INDIA in F1

Category: Asian Road Racing

  • Sarthak Chavan beats Chiranth to win Race 2 in FIM Asia Road Racing Championship

    Sarthak Chavan beats Chiranth to win Race 2 in FIM Asia Road Racing Championship

    Buriram (Thailand), 27 April 2025: Sarthak Chavan, the Indian champion made a grand statement for India winning the Race 2 of the opening round at the 2025 Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit here on Sunday.

    Sarthak Chavan beat his Indian mate Chiranth Vishwanath to become the pride of India after securing the top spot on the podium in the TVS ASIA One Make Championship second race. In Race 1, he finished fifth after he lost the suspension following a contact.

    The race began with young rider Hunter Corney from Australia rocketing into the lead, closely trailed by Hiroki Ono from Japan and Sarthak.

    Chiranth refused to stay deep within the group and sped up to join the front group. He even set a fastest lap time of 1’50:737s with a top speed of 207.3 km/h.

    After swapping leads for several laps, the chequered flag came down in Sarthak’s favour. The Indian rider clocked his first-ever victory in the TVS ASIA One Make Championship with a time of 14’56:976s, 0.130s ahead of Chiranth Vishwanath from India. Hiroki rounded out the winning trifecta in third place with a time of 14’57:216s.

    Hunter, in final lap, made contact with another bike, which caused him to lose control and drop back from the front group, ultimately losing his position in the battle for the podium.

    Sarthak said, “Yesterday was not so good. I could’ve qualified for P1, but it didn’t go well. I had a big contact at Turn 3, and my rear suspension got locked in the mud guard. Yesterday, I was just thinking about what to do on the next day, and today I did it. The last lap was really intense; my bike felt like it was dropping a bit of power, but it was still a great race. I managed to do a good lap time and finish in P1. After about 10 years of being here, my national anthem is finally played in ARRC. I’m happy. Of course, some will say their bike is slow, but that’s not possible because everyone here has the same bike. It was a wonderful opportunity and race.”

    TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

    Sarthak Chavan – India (14’56:976s)

    Chiranth Vishwanath – India (14’57:106s)

    Hiroki Ono – Japan (14’57:216s)

    Atih Kanghair – Thailand (14’57:624s)

    Md Ramdan Rosli – Malaysia (14’58:133s)

  • Three Indians on show as TVS Racing gears up for a thrilling 2025 ARRC season 

    Three Indians on show as TVS Racing gears up for a thrilling 2025 ARRC season 

    Hosur, 15 April 2025: At least three Indians will be on show displaying their talent, as TVS Racing is set to elevate the 2025 Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) by bringing a diverse set of top racers from across the globe, making the competition more intense. Apart from Sarthak Chavan, Chiranth Vishwanath and KY Ahamed, there is a chance for another Indian to enter the fray as a wild card. The championship will kick off at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit between April 25 & 27, marking the beginning of an action-packed five-round season. Building on its strong legacy, TVS Asia One Make Championship (OMC) will see participation from five new countries—Spain, Australia, Switzerland, England, and Argentina—further strengthening its international presence. The 2025 season will also feature a race-optimized TVS Apache RR 310, engineered for superior performance, ensuring riders stay at the forefront of competitive racing.

    Backed by four decades of racing pedigree, TVS Racing continues to push the boundaries of performance and innovation. In 2023, the TVS Apache RR 310 set a new top speed record of 215.9 km per hour in its class, showcasing the brand’s engineering excellence. Building on this momentum, the 2024 season saw it break its own lap records at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit and Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit. This year, the refined TVS Apache RR 310 features an enhanced aero package, increased power, and improved riding dynamics, ensuring riders have the most competitive machine on the grid. With a lineup of 15 elite racers from 12 countries, comprising both seasoned champions and promising new talent, TVS Racing is not just competing in the ARRC OMC; it is redefining benchmarks in global two-wheeler motorsport.

    Commenting on the 2025 ARRC season, Vimal Sumbly, Headof Premium Business, TVS Motor Company said, “As we enter our fourth season at the Idemitsu FIM ARRC with the TVS Asia OMC, we are raising the bar once again with a race-optimized TVS Apache RR 310 and participation from diverse set of racers from five new countries. With top racers from 12 nations and key performance enhancements to the TVS Apache RR 310—including an upgraded aero package, increased power, and refined riding dynamics—this season is set to push the boundaries of racing technology and competition. Our commitment to motorsport excellence continues to drive innovation, nurture global talent, and reinforce TVS Racing’s leadership in two-wheeler motorsport. The 2025 season promises to be the most competitive yet, and we look forward to seeing our racers showcase their skills and set new benchmarks on the track.”

    Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) said, “TVS Asia has come a long way since its debut not only in accelerating the expansion of the two-wheel industry within its target market but also in crafting and executing sportsmanship beyond excellence for the Asian motorsports. This is evident not only from the year-to-year performances between man versus machine but also in its effort to progressively alleviate its standards through a diversified entry list. For the riders, this practice is an excellent approach in helping them reevaluate their level of performance in the face of new rivalries while simultaneously pushing them beyond their existing benchmark for greater success. As for ARRC, this ultimately aligns with our ongoing mission of expanding beyond the existing demography of interest. This is what we hope to continue inculcating through this championship – a partnership that stimulates excitement while providing an enriching and valued experience for all. Season 2025 is about to kick-start and we are thrilled to watch as it unfolds.”

