Asia Road Racing final crowns Champions in Thailand

2023 FIM Asia Road Racing Championships
Round Six – Chang International Circuit, Thailand

Asia Superbike 1000cc Race 1

Earlier in the qualifying session, Andi Farid of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA recorded the fastest lap of 1’34:971s, placing him on pole. Second on the grid was teammate Zaqhwan, while Markus of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team was third. Aussie Lachlan Epis had to start from the back of the grid after failing to classify.

When the flag dropped Zaqhwan was quick to take the lead, before Andi barged up the inside at turn 1, moving ahead. Seconds into the lap, Azlan and Markus found their footing in P2 and P3, Zaqhwan trailing in P4.

Markus was quick to take the opportunity to move ahead of Azlan, going up the inside, before going after Andi, who he also overtook before lap’s end. Meanwhile, Andi lost momentum and Azlan struck. Markus picked up speed and drew a wider gap to his teammate in P2. By mid-race, he was 1.4s ahead.

Behind, the teammates Andi and Zaqhwan pressured Azlan. With six laps to go, Andi overtook Azlan on the long-straight but Azlan quickly recovered his spot.

Andi did not give up and went again, with Azlan losing speed, the Honda teammates struck and moved into P2 and P3 respectively. Both teammates in contention for runner up, so the competition was fierce between the duo.

Markus had freed himself of pressure, way ahead with a 2.6 s gap, but on the last lap Andi caught up out of nowhere. At the last turn, Markus was unaware of Andi’s approach, and Andi went up the inside, the German momentarily taken aback and losing control. Markus went off track limits, as a result, regaining control but losing the race win to Andi, Zaqwan Zaidi third.

Andi Farid Izdihar

“It feels amazing. Thanks to the team and their unending hard work. This success is definitely not possible without them. There is another race tomorrow and for now, that would be my ultimate focus. So, keeping my fingers crossed that all will go well tomorrow.”

It was a DNF for Lachlan Epis, only completing three laps.

Asia Superbike 1000 cc Race 1 Results

Asia Superbike 1000cc Race 2

The ASB saw the final showdown in Race 2, at Chang International Circuit, where Zaqhwan immediately grabbed the lead as the race kicked off, Andi trailing but quickly overtaken by Markus.

Zaqhwan picked up speed, but Markus piled on the pressure, Azlan trailing his teammate closely. Meanwhile, Andi moved into P4.

On lap two, Markus tried to overtake from the inside but Zaqhwan was quick to counter-attack. There was no giving up for Markus though, who made his move. Azlan made a mistake, losing momentum, and with five laps down, Zaqhwan held the lead with Markus chasing furiously, attacking at every opportunity.

Zaqhwan was on fire this time around and brilliantly kept to his racing line in a bid to secure the runner up title, but Markus was not giving up.  Andi also began closing in on Markus, who finally overtook Zaqhwan.

Then at the last turn of the 10th lap, Andi also overtook Zaqhwan from the inside and accelerated ahead. Zaqhwan tried to catch up, however with two laps to go, the red flag was raised and the curtains closed for the season, leaving him no opportunity.

Markus Reiterberger

“After yesterday’s race result, we were not very happy with the decision but this is racing. Luckily it worked out. The crew made some changes to the machine during warm up and I struggled on the front a lot. In the warm up, it was not good but during the race, it was amazing. But Zaqhwan was really strong today and he kept coming back, competitively. Good job from him. But I finally found a way to overtake him before picking up speed. That worked for me well today. Thanks to the team!”

Settling for second and third were Andi Farid and Zaqhwan Zaidi. Aussie Lachlan Epis had a better race to finish 10th, leaving him ninth overall for the season.

The result left Zaidi as the 2023 Asia Superbike runner-up, Andi settling for third, with Reiterberger having wrapped up the title well in advance.

Asia Superbike 1000 cc Race 2 Results

Asia Superbike 1000 cc Standings

SuperSports 600 cc Race 1

The SuperSports 600cc saw three riders in close contention at the top of the standings, ensuring the racing was well and truly going down to the line, with two races’ worth of points up for grabs in Thailand.

