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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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IMPRESSIVE FIRST WIN FOR THE SEASON

Never a dull moment in the Underbone 150cc race category with riders moving swiftly in a line to take lead. Among them, Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC stood out, impressive in his moves today in Race 1 as he sprinted ahead to bag his very first victory in Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship as Zhuhai International Circuit. During the Super Pole session late morning, Akid Aziz took charge of the circuit when he clocked in fastest at 2’00:218s. That was an added advantage for the pole-man who went on to compete with the other two frontliners, Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team and Murrobil Vittoni of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team who both marked their fastests at 2’01:064s and 2’01:529s respectively. It was a good start for Akid who quickly went on to lead. Seconds into the race, a number of riders crashed. With Akid leading, Fazrul and Murobbil kept close with Shafiq at P4 and Fahmi at P5, making up for the leading troop. By the end of lap 2, the positions remained. Among the back troop, Nazirul took charge with Haziq competing competitively. The pole-man seemed confident as he kept guarded his position. By mid-race, Fahmi moved into P2. With two more laps to go, the back troop closed the gaps with the front troop and the battle heated up. Akid dropped to P7 as Shafiq took lead. Before the lap ended Akid cleverly moved back into his original position with Gupita at P2 and Hafiza at P3. Nazirul, at P4 was on a lookout for opportunities. Mid-lap, Nazirul took a slide into P3. Akid kept to his racing line diligently and avoided threats from left and right before succeeding with flying colours at 12’08:644s. Commenting on the race, Akid said, “I am truly happy today for the win. Thanks to the team, my family and friends who have been a great support system to me. There is another race tomorrow and I am keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that I would have the same opportunity once again. Thank you all and please don’t forget to keep our Malaysian friend, Izzat Zaidi in your prayers.” Taking the second spot on the podium was Ahmad Fazrul Sham of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team at 12’08:735s. Third place went to Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team at 12’08:831s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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DRIVEN TO CONQUER

TVS Asia One Make Championship has been a boost to the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship since its debut season. Featuring some of the best names in its class, the race category has never ceased to make an impression in each round. Today, standing tall once again among the troop was Hiroki Ono of Japan who bagged the winning spot in Race 1 of Round 5 at Zhuhai International Circuit. During the qualifying session earlier today, Malaysian boy, Muzakkir made it fastest with his best lap time at 1’48:053s. That qualified him as a pole-man for the weekend. At second spot on the grid was Hiroki Ono of Japan with his best lap time at 1’48:149s. Taking the third spot on the grid was Taiyo Saito of Japan with his best lap time at 1’48:492s. The race started with Hiroki Ono speeding up to take lead at the first turn followed by Taiyo Saito at P2 and Muzakkir at P3. Meanwhile, Ramdan was at P4 with Vorapong chasing furiously. Into lap 2, Malaysian duo Muzakkir and Ramdan overtook Taiyo Saito and went on to close the gap with Hiroki however, the latter went on at the pole position with a gap of 0.936s. By the end of lap 3, Muzakkir was seen picking up on his speed. Vorapong on the other hand made it into P4. Muzakkir seemed to match the pace of Hiroki as he maintained his position, close to the Japanese. By mid-race, he was only 0.130s away from Hiroki. While Ramdan tried to catch up with the duo ahead, Muzakkir was on a lookout to strike. Hiroki was careful not to slip. Vorapong was trying his best to inch closer to Ramdan before the two crashed out. At the final lap, Muzakkir found his way to slide from the inside at turn one and take lead for a moment before the latter snatched his position back. Towards the finish line, Hiroki took speed and went on to hit it first at 14’23:448s. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “The race today was not easy at all. I had to push 100% on each lap. The other guy behind me was extremely good too. I had to keep watch. But the last lap, it was easy because I have a lot of experience and I managed to make it. I am very happy for the win today. There is another race tomorrow, so, we shall see!” Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia made it second at 14’23:748s. With that, Muzakkir topped the overall chart with a total of 128 points. Taiyo Saito of Japan made a lucky finish at the third spot on the podium at 14’33.093s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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MARKUS, LEADING STEADILY

