It was a no-shocker in the Asia Production 250cc when Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM charged towards the chequered flag ahead of the rest for an impressive win in Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course this evening.
During the Qualifying session that was carried out in the morning, Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia marked the fastest lap time at 1’39:078s giving him the additional boost needed for the race. At second fastest was Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM at 1’39:097s followed by Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand at the third place with the lap time of 1’39:270s.
Faerozi was off to an awesome start from the pole position however seconds into the race, Rheza grabbed P1 from him while teammates Muklada and Jakkreephat moved into P2 and P3 respectively. Mid lap 2, Irfan Ardiansyah found the opportunity to strike and immediately took P3. While it was not surprising of Rheza to makes waves once again at the circuit, female rider Muklada was quite a stunner at Sugo. She was relentless as she went on a chase to bring Rheza down.
Meanwhile at P4 and P5 teammates Herjun and Veda made it past Jakkreephat and began pressuring Irfan. By the end of lap 5, Veda succeeded. The trio was left battling for a better position as duo, Rheza and Muklada fled ahead with neither distraction or pressure from the troop. By end of lap 7, Aiki closed his gap with teammate and moved in P5 before overtaking Herjun. With another 3 laps to go, Rheza began working his magic as he drew wider gap with Muklada.
At the final lap, it was almost impossible for Muklada to make her moves. Rheza was on his way to yet another victory and clocked in at 19’58:348s.
Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “After the practice sessions yesterday, we have achieved quite a good lap time so we were aware of our strengths and the capacities of the machine. During the race, I was able to manage my rhythm well and I avoided making mistakes on each lap. I know that Muklada was right behind me at each lap but I kept my focus on creating some gap towards the last few laps. For the remaining rounds of the season, I aim to give my best shot even though there have been some changes after the RPM cut. It definitely will require more work but I will do my best.”
Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand took the second spot on the podium at 20’00:396s.
Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made it third at 20’00:456s.
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