Asia Production 250

Beating it at first turn and fleeing ahead, drawing gap with each lap, enough to keep his contenders at bay summarises Rheza Danica Ahrens’ winning moves in Race 1 and Race 2 of Round 1 of the Asia Production 250cc race category, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM star rider will be back for Round 2 at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Rheza missed his golden opportunity of taking the championship title last season but he is fuelled with determination and willpower to turn his disappointment into victorious strategy. During the races at Buriram, his strategy worked when he bolted ahead and worked magic with his machine towards a double-win. He paced up so quickly, leaving the trail of riders behind him to fend for themselves. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “We had excellent speed in the last round and of course, I managed my consistency throughout the race at Buriram. Although I was ahead of the others, it was still important that I maintained that momentum to ensure that I made no mistakes or provide an opportunity for an attack from the back. One of the challenges that I faced during Round 1 was with the tires. With new tires, it was difficult to find the best setup for the race.” Rheza is no stranger at the Sepang circuit. In fact, the Indonesian lad has carved some memorable achievements at the circuit. Last season, he took the podium twice in Round 2 after putting up a good fight with the Kawasaki riders. He may have failed to live up to his mark in Round 4 but with confidence and performance data in hand, it’s time to step up his game and make his mark. “Our strength relies on the data we have obtained from last season as it would help us prepare and improve for the upcoming race. I have an important role to play which is to understand the circuit better. In the AP250 race category, power of the machines is equivalent as the dexterity of the riders themselves. Therefore, everyone in the top 7 has the potential to win. Most importantly is to maximise our capacities and ensuring zero-error.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The Asia Production 250cc race category concluded its final race for Round 1 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Chang International Circuit with victory in the hands of Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. Rheza was flawless yesterday as he bolted ahead from the start to completion. His in-depth experience was a class of its own as he went on lap-by-lap, increasing speed to create a gap that kept his contender at bay. His feisty teammate Veda Ega may have zero experience in the ARRC domain but was not to be doubted as he went on to spark pressure throughout the race. Herjun on the other hand, fought a good battle with Thai’s female, Muklada before taking her down. It was a great start for the riders of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM today with Herjun taking lead at the 1st turn before his teammates Veda Ega and Rheza made their way before him. It was unfortunate though for three other riders who crashed before the 1st turn. As the race went on, Jakkreephat and Rheza engaged in battle before the latter superseded. Meanwhile, Muklada was at P3 while Herjun pressured Irfan from P5 before overtaking. By the end of lap 4, lady rider took over P2. Meanwhile, ahead of them, Rheza was building up on speed and drawing up gap as Muklada and Jakkreephat aimed for P2. Irfan on the other hand was pumped up to take over P3. By the end of lap 7, positions switched and Herjun was leading behind Rheza who was on his way to victory. Turn 6 of lap 8, Irfan made a bold slide from the inside into P2 just before it was snatched by Muklada. The competition was tight between trio, Herjun, Irfan and Muklada who were aiming for the second -best spot. With one more lap to go, Rheza was impeccable, as he strode ahead with an almost 9-second gap. But the race was once again made exciting at the last turn in the battle for P2. In that chaos, Herjun took a fall. Jakkreephat and Muklada avoided the crash and sped towards second and third spot respectively. Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM marked his best at 18’38:595s. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “It the beginning, it was a little tough for me to find my pace but once I was ahead of them, I was focused on finding the right rhythm. I managed to create the gap and went on to pick up speed. This is a good start to the season and I am very happy.” Jakkreephat Puettisan and Muklada Sarapuech of HONDA RACING THAILAND made their best at 18’47:427s and 18’47:463s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The Asia Production 250cc race category was made exciting with riders striding aggressively to take lead in Race 1 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. However, Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM had the upper hand when he graced the finish line first, bagging his first victory for the season. Earlier this morning, Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made an impressive mark when he topped the qualifying session at 1’50:860s. His teammates Rheza Danica Ahrens and Veda Ega Pra Tama made their best lap time at 1’50:897s and 1’51:162s making them the top three riders in the session. With the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM trio taking the front row on the grid, the advantage was amplified for Rheza Danica who made a quick move to take lead at the first turn. With that impressive act, Rheza took control of the circuit, slowly increasing speed lap-by-lap. By the end of lap 3, teammate Veda Ega positioned himself steadily at P2 with Muklada trailing close behind. Herjun who was then at P4 overtook Muklada at sector 2 and by end of lap 4, the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM trio aligned themselves on the top 3 positions. Rheza was then fleeing comfortably ahead at P1 with Veda Ega fighting to close to gap. At P3, it was an exchange between Muklada and Herjun, mid-race. Muklada lost her chances at top 5 as Jakkreephat went ahead but she was determined to make the cut. The feisty battle for the third position went on between Herjun, Muklada and Jakkreephat. With one last lap to go, Rheza was confirmed for a win with Veda Ega at the second spot. It was at the last turn that the excitement mounted with Herjun and Muklada making one last push towards the chequered flag. As Rheza clocked in his masterclass performance at 18’37:710s, Veda Ega made his best at 18’38:639s. At third place, Herjun clocked in just in time to bag to third spot at 18’45:659s. