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.
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