Asia Production 250

VEDA, FAST AT CHANG

The battle for the best in the Asia Production 250cc begun today at the Chang International Circuit. Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made his mark today as the fastest man in the practice sessions, combined for Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In FP1 that happened this morning, the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM boys went on to mark their territories when they took the top three fastest positions with Veda Ega clocking in fastest with his best lap time at 1’52:346s followed by Rheza Danica at 1’52:621s and Herjun Atna at 1’52:884s. In FP2, Veda Ega once again went on to make the fastest lap time at 1’52:247s. Second fastest was Cao Viet Nam of Honda Racing Vietnam Team with his best lap time at 1’52:804s. Rheza Danica clocked in third fastest with his best lap time at 1’52:851s. In FP3, Veda Ega maintained his momentum as we went on once again to score the fastest lap time at 1’51:714s. The young chap who made his debut in the race category this season has not only succeeded in accomplishing goals but has also been a challenge to his own teammates with his extraordinary skills. In Race 1 of the season opener, Veda flaunted his moves and finished second. Chang may not be a problem for him this weekend. With a total of 135 points in his hands, he currently sits at the third spot overall and will be battling for the top three spots overall. Commenting on the FP session, Veda Ega said, “I am quite familiar with the circuit because I raced in the Asia Talent Cup last season. Not forgetting Round 1 of the season which has given me some valuable experience for this round. I am quite confident here. I have a good feeling on this circuit although today, the lap time was not fantastic for me, in my opinion. I will do better tomorrow for sure. The layout has two long-straights and high-speed corner which makes it interesting but at the same time challenging. The last corner is also tough as it is a little narrow but I will do my best in the qualifying tomorrow and I hope to win in the race.” Making it second and third fastest in FP3 and combined was Jakkreephat Puettisan of Honda Racing Thailand and Mohammed Faerozi of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia with their best lap time at 1’51:819s and 1’52:006s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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WHO WILL IT BE?

Entertaining at its best, the riders of the Asia Production 250cc has taken the game up a notch with their mind-blowing performances. Rising above it all are duo of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Rheza Danica Ahrens and Herjun Atna Firdaus who can’t seem to get enough as they navigate through the challenges of rivalry to be the best. The Indonesians are just one round away from making it in their games. But between them, who would hail as champion? It’s all happening this weekend in Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Chang International Circuit. Taking a double-win at the season opener, Rheza immediately awed the audience with his extraordinary performances but his teammate Herjun began getting his grip from round 2 onwards before darting a bullseye with a hat-trick in round 3 and round 4. The two key riders of ASTRA HONDA are undeniably well equipped with the ideals of a perfect rider and although the 23-point difference holds them apart with Rheza having the upper-hand, it is a matter of time before mastery and fate collides and the narratives takes an entirely different direction. Commenting on the coming race, Rheza said, “It was a fantastic start for us at Chang International Circuit, to be honest. Then, as expected, there was a cut of 500 in RPM after Malaysia and another 500 in Sugo. That was devastating and challenging at the same time. I struggled a little bit in that situation but to be frank, the team got over it almost immediately and did a great job to make sure that I was still competitive and fast on the circuit. Without challenges, where is the fun in racing, isn’t it? I still am very happy with our performances and I do hope that luck would be on my side in the coming last two races at Chang. The circuit is one of my favourites in the ARRC calendar. So, definitely I look forward to the coming round with the hope that it will go as planned without any major setbacks.” The ever-positive spirited lad continued, “I have a lot of confidence in my team and I am pretty certain that I have a big chance for the title win this season. It all boils down to effort as well. I can’t afford to sit back and relax. It is hard work from the beginning till the end. The machine is a complete package and has been complemented me well throughout the season. It is undoubtedly fast and that is one of its best features, thanks to my crew. I enjoyed every moment aboard the machine. When it comes to my teammate, we share a lot of things about the race during the race week. We brainstorm where we can and work out on issues pertaining to the circuit. I am fully motivated for the next season and I hope to be just as competitive like this season. I have learnt a lot throughout this season and I will move forward with that knowledge for a better outcome.” Herjun on the other hand said, “This is the second season that I have been making my mark in the AP250 race category. It gives me great honour to be in the fight for the Asia Champion title this season. Personally, my most memorable moment was Round 4 in Mandalika where I took the double win in the presence of my parents. That win was priceless. In Zhuhai however, I had a bad time in Race 1 which cost me valuable points. I made a mistake at that time in the first lap, at the last corner. It was a tough time as I had to deal with my emotions to make it back on the podium. In Race 2, I managed to embrace it and made it third. So, the overall experiences that I had in the last two rounds has been somewhat a bitter-sweet memory for me and I am grateful for it.” He went on to say, “I understand that my biggest rival are my teammates who are really good in their games. But whatever said and done, I am focused on my own achievements. I believe that if I do well, it will benefit the team overall. This time around, I think I have improved tremendously and that has worked well for the machine too. So, it is a combination of man and machine. Definitely, our crew has been a great addition and support in our overall achievement’s throughout. For the coming round, I am aware that the challenges are inevitable. The part that will be tough in my opinion is the two long straights, even more so with the RPM cut of 1000 which will surely make a whole lot of difference. Nevertheless, I have speed in sector three, so there is an upside! The team has been ever supportive, be it when I won or lost. They have been my backbone. I will do my best as a rider. Buriram, here I come!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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VEDA MADE IT!

