Asia Production 250

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

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

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

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

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

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

Since the beginning of the season, the Asia Production 250cc has been producing amusing scenes that portrayed extraordinary mastery of its riders. In Race 2, Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM took a grand stand at the top spot on the podium at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course this evening. Recapping Race 1 that was held yesterday, intensity arose between Indonesian and Thai rider, Rheza and Muklada in the first few laps. Muklada went on a chase in an attempt to knock Rheza down however Rheza took a bold stance as he fought off the brewing pressure behind him. In the last few laps, Rheza accelerated and left Muklada in a distance before claiming victory. His teammate, Veda who fought his own battle with rivals in the back troop, concluded at third spot on the podium. In today’s race, Faerozi utilised his pole position well when he took lead at the first turn while Muklada rushed for P2. Before the lap ended, Muklada confidently took lead but seconds into lap 2, Rheza struck her and embraced the lead role. At the first turn of lap 3, Faerozi ferociously attacked Muklada before moving into P2. Meanwhile at P3 was Kawasaki rider, Irfan before Veda took over. Teammate, Herjun followed close behind at P6. Before lap 4 ended, Muklada found her way back into P2 and at P3, Irfan superseded Veda. In an interesting twist, Irfan made it into P2 but shortly after that, Veda overtook and teammate Herjun buckled up into P3. By then, Muklada was at P6 and the ASTRA boys lined up for the top three positions. Ifran went on to chase Herjun who was close by. With another 5 laps to go, leader of the troop was beginning to feel the pressure of teammate Veda however, Rheza went on steadily ahead. Irfan on the other hand found an opportunity to strike and took P3 but Herjun was relentless and took him down once again. With 2 more laps to go, Muklada decided to make moves and overtook Aiki into P4 however luck was not on her side when she took a fall before the final lap. Indonesian trio were once again at the top three positions and at the last lap, Herjun pushed past Veda and inched closer towards Rheza. In an unfortunate twist of fate, the battle between trio of ASTRA HONDA for the best position resulted in Veda rubbing against Rheza, causing the leader and Irfan to crash. Herjun in that moment grabbed the opportunity to dash ahead, clocking in at 20’00:053s. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “I finished 4th in Race 1 but as soon as that was over, we analysed the outcome closely and made some fine-tuning on the settings. During the warm up earlier, we had a positive result. For this race, my machine was in a perfect condition but there are three more rounds to go after this so there is a lot of work that needs to be done. I hope to win the championship so let’s see how that goes!” Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team who was trailing behind immediately took the opportunity for the second spot at 20’03:273s. Teammate, Veda who quickly avoided the fall took the third spot on the podium at 20’01:735s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It was a no-shocker in the Asia Production 250cc when Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM charged towards the chequered flag ahead of the rest for an impressive win in Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course this evening. During the Qualifying session that was carried out in the morning, Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia marked the fastest lap time at 1’39:078s giving him the additional boost needed for the race. At second fastest was Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM at 1’39:097s followed by Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand at the third place with the lap time of 1’39:270s. Faerozi was off to an awesome start from the pole position however seconds into the race, Rheza grabbed P1 from him while teammates Muklada and Jakkreephat moved into P2 and P3 respectively. Mid lap 2, Irfan Ardiansyah found the opportunity to strike and immediately took P3. While it was not surprising of Rheza to makes waves once again at the circuit, female rider Muklada was quite a stunner at Sugo. She was relentless as she went on a chase to bring Rheza down. Meanwhile at P4 and P5 teammates Herjun and Veda made it past Jakkreephat and began pressuring Irfan. By the end of lap 5, Veda succeeded. The trio was left battling for a better position as duo, Rheza and Muklada fled ahead with neither distraction or pressure from the troop. By end of lap 7, Aiki closed his gap with teammate and moved in P5 before overtaking Herjun. With another 3 laps to go, Rheza began working his magic as he drew wider gap with Muklada. At the final lap, it was almost impossible for Muklada to make her moves. Rheza was on his way to yet another victory and clocked in at 19’58:348s. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “After the practice sessions yesterday, we have achieved quite a good lap time so we were aware of our strengths and the capacities of the machine. During the race, I was able to manage my rhythm well and I avoided making mistakes on each lap. I know that Muklada was right behind me at each lap but I kept my focus on creating some gap towards the last few laps. For the remaining rounds of the season, I aim to give my best shot even though there have been some changes after the RPM cut. It definitely will require more work but I will do my best.” Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand took the second spot on the podium at 20’00:396s. Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made it third at 20’00:456s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The Asia Production 250cc race category once again called the riders for an ambitious ride in Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM took the call graciously and emerged fastest in the practice sessions, combined that was held earlier today. In the practice session 1 that was carried out earlier in the morning, Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand made a positive start when she logged in fastest at 1’41:529s. At the second fastest spot was Irfan Ardiansyah of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing, clocking in his best lap time at 1’41:696s. Third was Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM with his best time at 1’42:154s. In practice session 2, Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech made a new lap record with his fastest at 1’40:695s. Muklada showed consistency when she emerged second fastest at 1’41:129s whereas Irfan made it third fastest with an improved lap time at 1’41:201s. In the practice session 3, Rheza Danica who has been laying low in the first two sessions emerged fastest with a new lap record at 1’39:764s. Irfan made it second fastest while Muklada marked third fastest at 1’39:893s and 1’39:986s respectively. With that, Rheza claimed the fastest in the combined session for the day. It was quite an impressive move by Rheza this time around considering his performance last season where he only took home 2 points from the race here. Commenting on the session today, Rheza said, “Considering the cut in the RPM, I have to work extra hard now. But overall, though, I have been feeling good. This season has been good and I have been able to do so much more. Hopefully I am able to retain the same quality in performance for the qualifying session tomorrow.” Irfan and Muklada took the second and third position respectively in the practice session, combined. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Never ceased the amaze, the boys of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM showcased exemplary team work as they worked hand-in-hand to conquer the Asia Production 250cc race category in the last two rounds. Standing out among them is youngest in the team Veda Ega Pratama who has raised eye-brows with his exceptional performances. What would Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course hold for Veda? Round 3 will say it all. As a debutante in the AP250 race category, Veda has stunned fans with his racing actions. In Round 1, the Indonesian lad was seen engaging in furious strides alongside his teammates. He was steady and in control of his machine, maintaining his position among the top three. In Round 1, Veda emerged with a strong front when he bagged the second spot in Race 1. Although a miscalculation in his move brought him down in Race 2, he returned for Round 2 with a greater disposition. Charging ahead in the front troop, Veda made a quick recovery and into the second spot in the overall standings when he took the third place in Race 1 and the winning spot in Race 2. Commenting on the race, Veda said, “Personally, I think that ARRC is one of the toughest championships in the Asian region and it definitely challenges me to be better. I love the adrenaline rush, the speed and the pressure injected by the other riders. My aim with ARRC is to gain more experience. I think the exposure has a lot to offer in terms of helping me in my riding abilities and also in understanding the machine’s technicalities.” Speaking about his team, Veda chirped, “I am happy to compete in ARRC with such a great team as a backup. The team has a highly experienced mechanic who is ever-ready to look into matters pertaining the machine and make the right calls. I have awesome senior riders who have been insightful and ever willing to guide me. To be honest, I have learnt many tricks from them when it comes to riding and I am truly lucky to be part of this amazing team. In fact, I feel privileged to be the youngest riders in the team and I have a lot to be thankful for.” The rider took interest in two-wheels at the age of 4. He said, “My father exposed me to motor-cross at that time and I immediately took a liking for it. The extremity of the sports kind of inspired me to know more and be part of the two-wheels racing scene. So, here I am! Of course, I had to brace through many challenges to be where I am but those are all somewhat the fundamentals of motorcycle racing. So far, the circuits in Thailand and Malaysia have been really a push-factor for me. But I have never raced at Sugo. At this point of time, I put my trust in my team and am confident that they will fight the battle with me.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com