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “It was a quite tough race today especially with the heat steaming up the track. In the beginning, I kept my consistency intact by being completely focused. I presume that Race 2 will be equally hard but I will do my best tomorrow.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The Asia Production 250cc race category went on with a swift move throughout the practice session  today despite the heat at the Chang International Circuit. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA  RACING TEAM emerged fastest for the combined practice session when he clocked in his best for the  day at 1’50:661s. In Practice 1 this morning, riders of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM aboard the Honda CBR250 RR conquered the three fastest spots with Herjun at his best lap time followed by Rheza Danica Ahrens  and Veda Ega Pra Tama at 1’50:772s and 1’51:187s respectively. Pumped up further, the trio of ASTRA  HONDA RACING TEAM went on to make the fastest in Practice 2 with Rheza taking lead at 1’51:116s,  followed by Veda and Herjun at 1’51:374s and 1’51:898s respectively.  In Practice 3 however, Thai lad, Jakkreephat Puettisan of HONDA RACING THAILAND made fastest at  1’51:104s while ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM duo, Rheza and Veda concluded with second and third  respectively.   With the final practice session, the combined result placed Herjun and Rheza in the first and second  fastest spot while Jakkreephat took the third fastest spot.  Commenting on the practice session, Herjun said, “The temperature was not too high in the morning but during the afternoon session, the asphalt temperature was close to 60 degrees which made it very  hard to maintain speed. With an increased temperature, we face limitations with the tire and the grip becomes less functional in terms of speed.”  “My teammates are excellent riders. Rheza has a lot of experience as a rider in the AP250 race category while Veda has gained his bulk of experience from ATC and MSF. So, it would definitely be an  interesting ride with them and definitely, my hope is to win the race tomorrow.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It was a triumphant triple celebration for fans of Indonesia at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) last season when all three spots of the overall standings in the Asia Production 250cc were swept by their countrymen. Even more so, when Andy Muhammad Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team emerged champion for the second consecutive time. Andy’s advice to the riders of AP250 race category, “You know you are fast and talented, yes, but pay great importance to physical fitness and hard work. Having the right attitude and utilising the heart intelligence will take you one step ahead. When you enter the paddock with hope and optimism, you are ready to be a champion.” “The important lesson that I have learnt would be to take a step back, when necessary, before taking two steps forward. The mental strength is crucial when it comes to riding and that would allow you to maximise your potentials. I have many moments to celebrate as I recall but the best would be my first podium in 2019, Australia that led to my champion title in 2019 and 2022. If I could do it again, it will be a race to the top.” Andy will move forward with bigger aspirations this season in the SuperSports 600cc race category with YAMAHA Racing Indonesia. With Andy out of the equation, would it be an opportunity for ASTRA HONDA Racing Team’s rising stars? Rheza Danica Ahrens and Herjun Atna Firdaus have made striking impact last season in the AP250 race category when they charged relentlessly and competitively, spiking intensity and potential threat to the leading opponent. This season, the ball may just be in their court. Getting on board with the team for the season would be 15-year-old Veda Ega Pratama who bagged the third spot in the Asia Talent Cup Championship last season. Rheza commented, “Season 2023 comes with an additional round and consistency is a challenge that needs to be mastered. I joined AP250 since 2017 and moved to SS600 in 2019. Last season, coming back to AP250 posed some difficulties but I am happy to have made it thus far. My goal is to become the next AP250 Asian Champion and from the experience last year, I am confident that I can achieve it. As for Herjun, “I have enjoyed all the races in the AP250 race category. The machine was excellent, the speed was powerful. As a rookie rider, I was surprised with my performances throughout last season and making it at the third place was an amazing achievement for me. Of course, it was tou gh in the beginning of the season, not just for me but also for my mechanics. Nevertheless, the team came up with good setup and I was able to complement that with my achievement. This year, I hope to further establish my skills and enjoy the ride. Can’t wait to once again ride past the last corner – my fav spot!” Injecting pressure into the AP250 race category scene is Chinese Taipei’s lady riders in EEST NJT Racing Team and Motul Sniper Manual Tech team alongside Japanese and Thai’s best females in SDG MS Harc-Pro.Honda.Ph. team and Honda Racing Thailand team, respectively. Will the lads be fuelled further this season? The game will usher in a new experience for its riders and fans are sure to be entertained this season. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The Asia Production 250cc has interestingly seen an increase in its fanbase with extremely agile riders expanding their capacities through experiences and bold moves. As the season came to a close, Rheza Danica of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team put on one last show before racing down the straight line to claim victory. The race began on the wet grounds with Adenanta taking lead, closely trailed by Anggi Setiawan, Rheza Danica and Piyawat. Aldi who was close behind began picking up speed and broke ahead of the troop in the first lap. Meanwhile, Adenanta took a slip and fell. By the end of the third lap, Aldi made it to P1 while being closely shadowed by Rheza Danica, Anggi Setiawan and Piyawat. The battle between the four fiery riders grew stronger as they made their laps. Meanwhile, Rafid Topan began inching closer towards the front troop and by the end of the fourth lap, he closed the gaps and made his move into P3. By the end of the fifth lap however, Anggi Setiawan had a fall and was out of the equation. Rheza went on at the lead position. However, behind him, Rafid Topan and Aldi Satya were entangled in a battle to retain their position at P2. Blame it on the wet circuit, Aldi Satya unfortunately slipped and fell consequently opening up the opportunity for Piyawat to strike. With two more laps to go, Piyawat went on at P2, trying his best to close the gaps with his rival ahead of him however with a gap of approximately 9.3s, it seemed impossible for Piyawat to move any closer. By the last lap, Rheza was confident, far ahead of the troop. After the last turn, he strode swiftly to the finish line, clocking in at 20’36:566s with a gap of 16.196s away from Piyawat. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “From the start, the circuit has been wet and I just enjoyed the ride. I stayed focused on the race and finally, I am back at the top spot on the podium. Thank you to ASTRA HONDA team and my family for the unwavering support given to me.” Piyawat Patoomyos of HONDA Racing Thailand logged in second at 20’52:762s. Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team made it third with his best at 21’01:105s. With the conclusion of Race 2, Muhammad Andy Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team celebrated his win as the Asian Champion of the AP250 race category for year 2022. Commenting on the title, Andy said, “I feel extremely happy. This season has pushed me towards working even harder. Even more so when my RPM was cut down since Round 3 in Japan. I struggled a lot but I am thankful to God for the blessings. Also, thanks to my family members and the team who believed in me and have supported me in every way.”

It was a rhythm not to be missed with the Asia Production 250cc as the robust riders strode with great speed and energy on the Chang International Circuit. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team celebrated victory in Race 1 when he made a triumphant rush to the finish line ahead of the others. The race flagged off with Thai rider Piyawat as the pole man, teammates of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, Adenanta at P2 and Herjun Atna at P3 after the qualifying session earlier this morning. However, at the first turn, Herjun made a quick slide ahead of Piyawat and took lead. However, before the end of the first lap, teammate Rheza managed to take over P1. The fiery battle went on between the riders in red suit and by the end of lap 2, Adenanta hit fastest followed by Piyawat and Rheza. Meanwhile, Aldi was seen making his way close to the trio ahead of him. Taking P4 in that moment, Aldi was determined to find the opportunity to strike. The trio however was not about to be defeated. In the fifth lap however, wildcard rider Jakkreephat found his way ahead of the leading trio. But Herjun and Adenanta seemed to have their strategies aligned to make this battle worth their efforts. By the end of the sixth lap, Herjun took the lead position while Adenanta kept close behind him. Piyawat was seen taking strides at P3, hoping to make a comeback to P1. The riders of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team however went on to guard their positions although they were constantly pressured by their closest contenders and by the end of the eighth lap, Piyawat went ahead with great speed at the lead position. With two more laps to go, Piyawat was not in a position to make any mistakes especially with Adenanta just inches away from him. At the last lap however, trio of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team teamed up to make their moves. Herjun switched places with Piyawat and by the last turn, he was squeezed out of top three position by Adenanta and Rheza. Herjun fled ahead towards victory, clocking in at 19’06:534s. Commenting on the race, Herjun Atna Firdaus said, “I am extremely happy with the race today. I gave my best to the team and I am proud of that. Also, thanks to my boss and the crew of ASTRA HONDA who worked tirelessly to make this win possible.” “It was a tough race. The competitors were good however I am thankful for my team members who have helped me too. We will try again tomorrow and hopefully, I will make it back to the same spot on the podium.” At the second place was Md Adenanta Putra who recorded his fastest at 19’06:696s. Rheza Danica Ahrens made it third, clocking in his fastest at 19’06:763s.