The competition among the Asia Production 250cc riders has always been a captivating one with the ladies and gentlemen of the best kind taking the rhythm up a notch. Sailing through flawlessly and bagging the top spot was Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in Race 2 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Zhuhai International Circuit. Recapping the performances of Race 1, Veda took charge of the circuit making waves on each lap while,Muklada, Jakkreephat and Rheza battled their rivalries behind. With two more laps to go, Veda who had made a 7-second gap, had a ride through penalty, which gave the trio an instant pass to supersede him. Veda lost his chance but the lady was all out to bring the boys down. On the final lap, Muklada blazed her way to victory with Rheza taking the second spot and Jakkreephat landing himself third. Veda was quick to make his move at turn one, immediately taking lead as Jakkreephat and Muklada took P2 and P3. Nevertheless, Faerozi and Rheza were quick in getting ahead of Muklada before lap 1 ended. Muklada would not give up. As her teammate diligently trailed Veda, Muklada was fighting a battle with Faerozi and Rheza for the third position. She embraced the challenges as she went on to compete competitively. By the end of lap 3, Veda was 0.7s away from Jakkreephat who maintained his pace at P2. Mid lap 4, Herjun began making his moves and glided ahead of the trio. By then, Viet Nam emerged among the second troop. By mid-race, the duo in front were pacing with no pressure. But the intensity among the back troop became nerve-wrecking. Herjun took lead with Faerozi and Viet Nam chasing aggressively for the third place. With another three laps to go, Veda was 4.8 seconds away from Jakkreephat. Herjun and Faerozi picked up speed but Viet Nam caught up quickly. On the final lap, Veda and Jakkreephat went on to complete the race at first and second spot respectively. The second troop had one final battle before Herjun took speed to finish third. Commenting on the race, Veda who logged in at 18’20:774s said, “Race 1 didn’t work out for me because of the ride through. So, this was my time to make up for my loss yesterday. I did my best to stay focused and keep up with my pace. With that, I managed to draw a good big gap and avoided all threats from the back. I thank my team, crew members and everyone who have supported me throughout!” Jakkreephat Puettisan of Honda Racing Thailand clocked in second at 18’30:018s. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made it third at 18’34:804s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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FIRST WIN FOR THE LADY

