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ANDI, STUNNING VICTORY

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

It was quite an evening for the riders of the SuperSports 600cc at Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship as they fought their battle for yet another shot of fame. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team took the win in Race 1 when he completed the race with flying colours. The race begun with Kritchaporn at the pole position. Andi Farid took the second spot on the grid while Ratthapong started from the third spot. As soon as the race flagged off, Kritchaporn went on a steady start at the lead position while Ratthapong strode at P2. Irfan slid into P3 but as the race went on, Andi Farid who fell two positions down made it back to P3 by the end of lap 1. Meanwhile, leader of the overall standings, Helmi Azman took a start at the 10th spot on the grid but by the end of third lap, he was seen slowly picking up his momentum at P7. While Kritchaporn was speeding his way ahead of the troop, Andi was inching closer to Ratthapong and by the end of the fourth lap, the former made his move ahead of the latter. Andi was on fire as he went on to pick up speed. Mid of lap four, he succeeded in getting ahead of Kritchaporn who began losing his momentum. Ratthapong then took P2 and engaged in a heated battle with Andi. For a moment Ratthapong exchanged positions with Andi but the red suit rider was adamant in taking back his position. By the end of the sixth lap, Andi made it just to be succeeded by Ratthapong once again. At P3, Nakarin seemed to be closing the gaps little by little. But the highlight remained between the Thai and Indonesian rider who were relentlessly pursuing their ultimate goals before Nakarin took the leap up to P1 at the end of the eighth lap. The pressure went on the rise among the trio as they exchanged positions among themselves.  By the last lap, it was Andi taking lead with Nakarin and Ratthapong on a chase for the top spot. Andi began picking up speed and at the final lap, confidence was boosted as he dashed to the finish line clocking in his fastest at 20’04:379s. Commenting on the race, Andi said, “The race was very tough. I noticed that the gaps were quite close in all the laps. I tried to attack towards the last three laps and I managed to make my move towards the end.” “I thank my crew members, the team who have worked very hard for this victory. I would also like to thank my friends and family members who have been extremely supportive. We will do our best again tomorrow.” Meanwhile, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA Racing Thailand took the second spot on the podium when he logged in at 20’05:429s. Ratthapong missed it at the last turn and Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team grabbed the opportunity to strike. He made it third at 20’05:583s.

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MOMENTOUS DAY FOR ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM

2022, 2022 Round 5, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

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.

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APRIL MADE PHILIPPINES PROUD

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

It is a ride that pushes riders beyond their limits while keeping them completely focused on the many unexpected possibilities. The Underbone 150cc race category concluded Race 1 with a celebratory moment for April King Mascardo of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines at Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held in Chang International Circuit. Hafiza began the chapter of today’s race as the pole man. At the second spot on the grid was April King. Meanwhile, Nazirul took the third spot on the grid. In the highly competitive feat, the battle foresaw numerous switches of positions between riders. Just as expected, by the end of lap one, while Hafiza retained his position at P1, April King was replaced by Fazli Sham and Nazirul dropped a few positions down. Nevertheless, the riders were fuelled with a mission to win. By the end of the third lap, Nazirul clocked in fastest followed by Fazli Sham at P2 and April King at P3. As the tension raised, the riders were even more determined to re-angle their positions and find the opportunity to strike. By the end of the fifth lap, Wahyu Aji emerged fastest. As the race continued, counting down lap-by-lap to its completion, the riders pumped with adrenaline went on with great dexterity coupled with experience to prove their worth in what was known as one of the toughest and unpredictable race categories. By the last lap, the heat was amplified as the Underbone riders went on a full-throttle after the last turn. April King, Izzat Zaidi and Syafiq Rosli made their final dash towards the finish line but it seemed like April King Mascardo of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines had what it took to make it first, today. He logged in his fastest at 16’26:574s. Commenting on the race, April said, “I was super nervous on the grid earlier however when the race begun, I kept my focus on the race throughout. I thank all my fans from the Philippines and also my team, YAMAHA Philippines for the endless support given to us.” Izzat Zaidi of Pitsbike JRT OneWay made it to the second spot on the podium when he clocked in at 16’26:755s. At the third spot was Syafiq Rosli of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team who clocked in at 16’26:787s.