During qualifying, Yamaha riders Soichiro and Apiwath of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN proved strong and claimed first and second on the grid. Honda rider, Khairul Idham of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team taking third.

It was an awesome start to the 12-lap race for Soichiro, taking the lead with teammate Apiwath right behind him. At turn 2 Apiwath went up the inside and took lead for a moment before Soichiro grabbed it back.

Khairul was in P3 leading Azroy, who quickly overtook him, but Khairul regained his momentum and made it back into P3 at the last turn of the lap. The Yamaha riders retained their advantage, as Honda’s Khairul tried to close the gap. Nakarin who’d been stuck back in sixth meanwhile, moved up into fourth.

The three riders in contention for the championship title, Khairul, Nakarin and Soichiro where all in the mix, and by mid-race, the positions of the trio in the front troop remaining unchanged. Nakarin was the outlier in P4 and kept pushing to close the gap of 3.5s as Azroy chased him furiously.

With three laps to go, Soichiro and Apiwath extended the gap as Khairul tried to catch up, in what had become an impossibility. The last lap saw Soichiro avoid any mistakes, Apiwath looking for ways to overtake but to no avail.

That was the order they finished, Soichiro winning, Apiwath runner-up and Khairul settling for third.

Soichiro Minamimoto

“Today’s race was great really great. My planning was to get to the top. The tire was a little worn out towards the end of the race but Apiwath who stayed close behind me was a great help and support to me. I am at the top of the championship now but tomorrow is another day to fight and that is all that matters. So, we shall see!”

SuperSports 600 cc Race 1 Results

SuperSports 600 cc Race 2

The SuperSports 600cc season final was a show-stopper, Soichiro once again taking the early lead, teammate Apiwath right behind. In P3, Khairul already appeared to be struggling to keep up, and by the end of lap 1, Azroy moved into third.

Khairul was in contention for the championship title until lap three, when he crashed. Teammate Azroy, found his way ahead of Apiwath and went on the chase for Soichiro.

The Japanese rider was ahead by 0.9s, while Apiwath moved to close the gap with Azroy. With seven laps to go, Nakarin made contact with Azroy, moving ahead, but Azroy was quick to retake his position.

By mid-race it was evident that Soichiro would be the man of the hour as he’d created a gap of 2.016 s, with Apiwath protecting P2.

Behind, the battle raged on for third, between Azroy and Nakarin who kept looking for possible ways to overtake, Azroy remaining careful and defending his position.

Nakarin didn’t give up and finally he swept past Azroy, the two continuing to battle. Ahead, Apiwath finally made a move to pass Soichiro before both teammates of the YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN team raced over the finish line in that order. Azroy Anuar meanwhile completed the top three, narrowly holding off Nakarin.

Apiwath Wongthananon – Race Winner

“It was a wonderful and amazing race, today. It was a little difficult for me in the beginning of the race. The engine was not really heated up but lap-by lap, I manged to overtake Azroy and finally made my way up to the top spot. It has been amazing day for us as a team.”

Soichiro Minamimoto – SuperSport 600 Champion

“It is a perfect weekend for me. This season it has been difficult especially in the beginning of the season up until Japan. From Mandalika onwards, there have been many improvements in my performances. I never expected this but I am so happy to have made it. Thanks to Apiwath for being supportive of me. Thank you, Yamaha and all the sponsors who made this a success!”

The final standings had Soichiro 16-points clear of Khairul, who was in turn three-points clear of Nakarin, in a tight fought championship.

SuperSports 600 cc Race 2 Results

SuperSports 600 cc Standings

Asia Production 250 cc Race 1

Veda Pratama dominated the Asia Production 250 opener, finishing six-seconds clear of the rest of the field, with eventual podium getters Jakkreephat Puettisan and Muklada Sarapuech rounding out the top three, just 0.003s between them.

Firdaus, Cao Viet Nam and Rheza Danica Ahrens rounded out the top five, within half a second.

Veda Eg Pratama – Race Winner

“This weekend has been a fantastic for me. I just went on to enjoy the race as much as I could. Of course, I also tried remained focused throughout. I want to say thank you to the team and all sponsors as well as my family and my Indonesian fans who have been a great support to me throughout.”