Taking their moves to the next level and steadfast in their commitment to achieve their goals, the riders of the Asia Superbike 1000cc once again got their hands dirty on the scenes of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship beginning with the free practice sessions at the Zhuhai International Circuit. Making the fastest cut for the day in the sessions combined was Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team. It was an excellent morning as the riders went on their first FP session. Zaqhwan of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA made the fastest lap time at 1’34:028s. Markus of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team clocked in second fastest at 1’34:289 followed by Kasma Daniel of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN with his best lap time at 1’34:571s. During the FP2, Markus geared up and hit the fastest lap time with his best at 1’33:880s. Zaqhwan on the other hand made it second fastest with his best at 1’34:387s. His teammate Andi Farid made some improvements and scored the third fastest at 1’34:553s. In FP3, Markus seemed to have mastered the circuit as he went on at a blistering speed to score a better lap time. He clocked in his best at 1’33:048s. Markus currently leads the overall charts with a total of 155.5 points. The rider may not have had a colourful start in the season opener but has been acing since then and is in contention for winning the championship title on the grounds of Zhuhai. Commenting on the sessions, Markus said, “This is my first time here in ZIC. I did go around the circuit, on a walk and realised that this circuit is really different, for example compared to Mandalika. The other circuits were wider compare to ZIC which is way narrower. The tarmac was a little rough I suppose. But the layout was easy to learn and after a few laps, I was already on top of the chart. The machine is in an excellent condition as always and the team has been working tirelessly to maintain that. The electronics are good, maybe some minor adjustments. Initially, I had some issues at certain areas but I guess we managed to overcome that. It definitely needs a lot of acceleration especially with the others who are much smaller in size, they have better advantage here. I struggled a bit to make the gap wider but I am good at braking, so more or less, I think I will do good. My goal for is to make it at least 1 second better for the qualifying tomorrow and take the championship win here.” Taking the second fastest spot for the day was Zaqhwan Zaidi after FP3 with his best lap time at 1’33:626s. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team made it third fastest at 1’33:765s after FP3. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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NAKARIN CONFIDENT AT ZIC

Moving swiftly to the tune of their machines while finding the perfect rhythm for a score, the riders of the SuperSports 600cc are back once again in the game for Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at the Zhuhai International Circuit. Clocking in fastest in the practice sessions combined was Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand. FP1 session for the SS600 race category took place this morning with Azroy Hakeem of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team clocking in fastest at 1’37:732s followed by his teammate Khairul with his best lap time at 1’37:981s. Third was Nakarin of Honda Racing Thailand with his best lap time at 1’38:109s. In FP2 session, Khairul made it fastest at 1’38:156s although his lap time increased by almost a second from the earlier lap time. His two other teammates, Azroy and Helmi made it third and second fastest with their best lap time at 1’38:227s and 1’38:340s respectively. In FP3, Nakarin took a notch up and improved on his lap time, clocking in fastest at 1’37:256s. The Thai rider who currently takes the second spot overall with a total of 120 points was third overall last season. While he has maintained his position quite well for the season, the stakes are high considering his closest contenders who are equally competitive. But Nakarin has surely showcased some strengths on this circuit today. Commenting on the sessions, Nakarin said, “FP1 and FP2 were merely a test ride for me today. I rode alone to find the right settings. It was only in FP3 that I focused and monitored the lap time. Looks like my settings have worked. I have not raced on this circuit abord the 600cc machine but I have raced here for the Asia Talent Cup in 2015. I have no recollection of the circuit to be honest. But riding on it today, I recognised that it has narrow and high-speed corners which requires hard-braking. I would say that it is a highly technical circuit. That would be a challenge because I cannot afford to make any mistakes there. There are some minor settings to be adjusted for tomorrow’s qualifying session. Overall, I want to win in the both the races here.” Boon Siew teammates, Helmi and Khairul made it third and second fastest in FP3 and combined with their best lap time at 1’37:326s and 1’37:348s respectively. 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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WAHYU AJI TOOK LEAD TODAY

Coming back to the scenes of Zhuhai International Circuit after a 3-year hiatus has definitely posed challenges nevertheless the riders of the Underbone 150cc never lacked enthusiasm as they motioned towards yet another round of fulfilment in Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Emerging with the fastest lap time combined in the free practice sessions today was Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY Racing. During the free practice session 1 that was held earlier today, Wahyu Aji scored the fastest lap time at 1’58:244s. John Emerson of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team was not bad himself when he made his best lap time at 1’59:617s. Nazirul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team clocked in third fastest with his best at 1’59:852s. In FP2, Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM flexed his muscles and worked towards the fastest lap time at 1’58:612s. Wahyu Aji made it second fastest at 1’58:773s followed by Fazrul Sham of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team with his best lap time at 1’59:814s. With that, Wahyu Aji concluded today’s session with the fastest lap time combined at 1’58:244s. The Indonesian lad has certainly worked well on his riding techniques and has improved his pace compared to his previous lap time on the circuit in 2019 with his best at 2’00:217s. The rider who claimed the champion title last season was seen to be in full-form today and may have just found his strategy to stay ahead of the troop for the weekend. Commenting on the FP session, Wahyu Aji said, “During the FP1 and FP2, I got a good lap time because the team and I have made the right preparations from the very beginning. I too, have been working tirelessly to ensure that this would be a good one. We are quite strong in all the rounds but of course, luck has not struck yet for the time being. Hopefully, in this round, we can optimise our strengths and take a double win. In 2019, the circuit was better in terms of the asphalt. Right now, it is a little bumpy so we have worked on the suspensions and we were quick to adapt. We have also improved in terms of the machine’s power and I guess that will give us the upper-hand to compete in the front troop compared to 2019.” Second fastest in the FP sessions, combined was Md Akid Aziz with his best lap time at 1’58:612s. At third fastest was John Emerson Inguito with his best lap time at 1’59:617s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HIROKI ALL SET FOR RACE

