Hitting straight into the limelight at blistering speed was Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM when he emerged victorious in Race 2, Round 2 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category held at Sepang International Circuit.
German rider, Markus definitely has his fingers wrapped around Sepang International Circuit and yesterday’s victory in Race 1 speaks volume of his abilities and strengths. While Malaysian riders Azlan and Zaqhwan took Japanese star, Haruki down in a nail-biting feat, today posed yet another round of extreme force between man and machine.
Zaqhwan was off to a good start from the third position on the grid however seconds into the race, Markus geared up from the inside and grabbed P1. Haruki chased Zaqhwan furiously and seconds before the end of lap 1, he took a slide from the inside and into P2. Meanwhile, Kasma was struggling to keep up with his pace at P4 and by the end of lap 3, Azlan replaced him.
Second day in a row, the BMW rider was topping up on speed and by the fifth lap, he has drawn up a gap of 0.700 seconds from the contender in line. Meanwhile, the other BMW rider was inching closer to the Honda rider ahead of him, waiting to strike and it was only a matter of time when he finally did. It is definitely a huge comeback for the BMW machines as it went on with powerful force, showcasing a one-of-a-kind capacity.
Meanwhile, Andi Farid who was taking laps at P5 was getting closer to Zaqhwan and at the end of lap 10, he moved ahead into P4. With two more laps to go, it was only a matter of avoiding mistakes and maintaining the pace. Markus was on his way towards a double victory with a 3.057s gap and while Haruki did his best to get closer, it was to no avail. Meanwhile, Andi Farid was trying to close the gaps at the final lap however Azlan was at his best pace.
Markus clocked in his best at 25’23:219s.
Commenting on the race, Markus said, “I am really happy this weekend with maximum points in hand. Not in the championship though but as I’ve mentioned before, never forget to take a look at the competitors they are really strong. I have to push really hard. In the last two laps, I had some spare and I increased my speed. I am really happy for this weekend and am thankful to my team. Next round
will be in Sugo. I have never been there so it is going to be difficult but I am really looking forward to it.”
At second place, it was Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS HARC-PRO.HONDA.PH marking his best at 25’27:255s.
Azlan Shah of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM made it at 25’31:070s.
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