Reiterberger tops ARRC Round 2 in Sepang

2023 FIM Asia Road Racing Championships
Round Two – Sepang, Malaysia

Asia Superbike 1000cc Race 1

Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM set a blistering pace as soon as the race flagged off for Race 1 in Sepang, trailed by Zaqhwan and Haruki.

As Markus picked up speed, Andi Farid took the opportunity to slide into P2 relegating Zaqhwan to third and Haruki fourth.

Azlan was trying to close the gap,and that persistence paid off by the end of lap four, Azlan breaking into P3.

The BMW M1000 RR proved head and shoulders above the rest of the field on top speed, leaving Haruki to chase down Azlan for second, succeeding on the last turn of lap 8.

Zaqhwan was on the move too and mid lap 9 made a daring move past Haruki and into P2, Markus now holding an unbeatable six-second gap.

With 3 laps to go, the pressure mounted as Zaqhwan, Haruki and Azlan battled it out for the podium positions.

A near miss and the close calls between Zaqhwan and Haruki only made them even more persistent and with one lap to go, Azlan made it past Zaqhwan, Haruki dropping to P4.

Markus Reiterberger

“It was an excellent race with an 8-second gap. To be honest, I don’t feel as good as the qualifying session though as the machine was really perfect then. Now, we tried something different on the rear to improve further for the heat especially but it is normal in the heat for the tires to lose grip compared to in cooler temperatures. I am glad that I could still fight although I was doubtful if I was fast enough. I kept pushing myself as much as I could. We have quite a good setup with the machine and I like Sepang a lot. To add on, it’s a 1-2 for the team. So, we can’t ask for more.”

Aussie Lachlan Epis finished race one in seventh despite electronic gremlins, just ahead of Anthony West on his Victor Racing Yamaha.

Asia Superbike 1000 cc Race 1 Results

Asia Superbike 1000cc Race 2

Zaqhwan was off to a good start from the third position on the grid in Race 2, but just seconds into the race, Markus ran up the inside and grabbed the lead.

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Haruki was chasing Zaqhwan furiously and seconds before the end of lap 1 went up the inside and claimed P2.  Kasma in P4 was struggling with pace and Azlan soon claimed the placing as Lap 3 came to a close.

For the second day in a row, BMW mounted Reiterberger was pulling ahead and by the fifth lap boasted a gap of 0.700 seconds from his closest contender. That would stretch to a four-seconds lead by the finish line over Haruki Noguci, while Azlan Shah completed the podium, almost another four-secondsin arrears.

Andi Farid back in P5 was slowing closing in on Zaqhwan and by the end of lap 10, he moved into P4.

With two laps remaining, it was only a matter of avoiding mistakes and maintaining the pace. Andi Farid was trying to close the gap on Azlan for the final podium position, however it wasn’t to be.

Markus Reiterberger

“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.”

Lachlan Epis continued to suffer from intermittent electronic issues, which didn’t allow the Aussie to start race two.

Lachlan Epis – P7/DNS

“I think overall we’ve made a step from Thailand. My adaption to the tyres is going well and we are getting closer to the podium fight. Obviously Superpole was the highlight of our weekend with P5 on the grid which is a nice confidence booster for the remainder of the season. Unfortunately with the 1 bike rule here we had been managing an intermittent electronic issue throughout the weekend that meant we ran with limited traction control and engine braking in Race 1 before it became terminal in Race 2. Still I enjoyed the race long scrap with Ant in race 1, we must have got at least into the double digits for overtakes on each other but we kept it clean and I was happy to come out on top on that one. Next stop is in Japan in 7 weeks time where we will look to keep building here in ARRC.”

Fellow Australian Anthony West was a DNF in race two, after sourcing a 2020 YZF-R1M to race, but still struggling with a lack of funding to get the bike into competitive form.

Anthony West

“Was a better weekend then the one we had in Thailand. At least I could actually race with someone rather then just being left behind riding around by myself on an old bike from 2018 that was completely worn out. For this race we sourced a street bike in Australia that the team could just afford to buy, a 2020 YZF-R1M. We had ‘Addicted To Track’ freshen the motor and send it to Malaysia for this round. While it was still very slow, I was able to fight with a few riders. Beating one Yamaha rider and battling with a Factory Honda and Factory Yamaha. They would smoke me down the straight but I could catch them again through the back section of fast corners. Unfortunately I crashed while over-riding the bike, was just asking too much from it in regards to corner speed trying to stay with them. However, it’s fun to race with someone and not be last, but at the same time it is a bit embarrassing as we are racing with a team that is so underfunded and we really need to find a sponsor if we are to continue.”

Asia Superbike 1000 cc Race 2 Results

Asia Superbike 1000 cc Standings

SuperSports 600 cc Race 1

In the morning qualifying session, the Malaysian trio of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM raked the top three fastest spots with Khairul Idham Pawi clocking in at 2’08:888s, followed by Muhammad Helmi Azman (2’09:360s) and Azroy Hakeem Anuar (2’09:602s), as a sign of things to come.

Khairul took the lead into Race 1 with Helmi and Azroy calmly trailing behind, the trio slowly distancing themselves from a relentless troop behind.

