Racing Championship especially with its nature that comes with a certain degree of unpredictability. The scores are tight among the top five riders however Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team and Nzairul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team are more than prepared to raise the benchmark of competency in Round 5 which will be held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend.
The rider from Indonesia may have scored a DNF in round three and may not have been consistent overall, but sitting at the third spot overall to-date is the confidence and assurance he needs to continue his endeavours towards the championship title. Fahmi may be new to the ARRC scene but the rider is definitely tuned towards success considering his two wins this season. Could he withhold the challenges ahead of him? It’s difficult to predict considering the nature of the race category that is highly competitive.
Commenting on the race, Fahmi said, “Riding in the UB150, in ARRC has been an amazing experience for me. To me, the tight battle from the very beginning to the end that is unpredictable challenges me further to be on the podium. In Indonesia, I take part in the Mandalika Racing Series (MRS) which is also a similar race class. That is where I picked up on my talent and experience. For the upcoming race in Sepang, it would be my first time. For now, I learn about the circuit only through videos. Once I am at the circuit, that’s when the real work begins. In the meantime, I prepare as much as I can physically and mentally. My team also is working hard to get the machine done up but of course, the setup can only be done during the FP sessions. So, let’s see how it goes. My goal is to be the champion this season. Keeping my fingers crossed.”
Malaysian rider, Nazirul on the other hand had an unfortunate experience in Round 4 which resulted in a double DNS. The defending champion who led the troop and guarded his position in the last three rounds succumbed to fourth spot overall after missing out valuable points that could have possibly retained his position on top. It is not too late though for Nazirul who will be back for the coming round to fight for what he has worked hard for. Throughout the season, Nazirul finished podium thrice. Could he take his first win for the season at his home-ground?
Commenting on the race, Nazirul said, “I don’t want to pressure myself too much with the championship title. All I know is that I will do my best in every race. To me, everyone in the race category is a rival and everyone has their own strengths and limitations. The most important thing on my part is to ensure the strategies are in place and that the setup of the machine is excellent. There is no room for errors as it is a critical time for myself and my team. I believe that my machine is in a good condition but we will do more and improve further. Plus, it is our home-race and there is another team that is getting better race by race. So, there are no two-ways about it. It is all extra work and effort to make sure we thrive through. I have taken some time off to recover from my injury so I am geared up now and there is no excuse. The goal is to definitely make it back on top.”