It was a highly competitive feat, the Asia Production 250cc race category with aggressive riders moving on full force to gain victory. Nevertheless, the mark of excellence is meant for only one and it belonged to Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit.
During the qualifying session that was held earlier this morning, Herjun Atna of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM took pole position at 1’47:258s. Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Team made it to the second spot on the grid at 1’47:479s followed by Aldi Satya Mahendra of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia took the third spot on the grid at 1’47:561s.
It was a great start for Herjun before Aldi overtook him at turn one. At P3 was Kawasaki Ninja rider, Aiki Iyoshi, appearing strongly before superseding the duo ahead of him into P1. Herjun seemed to have lost his momentum for a moment but find his footing once again before taking lead towards the end of lap 2 with Faerozi close behind and Aldi at P3. By the end of lap 3, Herjun has picked up speed and drawn a gap of 0.9 seconds.
As Herjun went on to create an impossible gap, Aldi overtook Faerozi. At P4, Wahyu tried to close the gaps with Faerozi as Rheza moved into P5. The current championship lead, while he managed to move into P4 from P7, he seemed to be struggling with his momentum as Wahyu inched closer, placing immense pressure. With another four laps to go, Herjun was speeding way ahead of the troop. In that moment, Rheza found the opportunity to strike and he crossed the two riders ahead into P2. By then, Rheza was seen picking up speed and he went on a chase to close the gaps with his teammate. The three robust Yamaha riders behind him went on to pump in pressure.
With two more laps to go, the ASTRA HONDA riders were determined to make the best in their home- ground. Rheza embraced the continuous pressure as he guarded his position. At the final lap, Herjun was on his way towards victory but his teammate began feeling the intensity. At the last turn, Rheza gave in to the challenge as the two Yamaha riders moved ahead into P2 and P3 before claiming the spots on the podium.
Herjun Atna Firdaus madfe an impressive finish at 17’59:708s.
Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “In the beginning of the race, I tried to manage my tire but at the same time, I enjoyed the race and went on a good speed to ensure that there is a comfortable gap between me and the rider behind me. It was a good race to be honest, taking the win at my home- circuit. There is another race tomorrow so, will keep my fingers crossed.”
Teammates Aldi Satya Mahendra and Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA Racing Indonesian made it second and third at 18’00:278s and 18’00:762s respectively.
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