Since its presence in the FIM Asia One Make Championship, TVS Asia One Make Championship has been injecting excitement and fun for its riders as they stride the alongside for the champion title sweep. Marking the fastest lap time combined in the free practice sessions was Hiroki Ono of Japan. During FP1 that happened earlier today, Ramdan of Malaysia charted the fastest lap time with his best at 1’48:175s. Hiroko Ono of Japan made it second fastest with his best lap time at 1’48:574s. Muzakkir of Malaysia scored third fastest when he logged in with his best lap time at 1’49:226s. In FP2, Hiroki no upped his performances and marked an enhanced lap time at 1’47:750s. Malaysian duo, Ramdan and Muzakkir made it second and third fastest with their best lap time at 1’48:991s and 1’48:597s respectively. Hiroki currently sits at the 7th spot overall with a total of 75 points. The Japanese rider made his entry this season during Round 3 in Japan. He made an impressive win in Race 1 but was “DNF” in Race 2. His participation in Round 4 at Mandalika awarded him with a double-win. Ever since, Hiroki has been relentless in his pursuit to make it up the charts. Last season, Hiroki took part as a wildcard rider and earned a spot on the podium in both races. Commenting on the FP sessions, Hiroki said, “I thought the practice sessions were quite good, easy to accomplish. The asphalt condition is not that great. It is a little bumpy compared to the other circuits. The tires were also in good condition. Therefore, I was able to manage my machine well. There were some changes to the settings between FP1 and FP2. So, the lap time is better in FP2 and the settings seem to have worked. This is not my first time actually. I have raced here a long time ago, back in 2012. But I really have no memories of that situation which was 11 years ago. I am quite confident for the weekend. I have to work a little bit more on the braking. The front brakes have been giving some trouble. If I could work on that, then I can get better lap time. Of course, we don’t know about the weather condition as well. So, we shall see.” Taking the second fastest spot combined was Md Ramdan Rosli at 1’48:175s. At third fastest was Md Muzakkir Mohamed at 1’48:597s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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DYNAMIC DUO OF TKKR