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VORAPONG, FIRST CHAMPION IN HISTORY

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

A spectacular chase around the fine lines of the Chang International Circuit between riders of the TVS Asia One Make Championship came to end when Vorapong Malahuan from Thailand stormed towards victory in Race 1 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.  It was a good start for Vorapong who fled ahead of the riders as soon as the race flagged off. Watcharin who began at the second grid trailed closely behind. While the other riders tried to play catch up, Vorapong was seen picking up on speed with Watcharin chasing him wildly. By the end of the second lap, the duo of Thailand has left the troop of riders with some gap in between them. Meanwhile, Fugo Tanaka positioned himself comfortably at P3 while pushing himself further to close his gaps with the duo ahead of him. By the end of the fourth lap, Vorapong was leading majestically ahead of the troop with a gap of approximately 3 seconds away from Watcharin. By then, Fugo was getting closer to Watcharin. Decky who was seen taking strides at P5 inched closer and by the end of the fifth lap, managed to slide into P4.  As Vorapong went on in full speed, trio Watcharin, Fugo and Decky were entangled in a battle to retain their positions. Unfortunately, Decky was struck down when his machine gave way and Arsyad took a shot at P4. With two laps to go and Vorapong out of reach, the battle for the podium continues with the three riders trailing him. At the last turn, Vorapong confidently glided towards becoming the first ever Champion in the history of TVS Asia One Make Championship. He made his fastest in at 15’00:076s. Commenting on the race, Vorapong said, “I felt a little pressured today because I needed to win. I am also very happy with the TVS team for the improved machine performance which is now faster than the AP250. As for the race performance, it is always tough in the beginning but the strategy is to increase speed lap by lap and create the gap needed to succeed ahead of the others.” “I would like to thank everyone who has been a great part of my success. The race only takes 10 minutes but I have waited to become the Asian Champion over 10 years. This is a new victory for me and I am truly grateful.” 5.7-second gap away, at the second place was Watcharin Tubtimon from Thailand who clocked in at 15’05:776s. Fugo Tanaka from Japan made it third when he marked his fastest at 15’08:412s.

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FAMILIARITY AN ADVANTAGE TO ANUPAB

2022, 2022 Round 5, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The finale of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship begun today with the free practice session and for the Asia Supersport 1000cc race category, Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing TEAM made the fastest lap time, combined for the day at the Chang International Circuit. Anupab is no stranger to the circuit of his homeland and it could very well mean adding on to the strain of other riders. Riding aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1M, Anupab remained confident throughout the sessions and clocked in fastest in the third practice session combined at 1’36:434s. In the earlier two practices, Anupab made it at 1’37:306s and 1’37:401s respectively. Anupab currently has a total of 115 points to his name and stands a fighting chance to take the championship title. Commenting on the earlier sessions, Anupab said, “I am very familiar with this circuit and have done many rounds of practices here. Therefore, I am quite comfortable and confident riding here, even more so for that fact that it is my home-ground.” “There are many turns that I like at this circuit and these turns have earned me numerous achievements. While the challenges are there with riders like Zaqhwan and Kasma, it is definitely a ride that I am thrilled about. I will do my best for sure and keeping my fingers crossed that I will achieve my goals.” At the second fastest spot was Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA who clocked in his best time at 1’36:620s in the first session. In the following sessions, he made it at 1’37:192s and 1’36:733s. Zaqhwan currently leads the overall standings with a total of 154 points. Passawit Thitivararak of Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda made it third fastest in the practice session when he logged in his best at 1’36:674s in the final session. In the earlier two sessions, Passawit clocked in his best at 1’37:066s and 1’36:938s respectively.

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ANDI MADE FASTEST IN THIRD TRY

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

After three sessions of free practice, Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team emerged fastest for the day in the SuperSports 600cc race category of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit. It is just the beginning to the grand finale, happening this weekend. Standing strong at the second spot overall with a total of 108 points, Andi has made remarkable achievements throughout this season with four podiums including two wins. With Chang circuit being his favourite, Andi may just strike it again at the circuit as he did in the season opener. During the final practice session earlier, Andi clocked in fastest at 1’39:504s. In the earlier sessions, he made his fastest at 1’39:571 in session one and 1’40:073s in session two. He may have had a tough experience in the final race of Round 4 nevertheless, Andi is a strong character with a will to continue advancing. Commenting on the session earlier, Andi said, “My team has worked wonders with the machine and I know that they will continue to ensure that my machine is in a good condition for the coming races. We are one at Heart and great at teamwork! For the coming races, I will make sure to have a good time performing while giving my best.” “My main strategy is to stay focused all the way as it is key to success. I aim for the podium and with a little bit of luck, I hope to make it there.” At second fastest spot, Ratthapong Wilairot of YAMAHA Thailand Racing TEAM clocked in his fastest in the first practice session at 1’39:770s. In his second session, he marked 1’39:793s while in the third session, he made it at 1’39:958s. Ratthapong currently sits at the tenth spot in the overall standings. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA Racing Thailand took the third fastest in the practice session, combined when he made his fastest in the first session at 1’39:885s. In the second and third sessions, he marked at 1’39:793s and 1’39:958s respectively.

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PIYAWAT BOOSTED IN PRACTICE SESSION

2022, 2022 Round 5, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

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.

