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RAMDAN, FIRST RUNNER UP?

At the Final Round of IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024 at Chang International Circuit Buriram, Thailand, Malaysian rider Mohd Ramdan Rosli stands ready to solidify his position in the TVS Asia One-Make Championship. With the championship title already secured by Japan’s Hiroki Ono, all eyes are on the battle for second place between Ramdan and Indian rider, Sarthak Chavan. Currently holding second place in the overall standings with 144 points, Ramdan has a comfortable 46-point lead over Chavan. However, the final round will be crucial to maintaining his standing and ending the season on a high. Ramdan has had an impressive season, claiming seven podium finishes, including one win, three P2 finishes, and three P3 finishes. At the same venue during Round 1 earlier this year, he showcased his skill with a P2 finish in Race 1, though Race 2 proved more challenging as he ended P5. In preparation for the final round, Ramdan shared, “I’ve been working hard to maintain my fitness and mental strength. This final battle is just as important as any other race, and I’m ready to give my best effort.” Reflecting on the competition, Ramdan remains steady and focused. “The riders in this category are highly skilled, but I’m concentrating on improving myself. My target is to finish both races on the podium,” he said. With Hiroki Ono already owning the championship title, Ramdan is embracing the challenge of securing second place without undue pressure. “There’s no stress for me. I just want to focus on my own race and deliver strong results. That’s my goal,” he shared. Chang International Circuit Buriram is a familiar battleground for Ramdan, who views the track as a fair playing field. “Buriram isn’t the most difficult circuit, and I believe every rider can find speed here. It’s all about how well you adapt and execute,” he explained. As for the aspirations for the final races, Ramdan is aiming high. “Of course, my goal is to win both Race 1 and Race 2. If I can take the number one plaque in both, it would be the perfect way to end the season. My focus is on finishing this season strong and hope to continue competing at the highest level in the upcoming season,” he concluded.

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ADENANTA’S SHOT AT SS600 SUPREMACY

The final curtain rises this weekend at Chang International Circuit Buriram, Thailand, as the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024 reaches its climax. Among the contenders for glory, Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM stands poised for battle. The Indonesian rider entered the SS600 finale just 14 points shy of championship leader Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN. Adenanta embodies the spirit of a determined challenger. While Apiwath enjoys the home advantage at a track he has mastered, Adenanta remains unshaken, treating the final round as an opportunity to prove his resilience, skill, and determination to the very end. With consistent performances throughout the season and a deep desire to push his limits, the stage is set for a captivating showdown between these two exceptional riders. Will Adenanta’s calm resolve overturn the odds, or will Apiwath’s dominance at Chang International Circuit seal the title? The answer awaits as the final battle commences. Adenanta shared, “My preparation has been consistent and focused. I’ve been training hard every day, both physically and mentally, to be ready for this final round. I’ll give my best performance and enjoy every step of the journey.” Adenanta’s journey to the final round has been one of resilience. Despite facing setbacks, including a crash in Race 1 of Round 5 that widened the points gap to Apiwath, he has maintained his composure and continued collecting valuable points. He remarked, “From Round 1 to Round 5, I’ve had strong results in most races. While I didn’t always win, I managed to stay consistent. The crash in Round 5 was indeed tough. But it has made me more determined to fight harder for the final round.” With only a 14-point gap separating him from Apiwath, Adenanta remains optimistic about his chances to claim the title. “I know 14 points might seem like a lot, especially since Apiwath is strong at Buriram. But for me, nothing is impossible. I have confidence in my abilities and will give my best until the very last race,” Adenanta stated firmly. During Round 1 at Chang International Circuit Buriram, Adenanta demonstrated his capability with a P3 finish in Race 1 and P2 in Race 2. Heading into the same venue for the finale, his goal is straightforward. “My focus is to finish ahead of Apiwath in both races. It’s as simple as that,” he asserted. When asked about his personal targets, Adenanta said, “Of course, I want to be the champion. But more than that, I want to give my absolute best, improve step by step, and enjoy every session. My priority is to find more speed, set a strong race pace, and stay focused on each lap.” Unbothered by external pressures, Adenanta’s calm mindset is his greatest asset. “I don’t have any major concerns. I just focus on staying positive and enjoying the process because it helps me perform better. A positive mindset is the key to success for me.” As the battle for championship intensifies, with contenders like Apiwath, Adenanta, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team all vying for the title, Adenanta’s measured approach and steady focus measure him as a formidable challenger. Ready to give his all, Adenanta is poised to shine in the decisive SS600 finale!