The Asia Production 250cc was nothing short of a powerful stride among the best of Asia with both the lads and lasses heating up the circuit in their mission top the chart. Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Team claimed victory today in Race 1 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at the Zhuhai International Circuit. In the qualifying session that took place earlier this morning, Veda Ega of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM went on to score the fastest lap time at 1’50:117s consequently bagging the pole position for the weekend. At second and third spot on the grid were duo of Honda Racing Thailand, Jakkreephat and Muklada with their best lap time at 1’50:383s and 1’50:569s respectively. Jakkreephat did not waste a moment as soon as the race was flagged off. He took a quick slide ahead of the troop, into P1 with Veda and Muklada behind him. But very quickly, Veda recovered P1. Before the lap ended, Veda drew a gap leaving trio Muklada, Herjun and Jakkreephat rivalling for the next spot. Before lap 2 ended, Herjun slipped and sled straight into the gravel. His teammate, Veda on the other hand was cruising comfortably at arm’s length with a gap of 2.339s while duo of the same team, Muklada and Jakkreephat went on a fierce battle. Behind them, Faerozi was waiting to strike with Rheza making swift moves between them. Before lap three ended, Rheza made it into P3. As Veda glided comfortably ahead with no threats and pressure, the battle for P2 was striking among Jakkreephat, Muklada and Rheza. By lap 6, Faerozi joined the troop. The only Yamaha rider struggled to keep up pace with the Honda riders. With three more laps to go, Veda has drawn an impressive 7.421s gap with the troop behind unfortunately at the 8th lap, Veda who had to serve his penalty was left behind when the trio quickly overtook at high-speed. At the final lap, the rivalry continued between Muklada at P1 and Rheza at P2. The lady rider was not about to give in to her male counterpart. At the last turn, she fled towards her first victory at 18’35:277s. Commenting on the race, Muklada said, “Rheza and Jakkreephat were really strong. It was a fierce fight with them all the way. We had the advantage at the long straight towards the end of the race today. Of course, I hope to make it again tomorrow. I thank my team members, crew, family and friends for their support and let’s see how it goes tomorrow.” Taking the second spot was Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM at 18’35:476s. Jakkreephat Puettisan of Honda Racing Thailand made it third at 18’35:565s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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VEDA, QUICK TO ADAPT

Never a bore when its time to score and that is how it has been with the Asia Production 250cc riders. They are back once again for Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at the Zhuhai International Circuit. Hitting it off with a fantastic pace and making it fastest in the combined practice sessions was Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING Team. The morning begun with the FP1 session where Veda Ega of ASTRA HONDA RACING Team marked fastest at 1’51:400s. Second fastest was Faerozi of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia with his best lap time at 1’51:653s. Teammate, Wahyu Nugroho made it third fastest with his best lap time at 1’51:908s. In FP2 session, Veda Ega worked on his skills and improved his lap time when he once again clocked in fastest at 1’51:021s. Faerozi made it second fastest with a slight increase in lap time at 1’51:709s. Rheza Danica of ASTRA HONDA RACING Team made more than a 1-second improvements before taking the third fastest spot with his best lap time at 1’51:744s. In FP3, Veda once again to further accentuate his performance and logged in fastest with his best lap time at 1’50:153s. The Indonesian rider missed out the last round at his home-ground nevertheless, with his impressive achievements thus far, he currently takes the chart at the third spot overall with a total of 100 points to his name. Veda has certainly showcased exceptional qualities in adapting very quickly to the new circuit ground today. Commenting on the sessions, Veda Ega who rode for the first time on the circuit grounds said, “I am very happy with the lap time during each session today. I was able to adapt very quickly and that was a plus point for me. I took a step-by-step approach to improve my lap time. Of course, there are the likes of the more experienced riders like my own teammates and riders from the other teams who are equally good. So, the challenge is inevitable. I love the circuit to be honest. Yes, it has some bumpy spots but I enjoyed the high-speed corner at the last turn. I think I can get a spot on the podium. I am keeping my fingers crossed for that!” At second spot was Jakkreephat of Honda Racing Thailand with his best lap time at 1’50:220s in FP3. Faerozi made it third fastest in FP3 and combined with his best lap time at 1’50:576s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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IN THE BAG FOR THE INDONESIANS

