The fifth edition of the Asia Dream Cup will be a mix between freshmen and sophomore riders. Malaysian Hafiz Nor Azman, racing in his second season of the Honda talent developmental platform, cemented his position in the scholarship programme when he tested fastest during the pre-season selection process.
Hafiz was the only rider to clock 1’53.579s against second fastest rider Tokio Shibuta who posted 1’54.546s. China’s Zhou Sheng Jun Jie is also a repeat rider in the programme. He had shown tremendous improvement during the latter half of the 2015 season and is currently third fastest with 1’54.600s.
The pre-season selection test brought in 10 rookies, all eager to get on board the programme that has resulted in the creation of four international-level riders. They include Tokio Shibuta (JPN), Yassiin Gabriel Somma (INA), Woraphod Niamsakhonsakul and Sittipon Srimoontree (THA), Bui Duy Thong (VIE), Rudy Ananda (SIN), Corey Briffa (AUS), as well as You Tz Jiun and Tseng Kai Hsien (CHN-TPE).
Day 1 Pre-Season Selection Results:
Asia Dream Cup
1. Hafiz Nor Azman (MAS), 1’53.579s; 2. Tokio Shibuta (JPN), 1’54.546s; 3. Zhou Sheng Jun Jie (CHN), 1’54.600s; 4. Md Harith Farhan (MAS), 1’54.787s; 5. Md Febriansyah (INA), 1’55.727s