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SARTHAK: RACE TO HIS SATISFACTION

India’s rising star, Sarthak Chavan, is ready for the finale of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024 at Chang International Circuit Buriram, Thailand. Competing in the TVS Asia One-Make Championship, Sarthak is locked in a battle with Mohd Ramdan Rosli for second place in the overall standings. With 98 points, Sarthak is 46 points behind Ramdan, while Hiroki Ono has already claimed the championship with 201 points. This season, Sarthak has been consistent, earning five podiums: one P2 and four P3 finishes. His strong results at Chang International Circuit during Round 1—P3 in Race 1and P2 in Race 2—bolster his confidence for the final challenge. “The preparations have been going well,” Sarthak shared. “Becoming the youngest-ever champion in Indian history in the Premier Prostock 301-400cc category has boosted my confidence. This final round is crucial. I’ve been studying the Chang International Circuit closely and fine-tuning my approach.” Facing tough competitors, including riders with European racing experience, Sarthak remains undeterred. “The competition is strong, but I know my strengths and will push hard to make the most of every opportunity,” he said. With the title already decided, Sarthak is focused on securing second place. “I have a chance, though some DNFs (Did Not Finish) earlier this season cost me valuable points. Even finishing third would be something I’m proud of,” he admitted. Sarthak’s comfort with the Chang International Circuit is a key advantage. “This track suits my style, and I’ve had four podiums here. I’ll push hard to go for two wins this weekend,” he stated. Sarthak also shared his goals for the final two races, “I’m betting on myself to win both races. I’ve worked hard, and I want to end the season with strong performances for my team and myself.” Sarthak also emphasized safety and satisfaction as his top priorities. “I want to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks. My goal is to deliver performances that reflect the hard work we’ve put in this season,” he concluded.

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FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIPOFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR 2025

The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is pleased to announce the ARRC Championship Calendar for Season 2025. The season will commence in the month of April and will see through a 6-round race series throughout the year. Commenting on the championship, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR), Ron Hogg said, “Season 2024 was yet another year of achievements for us especially with the extended outreach and recognition gained not just in Asia but globally. It was a year of trying new things, learning and advancing the way we operate in a bid to enrich our motorsport community with the right exposure and enhanced standards. I thank all our partners, sponsors, teams and riders for their endless support in realising the goals of ARRC. “Kudos” to all those who have showcased their outstanding strengths in creating milestones. FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Season 2024 would not have been possible without you!” “Moving forward, we are all about aligning our goals in parallel with the global motorsport standards and sustainable efforts. Motorsports is no longer just a sport but an industry game-changer that spurs creativity and growth in innovation and technology, the much-needed elements that challenges the growth and capacities of man versus machine. With ARRC, that is what we wish for our community – a test that would push our teams and riders beyond record-breaking achievements. Season 2025 is looking good at the moment with a 6-round format lined-up for the year. Round 5 however is still under discussion and will be notified in due course. In terms of engagement, various initiatives are already in the pipeline and will be realised accordingly to ensure progressive visibility and recognition not only within the Asian front but globally. All in all, we are confident that Season 2025 will be an exciting opportunity for all!” Stephan Carapiet, President of FIM Asia said, “First and foremost, thank you and Congratulations to our ARRC community for a well-performed Season 2024. Our collective efforts and shared goals have definitely contributed to positive insights and this is exactly what we hope for in the coming season. At ARRC, we strive to provide an environment that would accelerate not just success for our teams and riders but make possible a well-rounded experience that would take them closer to their career aspirations and mission.” “We have planned out six rounds once again for the coming season and of course, we hope to see renewed motivation and strength among our members as well as an enhanced level of competence among our teams and riders. With the championship, we will continue our efforts in expanding reach and cultivating seeds of interest among the younger audience in motorsports, inspire and unleash potential talents within Asia while continuously fuelling the racing spirit of our existing riders. With that, we announce the ARRC Championship Calendar for Season 2025.