The fiery fight among riders of the Asia Production 250cc race category has been evident thus far in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. While the riders have been toe-to-toe with each other, making the splash in the domain were the Indonesian riders who seemed to have picked up the tricks and trades of the riding mechanisms far too well. Irfan Ardiansyah of Motul Sniper Manual Tech and Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia were among them who stood out with their recent, first podium-finish and are geared up to make it or break it once again at Round 5 which will be held at the Zhuhai International Circuit, China. The former rider of ASTRA Honda Racing Team who rode aboard the Honda CBR600 RR last season made his entry into the AP250 race category this season. It is surely a hard row to hoe, especially from a higher engine capacity machine to a slightly lower one and that has been obvious in his performances throughout the season. Coupled with the fact that he has to now adapt to the form and function of a Kawasaki machine. Nevertheless, Irfan has made an impressive finish in Race 2 of Round 4 when he bagged the third spot on the podium. Commenting on the season, Irfan said, “My biggest challenge for the season would definitely be my weight. To ride on the AP250 machine, I would have to be lighter in comparison to riding aboard a 600cc machine. I have changed categories before so more or less, I am quite familiar with the setbacks. The other challenge in this race category would be the power of Honda. Which means, I have to be more aggressive in recovering my limitations with the Kawasaki. Although for posture, a 600cc is much better for me, the 250cc has nevertheless gave me quite an experience this season and I have enjoyed riding the whole time.” On his experience at Zhuhai, Irfan said, “My first experience there was in 2019. I had a good experience there. I enjoyed riding on the track and I think it pretty much went well with my riding style. Having said that, a lot has changed over the years so we have to be quite prepared for it and also since we haven’t raced there for many years. As part of the preparation towards the race, the FP sessions are really crucial. The team and I usually work closely during the session to understand the positive and negative impact and work towards making it better. My goal in the last 2 rounds has been obvious – I want to win. The podium-finish at Mandalika gave me the boost that I need and I will continue to strive 100% to achieve it again.” Nugroho on the other hand came back for a full season this year after being away last year at the World SBK Championship. The rider who initially rode in the Underbone 150cc race category moved into the AP250 race category in 2020 for only one round before taking a leap into world championship in 2022 after the lockdown. Although a Yamaha-boy all the way, Nugroho has definitely rolled with the punches this season before he finally made his first podium at the third spot at his home-ground circuit.  Commenting on the season, Nugroho said, “I am truly happy to be back at ARRC since my last appearance in 2020 before the world went on a lockdown. It has been a fun ride so far for me. Last year, I was away at WSBK and that has been pinnacle in achieving my dreams at the international stage. I took part in the One Make Race Yamaha R3 bLU cRU cup and evidently, it was quite tough considering the tight competition with riders of various countries competing on machines of the same performance. But to be honest, there is not much of a difference with ARRC. The level of competitiveness is equally the same. On my side, I struggled quite a bit to get to the front group but I am thankful that there has been a new regulation which makes it better to improving my results.” “As for the coming race, I have raced there in 2019 in the UB150 race category. I like the circuit and it is not very difficult in my opinion. I guess it is also because each time I hit the circuit, I not only do my best but I also take a moment to enjoy the rider. That I think makes it much easier to overcome whatever challenges. My team has been very supportive of me and we get through the tough and good times together. As for my goals this season, I want to try and get to the top three positions although I know it is not an easy feat. I am proud of my achievements so far because I give it my best shot and I have also improved a lot over the years.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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1-2 FOR ASTRA HONDA