It was a bright sunny day and the Asia Production 250cc riders have warmed up for the finale of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Chang International Circuit today. Piyawat Patoomyos of HONDA Racing Thailand made the fastest lap time, combined in the free practice sessions. The Thailand lad seemed poised riding aboard the Honda CBR250 RR around the familiar circuit of his home-ground. It is no surprise that he made fastest in the practice session considering his achievement, second on the podium in Race 1 of Round 1 which was held at the very same circuit. This time around he made fastest in the practice session when he clocked in at 1’53:501s in the first session. In the second session, he made his best at 1’53:248s and in the third session, he clocked in at 1’53:377s. Piyawat currently sits at seventh spot in the overall standings with a total of 74 points. Commenting on the session, Piyawat said, “I am quite familiar with the circuit and I am particularly strong in sector 2 and sector 3. For tomorrow’s qualifying session, I hope to achieve the pole position and worse comes to worst, at the front row.” “For the race, I would definitely want to win. I hope to find a way to stay ahead of the troop which would help with my winning strategies.” Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team came in the second fastest for the combined session when he clocked in his fastest at 1’53:284s in the second session. In his first session, he made his fastest at 1’53:414s and in his third session, he clocked in at 1’54:040s. Herjun currently is at the fifth spot overall with a total of 82 points. His team, Md Adenanta Putra made the third fastest in the combined practice when he logged in his fastest at 1’53:466s in the first session. In the following sessions, he made his fastest at 1’53:772 and 1’53:574s respectively. Adenanta takes the third place in the overall standings with a total of 94 points to date.

The Asia Production 250cc race category has always been a demand, feeding the appetite of our ASEAN fans while amplifying its robust nature when complemented by a rider. Muhammad Andy Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team is doubling his efforts to restrain from the foreseeable pressure at Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will be held at ChangInternational Circuit this weekend. Andy became a head-turner in the race category with his flair for speed and technical prowess since he reigned champion in 2019. During that season, he illustrated impressive showmanship when he bagged seven spots on the podium including three wins which presented him with a total of 214 points. He came back this season with a grand entrance when he made it to the podium twice in Round 1 including one win. His positioned was further accentuated when he pulled a stunner in Round 2 with a double win consequently creating a hat-trick for himself. While he remains strong on the overall front, Andy however appears to be grappling with his performances since Round 3 at SugoInternational Racing Course. Adding on to the strain of his failure to perform according to his standards, Round 4 was also unfavourable to him when his efforts became futile in attaining the top three positions. Andy now takes the lead position with a total of 121 points nevertheless the stakes are high and he is well aware of the jeopardy ahead that could potentially ruin his chances of becoming champion. Commenting on his performance this season, Andy said, “It was a good start for me this season however it was not enough for me. I need more spots on the podium to be able to keep my champion title in the AP250 race category. I am dismayed by the decision and regulations which required me to cut down on my RPM. But overall, I am very happy with my performance which has placed me at the lead position in the overall standings.” Speaking about memories, Andy is pleased to say, “My best moment was when I made a double win in Malaysia in Round 2. However, there comes a price when you are at your best. In my case, the cut in the RPM has made riding tough in Round 3 and Round 4. Nevertheless, we will keep going as much as we can to achieve the best outcome.” For the coming round, Andy said, “Of course in Buriram, I will do everything I can in my capacity to become the overall champion once again in the AP250 race category.” Andy aspires to level up to the SS600 race category if he wins the champion title once again this season.

It was an exhilarating performance by the Asia Production 250cc riders at Race 2 of Round 4, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team made a grand finish at the Sepang International Circuit when he bagged the top spot on the podium. Herjun was off to a fantastic start. Bolting ahead of the other riders in the troop, he kept at P1 with his buddy from the same team, Adenanta tailing closely behind him at P2. Aldi who took P2 in the beginning of the race succumbed to Adenanta. By the fourth lap, Adenanta took a shot at P1 briefly before Herjun once again decided to take lead. Aldi on the other hand was left in a chase at P3 with no luck on his side. Meanwhile, Anggi was inching in among the top three riders, aiming to close the gaps and by the sixth lap, he managed to slide in between duo of the same team at P2. But it was only for a brief moment before the ASTRA HONDARacing Team riders emerged in the 1-2 positions. As the battle continued, Aldi found his way back into P2 in lap seven. But the duo of ASTRA HONDA is not about to give up their spot to the YAMAHA Racing Indonesia rider. After the last turn, while Herjun paced up towards the chequered flag, Adenanta and Aldi got into one last fight before the former made the cut. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team made his best time at 19’47:245s. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “I am very happy with both races, yesterday and today. The guys behind me very extremely good. My mechanic and team were great in the way they have done up my machine and I am truly grateful for that. It’s the best team I have ever had. We will definitelydo our best again in the next round.” His teammate, Md Adenanta Putra logged at 19’47:690s. Aldi Satya Mahendra of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia clocked in at 19’47:694s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com