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HAFIZH, THE LONE DUCATI CONTENDER

Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah is gearing up for a thrilling showdown in the final round of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit Buriram, Thailand. The JDT RACING TEAM rider has navigated a challenging season, and with just two races remaining, he finds himself in a gripping battle for the ASB1000 title. Currently holding third place with 137 points, Hafizh is a mere five points shy of the championship leader, Yuki Kunii of SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph., and only three points behind Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo. The competition is fierce, with both Yuki and Andi showcasing exceptional skills throughout the season. In fourth place, Nakarin Atiraphuvapat of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo has 128 points and has an upper hand coming into the final round, having logged more laps at the Chang International Circuit Buriram than his rivals. Despite the odds stacked against him, Hafizh remains resolute. He understands that the path to the championship is fraught with challenges, especially after a difficult start at the Chang International Circuit Buriram, where he left without scoring any points in Race 1. “I hope we don’t have any problems like Round 1; Race 1 was a nightmare for us. We did not score any points. I think if we had scored more points in Round 1, maybe we would be more calm now,” he reflected, acknowledging the impact of that setback on his mental state. Yet, Hafizh’s determination shines through as he prepares for the final showdown. “But anyway, this is our first year with a new team. I know that I have experience, but everything is new. We need to put all of that together to prepare for the final round,” he stated, highlighting the importance of teamwork and preparation. As the only Ducati rider fighting at the top for the title in the ASB1000 category, Hafizh is keenly aware of the challenges posed by the predominantly Honda lineup. “We will work hard even though we are the only Ducati rider in the grid. We know that Buriram is a Honda track, and there are many Honda riders competing in the ASB1000 category. But we will see. This is a race where anything can happen; we will focus on doing our best,” he asserted, ready to tackle the races head-on.

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DOUBLE WIN CHECKED, YUKI EYES DOUBLE CHAMPIONSHIP

First, a remarkable comeback. After a DNS (Did Not Start) in Race 1, Yuki Kunii triumphed in Race 2 during Round 3 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Then, he claimed a double win later in Round 5 of the ARRC, followed by celebrating the ST1000 overall champion title at the All Japan Road Race Championship! This year has showcased impressive growth from Yuki Kunii of the SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines. What else is there to pursue? We can only think of one goal: to claim the ASB1000 overall champion title in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship! Yuki is aiming for something that seems almost impossible—well, not when you’ve given your best. The double champion title is what Yuki is hunting for this year! Yuki expressed his determination, saying, “Yes, of course I want to win again! I will definitely give it my all in the races. However, I have to be honest—there are some incredibly strong riders here in Buriram. It’s tough to confidently say, ‘I will win’ you know? Haha! But I will stay focused on my performance and do my best to compete at the highest level.” “Winning the championship title in the All Japan Road Race Championship has been such a tremendous boost to my confidence, and I can’t describe how excited I am at the prospect of becoming a champion again! The thrill of chasing another title really motivates me to push my limits and strive for greatness!” Yuki said, brimming with excitement. Reflecting on his journey from Round 1 to the penultimate round, Yuki noted, “If I compare where I started at the beginning of the season to where I am now, I can see how much I’ve grown. I’ve gained valuable experience and significantly improved my skills. I’m eager to see how I can perform and hopefully secure a spot in the top three.” “I believe that making history is a rare achievement, and I’m determined to become a double champion. It’s a goal I’m setting for myself, and I will put in the hard work and dedication necessary to reach it.” Yuki is well aware that there is no easy path to achieving this big dream. But daring to dream big means you have to go all in for it. “I’m particularly aware that riders like Hafizh, Andi, and Nakarin will be very strong competitors. Since we’re all fighting for the championship, I know they’ll be pushing themselves to the limit. It’s going to be an intense battle, and I’m ready to rise to the challenge!”

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ASB1000 TITLE CHASE WIDE OPEN AS YUKI KUNII SNARES THE DOUBLE

Just when the ASB1000 title chase seemed all but sewn up by Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo, Yuki brought a twist in the tale with a double win at Round 5 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship today. After winning Race 1 on Saturday, the SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. rider ended a successful outing at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia with another commanding victory clocked at 25’26:318s. Yuki’s dominance in the ASB1000 race began in lap 3 when he edged past Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo and pole sitter, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM. The Japanese rider wasted no time pulling a lead ahead of the chasing duo. As naakrin finished second, Hafizh’s dream of gifting a Malaysia Day victory to local fans were dashed when he was forced to concede in third place. Yuki’s so,id performance in PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit has propelled him to the top of the championship standings ahead of Andi Farid Izdihar. PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit had not been kind to Andi. The Indonesian rider, barely defended his leadership of the title chase when he finished fourth in Race 1 and fifth in Race 2. With one final round to go, Yuki heads to Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand with 142 points in hand. Yuki said, “Be honest, today I was really happy about this double win. Until today, I was a little bit nervous. In the beginning, Hafizh was really strong at the lead. I was afraid of him because he’s strong on the bike and with braking. But I know I’m good at my pace, so I waited until he started to drop. After that, it was the same as yesterday. I’m really thankful for the team and fans. I will keep focused until the last round in Buriram.” Top 5 Fastest – Race 2