It was a strong presentation by the Indonesians in the Asia Production 250cc race category. Emerging consistent and relentless was Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who swiped another win today in Race 2 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Race 1 witnessed a battle between Honda, Yamaha and the Kawasaki riders in the first few laps before Herjun finally found his footing at the lead position. While Faerozi and Aldi fought their battle, Rheza broke into P2 and picked up speed to compete with his teammate. Nevertheless, it was futile. Herjun was on his way to victory when Rheza faced rivalry from Aldi and Wahyu, submitting to defeat. Today’s race began with Herjun and Aldi sprinting ahead. Aldi however managed to take lead at turn one for a moment before Kiandra made his move into P1. By lap 2, Kiandra picked up speed with Muklada injecting intense pressure from the back. Before the lap ended, Aldi who took a spot on the podium yesterday fell. Muklada found her way into P1 with Wahyu at P2. Before lap 2 ended, Rhezamoved into P3 while Aiki took P4. The AP250 race category seemed more vigorous this time around with the additional wildcard riders adding on to the pressure. The exchange of positions was intense but Muklada seemed confident as she went on to hold the position. By mid-race however, Herjun began working his magic and emerged at P1. He immediately picked up speed and drew a wide gap with the troop trailing behind. His teammate, Rheza moved next in line at P3 while Kawasaki Ninja rider, Aiki managed his pace at P3 before Wahyu took over. With another 2 laps to go, Herjun was comfortably gliding away while the heated battle continued between Rheza, Wahyu and Aiki. Wahyu succeeded Rheza before the Kawasaki boys took over P3 and P4 at the final lap. Seconds before the race ended, Rheza and Irfan fought a good battle before Rheza flaunted his mastery at the last turn, sprinting ahead towards the second spot on the podium. Herjun made it with flying colours at 18’03:881s. With this victory, ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM celebrated the overall team champion. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “In the beginning, it was not so good. I hit another rider and that made me lose my position. But I believed in myself and I had a good pace here so I took a step-by-step approach to move upstream into P1. Eventually, I managed to make a gap. With that, I was able to stay focus and continue to race without much pressure.” Teammate, Rheza Danica Ahrens took the second place at 18’06:321s. Irfan Ardiansyah of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing came in third at 18’06:367s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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IMPRESSIVE INDONESIAN

It was a highly competitive feat, the Asia Production 250cc race category with aggressive riders moving on full force to gain victory. Nevertheless, the mark of excellence is meant for only one and it belonged to Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. During the qualifying session that was held earlier this morning, Herjun Atna of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM took pole position at 1’47:258s. Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Team made it to the second spot on the grid at 1’47:479s followed by Aldi Satya Mahendra of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia took the third spot on the grid at 1’47:561s. It was a great start for Herjun before Aldi overtook him at turn one. At P3 was Kawasaki Ninja rider, Aiki Iyoshi, appearing strongly before superseding the duo ahead of him into P1. Herjun seemed to have lost his momentum for a moment but find his footing once again before taking lead towards the end of lap 2 with Faerozi close behind and Aldi at P3. By the end of lap 3, Herjun has picked up speed and drawn a gap of 0.9 seconds. As Herjun went on to create an impossible gap, Aldi overtook Faerozi. At P4, Wahyu tried to close the gaps with Faerozi as Rheza moved into P5. The current championship lead, while he managed to move into P4 from P7, he seemed to be struggling with his momentum as Wahyu inched closer, placing immense pressure. With another four laps to go, Herjun was speeding way ahead of the troop. In that moment, Rheza found the opportunity to strike and he crossed the two riders ahead into P2. By then, Rheza was seen picking up speed and he went on a chase to close the gaps with his teammate. The three robust Yamaha riders behind him went on to pump in pressure. With two more laps to go, the ASTRA HONDA riders were determined to make the best in their home- ground. Rheza embraced the continuous pressure as he guarded his position. At the final lap, Herjun was on his way towards victory but his teammate began feeling the intensity. At the last turn, Rheza gave in to the challenge as the two Yamaha riders moved ahead into P2 and P3 before claiming the spots on the podium. Herjun Atna Firdaus madfe an impressive finish at 17’59:708s. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “In the beginning of the race, I tried to manage my tire but at the same time, I enjoyed the race and went on a good speed to ensure that there is a comfortable gap between me and the rider behind me. It was a good race to be honest, taking the win at my home- circuit. There is another race tomorrow so, will keep my fingers crossed.” Teammates Aldi Satya Mahendra and Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA Racing Indonesian made it second and third at 18’00:278s and 18’00:762s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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INDONESIANS CAME PREPARED

