As few expected a 14-year-old to steal the show, Muhammad Kiandra Ramadhipa of the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM did just that, turning heads with his incredible back-to-back victories in Race 1 and Race 2 of Round 3 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.
Kiandra’s journey to this moment wasn’t without its successes. The first two rounds saw him secure respectable P5 and P6 finishes, but his performances in Japan were on an entirely different level. The young Indonesian rider had been quietly laying the groundwork for something spectacular.
“I dedicated myself to making significant improvements, intensifying both my physical conditioning and bike training before Round 3, and it really showed in my performance. Winning both Race 1 and 2 in Motegi was beyond my wildest dreams, and it made me incredibly happy,” Kiandra said.
The backdrop now shifts to Indonesia, where the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit awaits. This is more than just another race; it’s a homecoming for Kiandra. The buzz around his upcoming performance is palpable, with fans eager to see their local hero shine.
“After achieving this result, I now have more confidence in myself heading into the races in Mandalika. But I must stay grounded and avoid overconfidence. I will work even harder for Round 4. I am doing extra practice for the coming Round 4 because I have a cut of 200 rpm, and I must be able to cover this shortcoming,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Kiandra’s ambitions are crystal clear. “My plan for Round 4 is to win again. We need to work even harder because my competitors, who are also strong Indonesian riders, are formidable. The only way to succeed is to be stronger than them,” he concluded.