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FAZLI SHAM CLOCKED IN FASTEST IN PRACTICE SESSION

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

A striking resemblance among all riders of the Underbone 150cc race category of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, taking strides to clock in their best lap time. Among them, the one who stood out most today was Ahmad Fazli Sham of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team who made the fastest lap time, combined for the day in the free practice sessions held at Chang International Circuit. Riding aboard the Yamaha Y15 ZR, Fazli seemed to have established a fine connection with the circuit when he made the fastest lap time in the second practice session at 2’00:922s. In the first practice session, he clocked in his fastest at 2’02:522s. Fazli has definitely gained more confidence since his first podium in Race 2 of Round 4 which was held at Sepang. Although this season may not have been a fruitful one for Fazli, he seemed to have found his pace well during the practice sessions and emerged fastest today. Fazli is currently at the thirteenth spot in the overall standings with a total of 40 points. Commenting on the session, Fazli said, “I am very pleased with the results and with the setup of the machine. However, there needs a little tweaking at the back for better grip.” “For the qualifying session tomorrow, I will try my best to retain my momentum to be at least at the top three position or even top five so that I would be more confident for the Super Pole session.” At the second fastest place was Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team who logged in at 2’01:145s. He currently sits at the fourth spot in the overall standings with a total of 73 points. Nazirul made his fastest lap time in the second practice session. In his first, he clocked in his fastest at 2’02:459s. Coming in at the third fastest spot was Gupita Kresna of 4S1M YAMAHA Racing Team. Riding aboard the Yamaha Sniper 150, he made his fastest at 2’01:494s in the first practice session. In the second practice session, Gupita recorded his fastest at 2’01:887s.

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VORAPONG AIMS TO BE FIRST CHAMPION

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The riders of TVS Asia One Make Championship are in full form as they strode on the heated grounds of the Chang International Circuit. Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand made his mark on his home-ground when he emerged fastest in the practice session, combined in Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The Thailand lad who is currently at the lead position in the overall standings with a total of 126 points has showcased great showmanship throughout the season. In the last round at Sepang, Vorapong took the podium twice at the second spot. With Round 5 being the final round for the season, Vorapong is all out to making history beginning with the practice session. He made his fastest lap time at 1’51:880s in the first practice session. Although he didn’t make a better lap time in the second session, he nevertheless recorded the fastest among the troop of riders, clocking in at 1’52:097s. Commenting on the session, Vorapong said, “My plan is to put on a good show tomorrow for my fans here in Thailand. I want to put on a smile on everyone’s face.” “I definitely want to be in a good position but not to pressure myself too much. More importantly is protecting my championship points. Whatever said and done though, the pressure is unavoidable as there are many who expects me to be the champion. I will do my best like I always do in every race!” At the second fastest spot was KY Ahmed from India. Ahmed is currently at the sixth spot overall with a total of 49 points. In the first practice session, he made his fastest at1’52:463s which also concluded as his best time for the combined session. During the second session, he made his fastest at 1’53:748s. Watcharin Tubtimon of Thailand came in the third fastest for the practice session, clocking in at 1’52:957s in the first practice session and his best time for today. In the second session, Watcharin made his best at 1’53:284s. He currently takes the third spot in the overall standings with a total of 79 points.

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PASSION AT ITS BEST

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS ASIA One Make Championship embarked on a whole new level of experience this season with FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and has contributed significantly to the field of motorsport and its professional riders. Vorapong Malahuan, rider from Thailand has been impacted positively throughout and looks forward to making history in the final round at Chang International Circuit this weekend. An old timer in the championship, Vorapong is more than familiar with the motorsport scene. His history can be traced back all the way to 2013, back to when UB150 race category marched through the stages of transformation from UB113, UB130 to what it is today. The Thailand lad may not have made significant marks during those years but it definitely gave him a lengthy year of experiences for his success this season. Vorapong said, “I started racing as young as 12 years old in drag racing. It was back in 2006. Over the years, I worked with my passion and found my way into the ARRC and Thailand championships. I became Thailand champion in 2010 for the Underbone category and went on to the ARRC platform and in 2015, I rode for the AP250 race category. That has given me a multitude of knowledge and vast experience when it comes to different machines and the manoeuvring techniques.” Vorapong has definitely made impressive collections for himself since the debut of the race category this year. A six-time podium including two wins have placed him at the lead position with a total of 126 points. Apart from the experiences reflected in his race moves, Vorapong also showcased confidence in manoeuvring the TVS Apache RR310 machine, an equally fundamental element towards success. Commenting on his successes, Vorapong said, “I always think positive when I am in a race. In Sepang, I was challenged with more riders in the lead group however I tried my best to make sure that my performance does not derail my overall standings. I owe part of my success to the Academy that I am currently working on because it gives me greater focus and helps me build up my strength.” For the upcoming race, Vorapong said, “My goal is to finish Race 1 at a good position. I don’t want to wait until Race 2. Overall, I am very proud to be part of the TVS Racing India that took a bold stance with the TVS ASIA One Make Championship in the ARRC. This has definitely given the opportunity for a road bike to be brought forward into a race championship where it’s form and functions are optimised. It has also helped me find my rhythm in the racing championship where I garnered some of the best moments.”

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