Moving swiftly today at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit were the Asia Production 250cc riders in the free practice sessions. Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made some impressive moves when he marked the fastest lap time for Round 4 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In the FP1 session earlier this morning, Indonesians once again emerged at the top three fastest list with teammates Rheza and Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM marking their best at 1’47:734s and 1’47:804s respectively. At third, fellow rider of Motul Sniper Manual Tech, Irfan Ardiansyah clocked in at 1’48:339s. In FP2, Herjun scaled up in performance and clocked in fastest at 1’48:079s followed by Muhammad Faerozi of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia at 1’48:444s and Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand at 1’48:481s. In FP3, Rheza Danica once again made fastest at 1’47:149s followed by Faerozi at 1’47:508s and Herjun Atna at 1’47:606s. While is it not surprising that Rheza made it the fastest in the practice sessions, combined, Faerozi definitely seemed to have upped his performances this round, landing himself at the second fastest spot for the day while Herjun took the third fastest spot. While confidence on home-ground is an added booster for the day, this is just the beginning to a challenging feat ahead. Commenting on the session, Rheza said, “Racing on home-circuit gives a different feel, even more so in the presence of my friends and family members. It is more exciting and there is a rush of adrenaline that pushes you to do better and move faster. With that, undoubtedly comes the pressure – the pressure to maintain my overall momentum for the season as well as to make sure I achieve the best for my fans and family. I am lucky that with my team, I have the opportunity to clock in more training hours on the machine. Apart from that, the condition of the machine has been perfect thus far which gives me an added advantage. I hope to be the pole man tomorrow so that it gives me the boost I need for the race.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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FAST & FIERY

Powerful and persistent are the descriptions of riders in the Asia Production 250cc as they continue to unveil hidden moves and enhanced abilities. No exception to this is Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech who have both displayed spectacular performances in Round 3. Racing in Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit for Round 4 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship however may pose two different set of experiences for these riders. Along with his teammates, Herjun has been exemplary in his racing endeavours this season. Although he lost some points in Race 2 of Round 1, his on-going achievements has positioned him at the third spot overall to-date; 1 point shy from his teammate at the second spot. Throughout the races, he was seen relentless in his pursuit for a winning recognition despite the challenges within the race category. Last season, Herjun bagged the third spot overall with two wins and two podiums. Commenting on his achievements, Herjun said, “Last year, I was a rookie in the AP250 race category. However, with the help of my teammates, I am able to scale up to greater heights this season. For the upcoming race at Mandalika, I have a strong feeling that it would be an awesome one. Perhaps, also with the upper hand of having the experiences racing there. I joined the ATC 2021 and raced at Mandalika which gave me some insights to the layout. Briefly, Mandalika circuit has many high-speed corners and also windy points which makes it interesting yet challenging. Not forgetting, having the support of my family and friends which serves as a motivational factor. The team at Astra Honda also gave us the opportunity to do testing as an early preparation. With all these in hand, my target would be to win for both races.” Fighting for the same opportunity and coming out strong in Race 2 of Round 3 was Aiki Iyoshi who managed to untangle himself from the chaos at the last lap before sprinting ahead towards the second spot on the podium. The Japanese lad who strides aboard the striking green Kawasaki Ninja 250 may have somewhat struggled in the first two rounds but round three was definitely the much-needed booster to alleviate him further. Commenting on the race, Aiki said, “This season has been a tough one, frankly. But in race 2 of Round 3, I made it to the podium although I know I could have done better. I wasn’t really satisfied with my performances but all I could do is move forward to achieve better outcomes. Racing in Mandalika would be my first so from the practice sessions onwards, I will have to work on my riding techniques and find the right setup. The goal is to leave a mark during the race therefore, it is going to be a lot of hard work. Speaking about his machine, he went on to say, “I am confident with my machine and it works well at the corners. So, attacking the opponent at the corners would be the best bet to move upwards. I know that closing the gaps with the other riders is a challenging task but my goal is to utilise the strengths of the machine where possible. I foresee a fierce battle at Mandalika but the aim is to be on the podium and I will do everything I can to achieve it from FP up till the end of the race! Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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