Electrifying and nerve-wrecking, the Asia Superbike 1000cc is all set for another round of white knuckle ride at the Zhuhai International Circuit, China this weekend since its last appearance in 2019.  Taking a bold stance in their performances this season is duo of ONEXOX BWM TKKR Team, Markus  Reiterberger and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman who are ready to rock the scenes in Round 5 of the FIM  Asia Road Racing Championship.   High on a streak of glorifying achievements, Markus has become a household name among the  community of ARRC this season. Returning to the championship after a long hiatus, he was not only  quick to find his equipoise but also in maintaining a fantastic momentum that has served to up his ante at the forefront of victory. The German born lad has certainly been around the block of the motorcycle  racing domain, undoubtedly and his return to ARRC has not only spiced up the level of competitiveness  but has also tickled the nerves of other riders in the race category.  Commenting on the season, Markus said, “The start was not too good for me, to be honest. At Buriram  specifically but we picked up along the way and it has been great so far. I am pretty satisfied with my  achievements, frankly and it has served the expectations of our team well. We have won many races.  We can already win the championship for sure if we maintain this momentum. The machine is  awesome in the braking area and I think this is the best part of the machine which I love most.  Compared to the other machines, this is an upside for us and I have improved tremendously on that.  Apart from that, the power of the machine is also amazing. We do have our downside especially on  the exit, the line wise, we have to take a wider space at times but we can take up speed which is really  good.”  “The team has been great in ensuring that the machine is always in a good condition. Although it can  be said that we are on our way to making it champion this season, there is no playing safe. We will not  change our strategy but move along with the idea of giving our best shot, to give my 100% in each lap  while enjoying every bit of the moment. At the end of the day, the goal is to win the races and the  championship. To be honest, I have no idea about the Zhuhai circuit because I have never been there.  I watch a couple of on-board races to identify the brake points, gears and layout, to hear the engine  sound. Normally, I am quite fast in picking it up so by the second and third session, I think I will roughly  be able to gauge the performance level. Of course, the challenge would be riding with those who  already know the layout but I am daring, so it should be ok. Azlan has been quite a teammate and he  has helped me to identify the foreseeable challenges for the coming race, so let’s see how it goes!”  Star of 2019, Azlan Shah is not quite bad himself this season. After a tough and frustrating season last  year, Azlan Shah returned to prove his mettle in the ASB1000 race category. The Malaysian rider has  shown remarkable improvements in his riding techniques that not only complemented the qualities of  the machine but also accentuated its visibility with his ability to optimise its strengths. Azlan Shah has  definitely brought his A-game to the circuit scenes this season but it would be steep climb uphill to  make his cut at the top.  Commenting on the season, Azlan Shah said, “Overall, this season has been a good one for me.  Considering the decline in my level of performances last season. So, this year has definitely been a  one-up for me. I think one of the significant achievements for me this season would be making it all  the way up from the back of the grid and finishing podium. That was an awesome achievement for me.  Overall, the machine this season has seen a major transformation. I am able to handle it better and it  comes with greater power which makes acceleration and fighting among the front troop possible.  Personally, my most difficult time was at Sugo. It was a difficult circuit for me and I couldn’t find my  comfort and momentum there.”  “My goal this season would be to try and secure the second position overall. There are four more races  to go and I am currently at the fifth position overall. I still have a fighting chance considering the point  difference which is not that big. If I can work towards finishing the podium in the coming races, there  is a high chance for me to make it to the podium in the overall standings. For the upcoming race, to be  honest, I am not a fan of the Zhuhai circuit. I have raced there many times since my 600cc years. It has  always been the same problem with the tarmac and reduced traction. But I am hoping that it would be different this time around, so let’s see. Markus is a good kid and he is a fast learner. I have learnt a  lot from him and hopefully, we can both be on the podium for the end of the season.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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ROCKING RHYTHM

Mind-blowing and exceptional are the qualities of riders in the SuperSports 600cc race category of the  FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The compatibility between man and machine has never ceased  to amaze its audience as they string a striking rhythm for a perfect win. Soichiro Minamimoto of  YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN is all set to make his bid for the best spot in Round 5 which will  be held at Zhuhai International Circuit, China.  Not a stranger to the ARRC scene, he may have missed out last season but he is a man on a mission This season is about striking while the iron is hot and making a swift climb up the chart. He may not  have come back with a bang in Round 1 but he has surely picked up a competitive fight and moved  with the momentum throughout the season. The Japanese finished podium in the last round which  included his very first win for the season. That placed him all square with his closest contender in the  standings.   Commenting on the season, Soichiro said, “Personally, based on my experiences riding in various  different motorcycle racing championships, ARRC has been one of the toughest. It is stimulating and  at the same time, nerve-wracking. One thing’s for sure, I have a lot of fun riding in this championship.  To me, I think the level of competitiveness increases each year and that is crucial in any particular  championship. I raced in the 1000cc up until last year so for me, it was not an easy switch. I have to  transition very quickly to adapt to the 600cc. It definitely is hard work and requires learning as fast as  I could.”  Speaking about strengths, Soichiro said, “My strengths are probably in the high-speed corners. I try to  focus my efforts around that because its gives me the upper-hand to manage my machine better.  Honda is very powerful but Yamaha’s strong point is always at the high-speed corners. So, it would only  be wise to optimise on our strengths instead of dwelling on the weaknesses. I try to do better each  time, no doubt. But of course, the challenge is not only in terms of the machine but also in terms of  the riders and their capabilities. We have the likes of many highly competitive riders and while it makes it harder to achieve my goals, it is also a drive to continuously do better.”  On Zhuhai circuit, he said, “It would be my first time at Zhuhai International Circuit. Personally, I think  it is going to be a tough one. Of course, firstly with no experience and secondly, riding amongst those  who already have the experience there. But having said that, I am good at challenges. I embrace it well  and learn from it with ease. So, I am not so worried about not having the experience. Ultimately, the  goal is to fight for the championship title. I have a very good position right now which gives me the  advantage to fight with KIP, so I will do my best to win the remaining 4 races.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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