Never a bore when its time to score and that is how it has been with the Asia Production 250cc riders. They are back once again for Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at the Zhuhai International Circuit.
Hitting it off with a fantastic pace and making it fastest in the combined practice sessions was Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING Team.
The morning begun with the FP1 session where Veda Ega of ASTRA HONDA RACING Team marked fastest at 1’51:400s. Second fastest was Faerozi of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia with his best lap time at 1’51:653s.
Teammate, Wahyu Nugroho made it third fastest with his best lap time at 1’51:908s. In FP2 session, Veda Ega worked on his skills and improved his lap time when he once again clocked in fastest at 1’51:021s.
Faerozi made it second fastest with a slight increase in lap time at 1’51:709s. Rheza Danica of ASTRA HONDA RACING Team made more than a 1-second improvements before taking the third fastest spot with his best lap time at 1’51:744s.
In FP3, Veda once again further accentuated his performance and logged in fastest with his best lap time at 1’50:153s.
The Indonesian rider missed out the last round at his home ground nevertheless, with his impressive achievements thus far, he currently takes the chart at the third spot overall with a total of 100 points to his name. Veda has certainly showcased exceptional qualities in adapting very quickly to the new circuit ground today.
Commenting on the sessions, Veda Ega who rode for the first time on the circuit grounds said, “I am very happy with the lap time during each session today. I was able to adapt very quickly and that was a plus point for me. I took a step-by-step approach to improve my lap time.
“Of course, there are the likes of the more experienced riders like my own teammates and riders from the other teams who are equally good. So, the challenge is inevitable. I love the circuit to be honest. Yes, it has some bumpy spots but I enjoyed the high-speed corner at the last turn. I think I can get a spot on the podium. I am keeping my fingers crossed for that!”
At the second spot was Jakkreephat of Honda Racing Thailand with his best lap time at 1’50:220s in FP3.
Faerozi made it third fastest in FP3 and combined with his best lap time at 1’50:576s.
WAHYU AJI TOOK LEAD TODAY
Coming back to the scenes of Zhuhai International Circuit after a 3-year hiatus has definitely posed challenges nevertheless the riders of the Underbone 150cc never lacked enthusiasm as they motioned towards yet another round of fulfilment in Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.
Emerging with the fastest lap time combined in the free practice sessions today was Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY Racing.
During the free practice session 1 that was held earlier today, Wahyu Aji scored the fastest lap time at 1’58:244s. John Emerson of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team was not bad himself when he made his best lap time at 1’59:617s.
Nazirul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team clocked in third fastest with his best at 1’59:852s. In FP2, Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM flexed his muscles and worked towards the fastest lap time at 1’58:612s.
Wahyu Aji made it second fastest at 1’58:773s followed by Fazrul Sham of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team with his best lap time at 1’59:814s.
With that, Wahyu Aji concluded today’s session with the fastest lap time combined at 1’58:244s.
The Indonesian lad has certainly worked well on his riding techniques and has improved his pace compared to his previous lap time on the circuit in 2019 with his best at 2’00:217s.
The rider who claimed the champion title last season was seen to be in full-form today and may have just found his strategy to stay ahead of the troop for the weekend.
Commenting on the FP session, Wahyu Aji said, “During the FP1 and FP2, I got a good lap time because the team and I have made the right preparations from the very beginning. I too, have been working tirelessly to ensure that this would be a good one.
“We are quite strong in all the rounds but of course, luck has not struck yet for the time being. Hopefully, in this round, we can optimise our strengths and take a double win. In 2019, the circuit was better in terms of the asphalt.
“Right now, it is a little bumpy so we have worked on the suspensions and we were quick to adapt. We have also improved in terms of the machine’s power and I guess that will give us the upper-hand to compete in the front troop compared to 2019.”
Second fastest in the FP sessions, combined was Md Akid Aziz with his best lap time at 1’58:612s.
At third fastest was John Emerson Inguito with his best lap time at 1’59:617s.
HIROKI ALL SET FOR RACE
Since its presence in the FIM Asia One Make Championship, TVS Asia One Make Championship has been injecting excitement and fun for its riders as they stride the alongside for the champion title sweep. Marking the fastest lap time combined in the free practice sessions was Hiroki Ono of Japan.
During FP1 that happened earlier today, Ramdan of Malaysia charted the fastest lap time with his best at 1’48:175s. Hiroko Ono of Japan made it second fastest with his best lap time at 1’48:574s.
Muzakkir of Malaysia scored third fastest when he logged in with his best lap time at 1’49:226s. In FP2, Hiroki no upped his performances and marked an enhanced lap time at 1’47:750s.
Malaysian duo, Ramdan and Muzakkir made it second and third fastest with their best lap time at 1’48:991s and 1’48:597s respectively.
Hiroki currently sits at the 7th spot overall with a total of 75 points. The Japanese rider made his entry this season during Round 3 in Japan.
He made an impressive win in Race 1 but was “DNF” in Race 2. His participation in Round 4 at Mandalika awarded him with a double-win. Ever since, Hiroki has been relentless in his pursuit to make it up the charts. Last season, Hiroki took part as a wildcard rider and earned a spot on the podium in both races.
Commenting on the FP sessions, Hiroki said, “I thought the practice sessions were quite good, easy to accomplish. The asphalt condition is not that great. It is a little bumpy compared to the other circuits.
“The tires were also in good condition. Therefore, I was able to manage my machine well. There were some changes to the settings between FP1 and FP2. So, the lap time is better in FP2 and the settings seem to have worked.
“This is not my first time actually. I have raced here a long time ago, back in 2012. But I really have no memories of that situation which was 11 years ago. I am quite confident for the weekend.
“I have to work a little bit more on the braking. The front brakes have been giving some trouble. If I could work on that, then I can get better lap time. Of course, we don’t know about the weather condition as well. So, we shall see.”
Taking the second fastest spot combined was Md Ramdan Rosli at 1’48:175s.
At third fastest was Md Muzakkir Mohamed at 1’48:597s.
Asia Production 250cc
1. Veda Ega Pratama, ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, 1’50:153s
2. Jakkreephat Puettisan, Honda Racing Thailand, 1’50:220s
3. Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah, YAMAHA Racing Indonesia, 1’50:576s
4. Muklada Sarapuech, Honda Racing Thailand, 1’50:814s
5. Wahyu Nugroho, YAMAHA Racing Indonesia, 1’50:848s
Underbone 150cc
1. Wahyu Aji Trilaksana, RACETECH SIXTY Racing, 1’58:244s
2. Md Akid Aziz, CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC, 1’58:612s
3. John Emerson Inguito, 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team, 1’59:617s
4. Ahmad Fazrul Sham, Pitbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team, 1’59:814s
5. Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin, UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team, 1’59:852s
TVS Asia One Make Championship
1. Hiroki Ono, Japan, 1’47:750s
2. Md Ramdan Rosli, Malaysia, 1’48:175s
3. Md Muzakkir Mohamed, Malaysia, 1’48:597s
4. Piyawat Patoomyos, Thailand, 1’49:269s
5. Vorapong Malahuan, Thailand, 1’49:806s
