The excitement continued to build up at the Zhuhai International Circuit as Race 1 of the Asia Production 250cc category unfolded in Round 2 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Amidst intense competition and thrilling battles on the track, Cao Viet Nam of Honda Racing Vietnam Team emerged victorious in a dramatic turn of events.
Qualifying set the stage for an electrifying race as Arai Agaska Dibani Laksana from YAMAHA Racing Indonesia claimed pole position with a blistering lap time of 1’51:261s, closely followed by Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia at 1’51:450s and Md Syarifuddin Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team at 1’51:629s.
As the race kicked off, Faerozi surged to the front and led the charge, followed by Arai, Syarifuddin, Cao Viet Nam, and Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM.
The race took a series of intense turns as positions changed frequently. By the second lap, Viet Nam surged into second place but Arai reclaimed the lead by the fourth lap, with Faerozi and Viet Nam in hot pursuit.
In a dramatic turn of events on the eighth lap, Herjun claimed the lead, with Faerozi and Viet Nam close behind. However, a crash involving Arai watched him off of the race.
As the race entered the final lap, Herjun maintained his lead, with Faerozi in second and Viet Nam in third the overtaking attempt continued.
The race ended with Faerozi in first place at 18’42:054ss, followed by Herjun at 18’42:409s and Viet Nam at 18’42:822s. However, a video review showed Faerozi pushing Viet Nam out of the lane near the finish line, resulting in a decision by the race direction, placing Viet Nam on the winning pedestal and Faerozi finishing in second place.
Viet Nam said, “I am overjoyed with this victory. I’ve been racing since 2016, and finally, my hard work has paid off. Today feels like a gift from the heaven. I would like to thank my team for their support and everyone who has believed in me. This win means everything, and I’m determined to carry this momentum forward.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
AP250
1. Cao Viet Nam – Honda Racing Vietnam Team – 18’42:822s
2. Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah – YAMAHA Racing Indonesia – 18’42:054s
3. Herjun Atna Firdaus – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM – 18’42:409s
4. Md Syarifuddin Azman – IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team – 18’42:942s
5. Aiki Iyoshi – Motul Sniper Manual Tech – 18’42:945s
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