Gerry Salim arrives at the Chang International Circuit as the leader of the Asia Production 250cc class, after making history in Johor. In the SuperSports 600cc category, Irfan Ardiansyah will look to continue his progress after achieving his first podium in the inaugural race.
After a fantastic start to the campaign in Malaysia, the Astra Honda Racing Team (AHRT) travels to Thailand this weekend for the second round of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). In an historic inaugural event of the season, Gerry claimed the first victories for an Indonesian rider in the AP250 class, whilst Irfan made his podium debut in SS600. Now the team faces a new challenge at the Chang International Circuit, with the ambition of maintaining the positive momentum and fighting for the top positions in both classes.
Gerry and Irfan have previous experience in Thailand thanks to their time in both the Asia Talent Cup (ATC) and the ARRC itself. Gerry took two podium finishes -2nd in 2016 and 3rd in 2015- in the ATC, and last season he finished 6th in both races at Chang in the ARRC. Irfan’s best placing is 8th in the ATC (in both 2016 and 2017), although this round will be his debut there in the SS600 class. Rheza Danica and Awhin Sanjaya will start from scratch at the Thai track, focusing on adapting as quickly as possible to a new circuit onboard their Honda CBR250RR bikes.
Last year, the team’s best result in Thailand was that of Dimas Ekky, who placed fifth in the sixth round of the season. This year’s visit to the Chang International Circuit will be held on April 14-15th, with two races held on Friday and Saturday.
QUOTES
“I’m very excited about this second round of the ARRC in Thailand. Having two victories in the opening round and also good experience from the ATC’s round in Thailand gives me confidence to fight against the local riders. They are tough and have further experience riding in the Chang Circuit. In addition, the support from the Indonesian people will give me additional energy to achieve the best result.”
Gerry Salim | AHRT ASIA PRODUCTION 250CC RIDER
“I couldn’t finish on the podium in the opening round in Johor, but I want to make it up in this second round. It won’t be easy, because the circuit is new for me and local riders will perform strongly. But I believe that with the CBR250RR bike I will be able to fight again in the front group. I won’t disappoint the people who have supported me.”
Rheza Danica | AHRT ASIA PRODUCTION 250CC RIDER
“I couldn’t finish on the podium in the opening round in Johor, but I want to make it up in this second round. It won’t be easy, because the circuit is new for me and local riders will perform strongly. But I believe that with the CBR250RR bike I will be able to fight again in the front group. I won’t disappoint the people who have supported me.”
Awhin Sanjaya | AHRT ASIA PRODUCTION 250CC RIDER
“The experience in Johor was so memorable for me. Fighting in the front group and being able to finish on the podium was nice. I want to repeat it in this second round. The team have given his maximum contribution to improve my bike, and now it’s my turn to put the Honda CBR600RR among the front riders. I hope I could make history for AHRT. Thank you all for your support.”
Irfan Ardiansyah | AHRT SUPERSPORTS 600CC RIDER