecting on 2024, he said, “I review the entire 2024 race and prepare well for 2025.” His analytical approach shows that Viet Nam is setting the stage for greater success in 2025, focusing not just on competing, but on continuous growth as a rider. As the new season approaches, Viet Nam’s response to questions about surprises for the upcoming season was humble: “I don’t really know much about the 2025 plan, I’m just focusing on myself to be better.” His commitment to self-improvement is evident. With this mindset, he’s setting himself up for success in a sport that demands constant adaptation. One of the most talked-about moments was when Viet Nam was seen riding a 600cc bike during a tyre test, sparking rumors that he might compete in the SS600 category. However, he quickly clarified, saying, “No, as far as I know. I will continue in the AP250 category with higher goals.” His focus remains firmly on achieving better results and being more consistent. Viet Nam’s ultimate goal for the season is to be more consistent. Reflecting on the past year, he said, “I want to compete more consistently, because last year I crashed a lot.” He’s taking these experiences in stride and aiming for steady progress. His determination to minimize mistakes and maintain his performance speaks to his maturity as a rider. When asked about his expectations, Viet Nam set a high bar: “I expect to get two podiums in one race weekend.” This shows his ambition. For a rider from a country with limited racing infrastructure, this is a bold yet achievable goal. Perhaps one of the most inspiring parts of Viet Nam’s story is his humble beginnings. Racing in Vietnam, where motorsport is still growing, has presented unique challenges. Viet Nam shared, “Actually, I come from Vietnam, where racing is not very developed. No racetrack, no experience with racing bikes, from the bottom up, so I just enjoy it.” His words reflect his resilience. Despite the lack of resources and structured racing culture, Viet Nam has carved a path for himself in international motorsports. His passion and ability to learn from every experience have allowed him to overcome the odds. Cao Viet Nam’s story is one of growth, determination, and passion. His journey is about pushing through the challenges of being a rider from a country with developing motorsports. With his focus on consistency, his goal of podium finishes, and his drive to improve, Viet Nam is definitely a rider to watch in the 2025 ARRC season.

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.

The riders of the Asia Production 250cc race category is set for yet another round of thrill and this time around, PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit becomes the playground. Md Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia, in search for points, is bucked up for Round 5 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Not bad for a rider who missed one round after injuring himself in Motegi circuit to be standing tall in the second spot overall. Thanks to his excellent achievements this season where he marked four times on the podium including two wins, Faerozi is able to withstand the impact of losing all points and sustaining at the top three positions. The Indonesian rider has a mission and he is not far off from achieving it. He has stood out throughout the year and has progressed exponentially compared to last season. But would Sepang circuit give him the upper-hand? Recapping his achievements at Sepang last season, Faerozi managed to collect only 19 points in total for both races. But again, last year was not exactly his strong season especially with multiple DNFs throughout. He closed the season at the 9th spot overall. This year however, Faerozi came back with a different approach and not only did he start off the season with flying colours but maintained consistency throughout. That is definitely an impressive achievement. Commenting on the race, Faerozi said, “My preparation, my strategy and my focus has been all about making difference this season. I realised that I had to be more not just more consistent but also focused in achieving flying colours. The news regulations that have been implemented has definitely contributed to my success. It has given me a fighting-chance, to fight among the top troop. The Yamaha R3 machine is now able to dominate the circuit grounds better. Apart from that, the team is also well-prepared in ensuring the machine is in an excellent condition. It’s a total package – machine, skills and teamwork. With these factors, we believe that it has given us a great opportunity for an enhanced performance especially in fighting to be on the podium and in being more competitive.” “I still have a lot more to improve especially on my riding techniques. I have upped my physical and riding training. This is the right way to go faster. With regular training, I have better understanding of the machine, tyre management and also managing my body posture while riding. For the coming race in Sepang, the strength is our machine which has a good torque that provides better advantage for low-speed corners such as T1 and T2. The challenge would definitely be the two long straights which would need a better setup up and high RPM, maximum of 12.300. My aim is to be at the podium in each race, get maximum points. I want to be the next Asian Champion in the AP250 race category.”