Azroy inched closer to Khairul and by the end of lap 4, he did. Nakarin struggled with pace and was soon superseded by Soichiro.

Mid-race saw Azroy flexing his muscles, picking up speed as Khairul attempt to steal the lead.

By lap seven, the blue and red riders drawn up a huge gap to the chasing riders, Helmi taking charge and slipping ahead of Khairul. Nakarin emerged back in P4, tailed by while Adenanta.

Among the leading trio, Helmi took the initiative and on the last corner of lap 8, slid past Azroy into the lead. Azroy recovered his position though and led the trio over the finish line with just 0.082s separating the three riders, Khairul and Azman just 0.002s apart in second the third respectively!

Azroy Hakeem Anuar

“It was an incredible battle between the boys and I. It was our target to be on the podium together this time around. In the beginning, I provided a pathway for Pawi to create a gap. By the fourth or sixth lap, I noticed there has already been a huge gap between P3 and P4. That’s where I started to attack KIP. No doubt, the last two laps, the battle was quite intense however I kept going. Perhaps, today is my day. Tomorrow, we will do it again!”

SuperSports 600 cc Race 1 Results

SuperSports 600 cc Race 2

It was yet another good start for Khairul from the pole position in Race 2, leading Helmi Azman and Ratthapong. The last turn of lap 1 saw Azroy sneak into P3, Nakarin finding pace to hold fourth. Ratthapong dropping two positions to fifth.

While the BOON SIEW boys stayed close in the top three positions, Thai riders Nakarin and Ratthapong were having a battle of their own.

As Helmi and Azroy battled for a better position, Khairul worked on defending his lead, however, at the last corner of lap 7, Azroy went up the inside.

Khairul moved back into the lead before the end of lap 8, while back in fourth Nakarin was facing his countryman, Ratthapong, ahead of Japanese lad, Keito.

With one lap to go, Khairul managed to build a gap of just 0.230s over Helmi. Azroy dropped from contention as his tyres gave way, meaning a DNF result.

Khairul went into the last corner in the lead and maintained that, Helmi Azman having to settle for second 0.222s off the win, with a much more distant third going to Nakarin, 8.641s off the lead.

Khairul Idham Pawi

“It has been an incredible race today. From the very beginning, I had a good pace so I kept pushing all the way. Yesterday, my father sent me a message telling me to stay behind to save the tires but I had a better idea which is to stay in front and find the right rhythm. Of course, I also managed the front and the rear to avoid losing it. Azroy did manage to overtake me but I was confident with my pace and managed to take back the position in turn one. Overall, it was an awesome ride today!”

SuperSports 600 cc Race 2 Results

SuperSports 600 cc Standings

Asia Production 250 cc Race 1

In qualifying the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM trio claimed the three fastest positions with Rheza Danica Ahrens taking the lead with a 2’22:498s followed by Veda Ega Pratama and Herjun Atna Firdaus.

The trio went on to makes waves  in Race 1, and in the very first lap, Veda jumped into the lead, before Rheza claimed the top position with Herjun shadowing closely.

Jakhreephat was comfortably pacing in fourth, Irfan trailing behind, with a sizeable gap to the top three.

By lap five, Irfan Ardiansyah moved into P4 as the troop containing fourth through eighth picked up pace, however the gap to the leading three was all but impossible to overcome by this stage.

The battle for the win went down to the  Astra teammates, Herjun taking lead into the last lap and holding that position. Rheza Danica Ahrens finished second, and Veda Ega Pratama third, 0.174 and 0.235s off pace

Herjun Atna Firdaus

“I am extremely happy. I enjoyed the ride throughout. The circuit condition was good including the newly resurfaced asphalt which makes the race even more exciting. Today, my teammates and I did a pretty excellent job and it was fun to have had a good fight with them. I am truly proud that we bagged all three spots. It’s a proud moment for Indonesians however I hope to ride competitively with the other riders as well. As for tomorrow, I am not sure if I can get the same result considering my very robust teammates however, I will try my best.”

Asia Production 250 cc Race 1 Results

Asia Production 250 cc Race 2

When the flag dropped, the ASTRA HONDA boys were off to a fiery start, Rheza taking the lead followed by Herjun and Veda. However, before the lap ended, Thai rider Jakkrephat made a move past Herjun into P3.

That did not did not last, Jakkrephat crashing before the end of the second lap, opening up space for Herjun to move back into P3. In the second group, rapidly being left behind, were Aiki Iyoshi, Irfan Ardiansyah and Thanat.

Lap four saw Herjun pick up speed and move past Rheza, Veda in P3 as the gap to trailing riders widened.

Teammates Irfan and Aiki battled it out for P4 and P5, leading that secondary group, the Kawasaki Ninja mounted riders lacking the pace of the top three, but focusing on points.

With two laps left, Herjun took charge and built an almost one-second gap from Rheza, although Veda stuck close. Veda made his final move into P1 as the race came to completion, pushing Herjun back to second, Rheza third.