Asia Production 250 cc Race 1 – Top 10

Asia Production 250 cc Race 2

Race one runner-up Puettisan proved unbeatable in race two, eking out a 0.259s lead across the finish line from a hard charging Firdaus. Battling for third was Muklada and Cao Viet Nam, with the former coming out on top and claiming the final podium place.

It was close at the top of the standings, just eight-points separating Ahrens and Firdaus, with Rheza Danica Ahrens our 2023 champion in the Asia Production 250 class. Behind Firdaus in third was Pratama.

Jakkreephat Puettisan – Race Winner

“Today, the race was a little dangerous because the riders were highly competitive. Everyone was trying to overtake and move ahead. I had to find my pace and keep up and I am glad to have made it today.”

Rheza Danica Ahrens – AP250 Champion

“Today was a good race for me. Yesterday was a little difficult but, it was excellent. The group fought till the very end. I wanted to take the chance to fight for the podium but it was too competitive and so, I took the safer approach. This is my second time being the champion in AP250. I am extremely happy.”

Asia Production 250 cc Race 2 – Top 10

Asia Production 250 cc Standings

Underbone 150 cc Race 1

The hard fought Underbone 150 class saw Murobbil Vitonni win the opening race, 0.123s clear of Hafiza Rofa, while there was only 0.029s between third placed Shafiq Rasol and Gupita Kresna Wardhana, with Gian Carlo Mauricio in turn nipping at their heels.

Underbone 150 cc Race 1 – Top 10

Underbone 150 cc Race 2

Race two saw Shafiq Rasol claim the win, this time two-tenths of a second ahead of Akid Aziz, with Wawan Wello in third, holding off Trilaksana and Vittoni.

The final standings for the season see Bahauddin claim the title on 164-points, ahead of Shafiq Rasol (153) and Murobbil Vittoni (137).

Md Shafiq Rasol – Race Winner

“First of all, I want to say a big thank you to my entire team and family at home for their endless support. In the beginning, I tried to stay among the troop but mid-race, I was actually left out. Somehow, I found my way on the last lap and used that opportunity to pully myself back to the front. That worked out well for me, thankfully.”

Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin – UB150 Champion

“First of all, I thank God for the blessings. I thank my late dad who has always supported me. He is not here now but I am sure he will be very happy of my success today. I thank my mother and my family members who have always been my pillar. Thanks to my team for the wonderful work throughout the season. My machine had an issue at the last lap [in race one] but thankfully, I was able to manage it well and make it champion today!”

Underbone 150 cc Race 2 Results

Underbone 150 cc Standings – Top 25

TVS Asia One Make Championship Race 1

Japan’s Hiroki Oni kicked off the weekend’s races with a win, just 0.034s clear of Muzakkir Mohamed, Vorapong Malahuan holding off Sarthak C Havan for third.

Hiroki Ono – Race Winner

“I am truly happy with this win. I enjoyed the race throughout. It was fantastic one with so many extremely great riders. It was an amazing challenge. This is my firsts time on this circuit. In the beginning, it was really tough but I think I gained confidence over each lap. I am so happy with my victory. Thank you.”

TVS Asia One Make Championship Race 1 Results

TVS Asia One Make Championship Race 2

We once again saw Hiroki Ono take the win in race two, this time 0.071s clear of Muzzakir, with third placed Vorapong Malahuan just 0.003s ahead of Ramdan Rosli.

Muzakkir is the TVS Asia One Make champion, Ono our 2023 runner-up and Vorapong third.

Hiroki Ono – Race Winner

“I managed to control the race well throughout the race. This would have been a great result if I got to be the champion. I started in Japan during Round 3. I lost one race there. Overall, I raced in 8 races, lost one and won seven. So, to me, this has been an amazing result overall. I would like to express my gratitude and thank you to all my sponsors and team members, my Japanese fans and supporters for all that I have achieved.”

TVS Asia One Make Championship Race 2 Results

TVS Asia One Make Championship Standings