The riders of the Underbone 150cc race category were in full form this afternoon with the mission to conclude the final race victoriously at Chang International Circuit. However, the win was not for all but only for one who was able to prove his worth. This time around, it was Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM.

With more than twenty riders cramping up the racing line, it was tough to judge who will make the cut. Race 1 was nevertheless mind-blowing when Shafiq who was out of sight worked his way into the winning spot with tight margins. While Haziq and Wawan was seen more often throughout the laps among the top 5 riders, Shafiq was strategizing to strike. That worked when he barged ahead of Haziq with Wawan right behind.

As soon as the race flagged off, the troop gathered in a tight line with Wawan Wello taking lead at turn 1 before Hafiza and Fazli Sham went ahead. By the end of lap 1, Izzat Zaidi came into action with Wahyu close behind. By the end of lap 3, Pilipino lad, Gian Carlo took charge but was quickly superseded by Malaysian, Haziq Fairues.

Between slip-streaming and the ability to strike at the right time, the riders were in endless exchange of positions. The Underbone race category can be quite a trick but maintaining consistency among the frontliners is essential to avoid losing the momentum. With one more lap to go, the battle was heated up. At the eighth turn, Wawan was ahead with Hafiza following close behind. At the last turn, Izzat sled in between Hafiza and Wawan and made it second while Hafiza who overtook before the final turn made it first at 16’31:171s.

Commenting on the race, Hafiza said, “It was a tough fight today. The riders were vigorous but I tried to push in the last two laps to catch up with the middle group before I went for the win. My team and crew members have prepared a fantastic machine and I thank them for it.”

Md Izzat Zaidi of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC clocked in at 16’31:275s.

Wawan Wello of PITSBIKE JRT TECH 2 ONEWAY RACING TEAM made third at 16’31:418s.

The Asia Production 250cc race category concluded its final race for Round 1 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Chang International Circuit with victory in the hands of Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM.

Rheza was flawless yesterday as he bolted ahead from the start to completion. His in-depth experience was a class of its own as he went on lap-by-lap, increasing speed to create a gap that kept his contender at bay. His feisty teammate Veda Ega may have zero experience in the ARRC domain but was not to be doubted as he went on to spark pressure throughout the race. Herjun on the other hand, fought a good battle with Thai’s female, Muklada before taking her down.

It was a great start for the riders of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM today with Herjun taking lead at the 1st turn before his teammates Veda Ega and Rheza made their way before him. It was unfortunate though for three other riders who crashed before the 1st turn. As the race went on, Jakkreephat and Rheza engaged in battle before the latter superseded. Meanwhile, Muklada was at P3 while Herjun pressured Irfan from P5 before overtaking. By the end of lap 4, lady rider took over P2.

Meanwhile, ahead of them, Rheza was building up on speed and drawing up gap as Muklada and Jakkreephat aimed for P2. Irfan on the other hand was pumped up to take over P3. By the end of lap 7, positions switched and Herjun was leading behind Rheza who was on his way to victory. Turn 6 of lap 8, Irfan made a bold slide from the inside into P2 just before it was snatched by Muklada. The competition was tight between trio, Herjun, Irfan and Muklada who were aiming for the second -best spot.

With one more lap to go, Rheza was impeccable, as he strode ahead with an almost 9-second gap. But the race was once again made exciting at the last turn in the battle for P2. In that chaos, Herjun took a fall. Jakkreephat and Muklada avoided the crash and sped towards second and third spot respectively.

Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM marked his best at 18’38:595s.

Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “It the beginning, it was a little tough for me to find my pace but once I was ahead of them, I was focused on finding the right rhythm. I managed to create the gap and went on to pick up speed. This is a good start to the season and I am very happy.”

Jakkreephat Puettisan and Muklada Sarapuech of HONDA RACING THAILAND made their best at 18’47:427s and 18’47:463s respectively.

Although Piyawat was striking during the practice and qualifying session, Vorapong took the limelight in yesterday’s race when he emerged competitively to defend his championship title. This season definitely poses greater challenge for Vorapong but he is clearly not ready to be defeated. Taiyo Saito on the other hand made an impressive mark when he swerved out of the hurdles and into third place.

During the race earlier, Piyawat went on a bolting speed ahead to take lead. Ramdan was second in line followed by Vorapong in P3. The Thai lad seemed confident as he charged ahead while the duo behind him tried to push through. Meanwhile, Malaysian rider, Muzakkir was chasing at P4 before Fugo Tanaka acted up. Before lap 4 ended, Ramdan found his moment to strike and took over the lead position briefly before passing it over to Fugo.

It was not an easy feat as riders began striking at each other for the lead spot. With one more lap to go, it was Fugo at the front with Decky and Muzakkir on a wild chase. Vorapong was trying to inch closer from P4. At the last turn, the battle heated up. Skilled and highly experienced Vorapong managed to slide ahead into P2 and took speed next to Fugo before hitting it first at 14’56:268s.

Commenting on the race, Vorapong said, “This race is different from yesterday’s. Yesterday, we were pushing faster and faster but today, it was not like that. All riders were trying to play safe, for the sake of restoring the tires till the end of the game. It was a hot day therefore it was crucial to strategize so that we can finish the race. Even during the warm up, I only did 2 laps because I did not want to wear it out. The tires are from Race 1 therefore, we had to safe it up for Race 2. To be honest, I did not know if I could fight for a win today but half way through the last lap, I noticed the Japanese rider taking lead. I thought of an idea for the last turn and it worked!”

Fugo Tanaka of Japan clocked in at 14’56:269s.

Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia made his best time at 14’56:523s.