Veda Ega Pratama

“This is my first win for the season in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and I am beyond thrilled. I did face some difficulty in a few laps and I was left out in the beginning. But I am grateful to have picked up the momentum and maintained the right rhythm after that. It is a huge achievement for my team members and I in the AP250 race category. I thank my team members, the crew who have been supportive towards us throughout.”

Asia Production 250 cc Race 2 Results

Asia Production 250 cc Standings

Underbone 150 cc Race 1

Flocking together in a tight line as the race kicked off, Wawan claimed the lead before dropping down the line by the end of lap two. Fazli Sham moved into the lead before passing the baton to Haziq Fairues at the end of the third lap.

As lap four came to an end, Fazli Sham emerged back into the lead, Pilipino riders John Emerson and April King following close.

With one more lap to go, tension brewed as a bunch or riders went down. The door for victory opening for Wawan and Murobbil, who crossed the line in 1-2 respectively, followed by Gupita Kresna.

Wawan Wello

“I felt very easy today as I have found the right setup for my machine from the very beginning for today’s race. I believed in my machine and I went on with the rhythm throughout the race. At the last turn, I enhanced my speed but Murobbil somehow moved in to the left but thankfully, we did not collide. For tomorrow, I hope that I could repeat the same victorious move.”

Underbone 150 cc Race 1 Results

Underbone 150 cc Race 2

Race 2 saw a good start for Wawan from pole position, dashing ahead, before encountering issues with his machine and dropping out of the equation for the rest of the race.

Wahyu found his way to the lead position by the end of the opening lap, Fazli Sham and Haziq Fairues close behind.

As lap three came to a close Murobbil had moved into the lead, Haziq and Nazirul in P2 and P3.

Mid-race had Nazirul claiming the lead, and from all the way down the back, Izam Ikmal moved up and positioned himself in P2.

At the last corner, as riders made one final push, Nazirul slip-streamed ahead of Hafiza Rofa for a dramatic finish, just 0.009s separating the two riders, with Hafiza Rasol another 0.005s off, 0.014s separating the top three.

Md Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin

“I put on a good fight from the start of the lap till the end. Each lap posed different kind of challenge but I was determined to surpass it. I gave my best shot throughout, knowing that at the end of the day, it is not just the act of mastery but also fate. Ultimately, today’s win is a blessing from Allah. I am truly happy and grateful. Thank you to my mum especially for the endless support and of course not forgetting, the team who have been there throughout.”

Underbone 150 cc Race 2 Results

Underbone 150 cc Standings

TVS Asia One Make Championship Race 1

When racing kicked off, Muzakkir set off from second on the grid, to claim the early lead, Ramdan close behind. By lap 2, a huge gap formed between the Malaysian duo and Indonesian rider, Decky.

As lap two came to a close, Piyawat broke into P3, Muzakkir continuing to lead Rosli at the front.

By the end of lap four, the Malaysian duo teamed up with Thai rider, Piyawat as they together formed a gap over the chasing troop.

Fugo Tanaka, Decky and Vorapong were trying to close the gap, but didn’t have the pace.

By the end of lap 5, Muzakkir established his position firmly in the lead. Piyawat overtook Ramdan and started making moves on Muzakkir, managing to make one stick.

Muzakkir was not about to leave that unanswered and at the last turn, the battle heated up as the top trio bolted ahead, Muzakkir taking the win by just 0.012s over Ramdan, Piyawat third.

Md Muzakkir Mohamed

“Today is an extremely special day for me because my last win was in 2020 in the CP150 race category. With the increase in age, I had to work hard. I do my training everyday without fail and that has become a routine. Therefore, I am truly grateful for the victory today and I am proud to have presented the nation, family, friends and the team with a win. For tomorrow, I will do my best. We can’t go very fast like today as we will be using the same tires as today’s but I will try to maintain my momentum in the front troop and perhaps work towards the podium at the last lap.”

TVS Asia One Make Championship Race 1 Results

TVS Asia One Make Championship Race 2

Race two kicked off with Muzakkir looking to do a repeat of Race One and and taking lead from the first turn, chased by Ramdan and Piyawat.

Vorapong set himself up in striking distance in P4, Muzakkir gapping Ramdan by 0.399s in the early stages.

The leading cluster of riders maintained their pace and positions playing it safe and by the mid-way point the top five riders included Decky.

Lap six saw Decky swerve ahead of Piyawat, into P3, only for Piyawat to recover his position and fire into the lead.

Vorapong was keeping cool in P5, with little to separate the leading group. With one more lap the go, Ramdan was leading Vorapong, Muzakkir and Piyawat, and managed to hold that position, gliding into the win.

Nuzakkir and Vorapong were separated by just 0.001s in second and third respectively.

Md Ramdan Rosli

“I was hoping to take the win yesterday but I failed. It is not as easy as it seems racing in this category. Everyone in this challenge is equally skilled and experienced therefore, it was crucial to stay focused on the end result. I understand the machine better now and while every one else has the same machine, it is more of having the right mindset and optimising the skills. I am grateful for today’s victory and hope to win more races to come.”

TVS Asia One Make Championship Race 2 Results

TVS Asia One Make Championship Standings