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AZROY GIFTS MALAYSIA DAY VICTORY TO MALAYSIA FANS

Team IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team’s Azroy Hakeem Anuar proudly waved the Malaysian flag from the hop of the SS600 podium as he celebrated his third win of the season in front of his home crowd. At athe start of the 10 laps SS600 race, all attraction were naturally on championship leader, Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN who was the first to steal the hole shot. The Thailand rider held the lead up to lap 3 but behind his blue Yamaha, loomed a menacing group of Honda riders. Backed up only buy his teammate Mckinkley Kylle Paz, the leading group saw 2 blue Yamahas surrounded by a sea of red-and-white Hondas. Apiwath lost his lead on lap 6 when Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Azroy broke past his defences. The two Honda riders proceeded to dictate the race pace, leaving Apiwath and McKinley to fend off the attack from the rest of the Honda coup. Azroy pipped Adenanta to the finishing line, stealing the win with a time of 22’01:801s. Adenanta settled for second with 22’01:890s More drama of the final lap as McKinley kyle Paz made an unforced error of the last corner, allowing Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM an easy passage to third place, completing an all-Honda clean sweep with a Malaysian and Indonesian rider. Azroy said, “Big thanks to my team after the struggle yesterday. Today, we still faced challenges, but my target was to stay in the front group no matter what. When the race started, I fought very hard every lap to stay in the first position. In the last lap, I knew Adenanta was very strong, so I needed to pass him quickly. In the last corner, I knew I could be in the front, and Alhamdulillah, this finished in a good way. We will be stronger than this weekend for the upcoming round in Buriram.” Top 5 Fastest – Race 2

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REDEMPTION FOR FAEROZI, HERJUN LEADS CHAMPIONSHIP

In a thrilling contest during Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia secured a remarkable victory in the Asia Production at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. The race showcased intense competition as Faerozi emerged victorious after a dramatic battle that saw frequent lead changes. The event began with Faerozi leading the pack on opening lap, closely followed by IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team duo, Muhammad Irfan Haykhal Amidi and Muhammad Syarifuddin Azman. By lap 2, Faerozi maintained his position while Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech and Irfan moved up, with Cao Viet Nam of Honda Racing Vietnam Team also joining the front runners. The final lap intensified with Vietnam initially leading, but Faerozi and Aiki fought back strongly. In the decisive final lap, Faerozi executed a crucial overtaking maneuver on Aiki in the last turn, securing his position at the front and won the race at 19’37:060s, 0:013s ahead of Aiki. While Viet Nam took third place at 19’37:319s. Faerozi’s victory was a remarkable redemption after a challenging Race 1, where he failed to score any points. Herjun, despite finishing outside the top three in Race 2, earned 13 points, placing him at the top of the overall standings with 132 points, 10 points ahead of his teammate, Muhammad Kiandra Ramadhipa. Faerozi said, “After the crash yesterday, I stayed focused, taking it step by step and lap by lap. As I checked my bike in the last corner, I saw it was in great shape, so I seized the golden opportunity to secure the win. I hope to stay at the top in every race and ultimately grab the championship title.” Top 5 Fastest – Race 2

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FAZRUL CLINCHES FIRST VICTORY OF THE SEASON

Ahmad Fazrul Sham of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC did the near impossible in Underbone racing with an amazing performance at Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship underway at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia this weekend. In a race category where close finishes are more the norm than the exception, Fazrul served up a surprise in the final lap when he broke free from the group and proceeded to demonstrate superior top speed as he pulled a gap at the back straight of the 5.543km PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Fazrul ended this season’s winning drought with a time of 15’41:525s, 0:526s seconds ahead of the main group. The intensity of the race saw a photo finish having to be decided between Adytya Fauzi of RACETECH SIXTY Racing Team and Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team. Upon investigation, Adytya was declared second with 15’42:051s and Nazirul placed third at 15’42:054s. Fazrul expressed, “This race was relatively straightforward to win, and I gave it my all from start to finish. Starting from the back, I managed to secure the top spot. A big thank you to my team for providing me with the fastest bike.” Top 5 Fastest – Race 2

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