    Upgraded TVS Apache RR 310 for Peak Performance

    The 2025 TVS Apache RR 310 is engineered for even greater speed, agility, and control. Key performance upgrades include:

    ·       Enhanced engine power (+0.5 bhp) for improved acceleration and top speed.

    ·       Friction reduction technology for optimized efficiency and durability.

    ·       Aerodynamic refinements boosting water cooling for peak performance in demanding conditions.

    Further mid-season upgrades will take performance to the next level, featuring:

    ·       A more compact and minimized bike for better handling.

    ·       10% improved aerodynamic efficiency for superior race performance.

    ·       Modified gear ratios for enhanced cornering speed and precision.

    A Global Talent Pool for a More Competitive Season

    This season, 15 elite riders from 12 countries will battle for championship glory. The lineup includes seven returning racers from the 2024 squad, three of whom are from India. They are joined by eight new promising racers, bringing fresh energy and an exciting challenge to the competition. The 2025 ARRC TVS Asia OMC rider lineup, includes:

    Sl.No.Rider NameCountry
    1.Hiroki OnoJapan
    2.MD Ramdan RosliMalaysia
    3.Sarthak ChavanIndia
    4.Chiranth ViswanathIndia
    5.Atih KanghairThailand
    6.Kim Min JaeKorea
    7.KY AhamedIndia
    8.Luis MiguelSpain
    9.Hunter CorneyAustralia
    10.RendiIndonesia
    11.Kanatat JaimanThailand
    12.MD Haziq MD FairuesMalaysia
    13.Leendro ParedesPhilippines
    14.Arysad RusdiSingapore
    15.Wild Card EntryIndia/England/Argentina

    The 2024 season saw Hiroki Ono from Japan dominate the ARRC OMC with his second title, while Sarthak Chavan from India made history as the first Indian to secure a top-three finish internationally. The 2025 ARRC TVS Asia OMC promises high-octane action, cutting-edge racing technology, and fierce competition across five rounds, kicking off at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit.

    About TVS Racing

    TVS Racing, a pioneer in building Motorsports in India since 1982, has been integral in growing the racing performance culture and has been pivotal in engineering the TVS Apache series through the company’s “Track to Road” strategy. The brand has redefined the sports segment by focusing on race performance, making it a highly desirable product for sports enthusiasts. This has resulted in TVS Apache and TVS NTORQ 125 becoming the fastest growing brands in their respective segments. TVS Racing is also the pioneer of the One Make Championship in the country, the first Indian manufacturer to introduce the series in India in 1994.

  • Sarthak Chavan takes a creditable third at Sepang

    Sarthak Chavan takes a creditable third at Sepang

    Sepang (Malaysia) 15 Sept. 2024: Ace Indian rider Sarthak Chavan took a creditable third place in Race 2 of Round 5 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, which saw history created with Rocco Sessler became the first German to pick up a race win in the single-make championship.

    The race began with veteran rider Vorapong Malahuan rocketing into the lead, closely trailed by Mohd Ramdan Rosli and Chiranth Viswanath of India. Deep within the group, championship leader Hiroki Ono’s hopes of another successful round was dashed when he tumbled at Turn 3, effectively putting paid to his dreams of another podium.

    After swapping leads for six laps, the flag came down in Rocco’s favour. The German rider clocked his first ever TVS Asia victory with 14’31:021s, 0:090s ahead of Vorapong. Sarthak rounded up the winning trifecta in third place.

    Rocco said, “For sure, it was a difficult race. The start wasn’t the best, but I pushed hard into the first corner and managed to get into the top 5. From there, I focused on staying in the front. I had some challenging moments but managed to regain my position. In the last lap, I took the lead because I thought there might be some battling behind me. Although I was overtaken in the final lap, I rode as well as I could, held my line, and ultimately took the win.”

    Despite finishing tenth, Hiroki Ono picked up 6 points to stay at the top of the championship table with 201 points, 57 points ahead of Ramdan.

    TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

    1. Rocco Sessler – German (14’31:021s)

    2. VorapongMalahuan – Thailand (14’31:111s)

    3. Sarthak Chavan – India (14’31:224s)

    4. Md Muzakkir Mohamed – Malaysia (14’31:267s)

    5. DeckyTiarno Aldy – Indonesia (14’35:389s)

  • Sarthak Chavan gets podium: TVS one-make event at ARRC

    Sarthak Chavan gets podium: TVS one-make event at ARRC

    Lombok Island (Indonesia), 27 July 2024: India’s Sarthak Chavan, the 17-year-old from Pune, delivered a podium finish, his second this season, in the fourth round of the TVS Asia One Make Championship which is part of the Asian Road Racing Championship at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia, on Saturday.

    In a tight race, Sarthak, who started from P3, came in third behind championship leader Hiroki Ono (Japan) and Malaysian Mohd Ramdan Rosli (Malaysia). Another Indian, Chiranth Vishwanath from Bengaluru, was fourth in the race. Less than one second separated the top four finishers.

  • TVS Asia one-make event going strong for third year: ARRC

    TVS Asia one-make event going strong for third year: ARRC

    Bengaluru, 9 March 2024: TVS Asia One Make Championship (OMC) under TVS Racing will mark its presence for the third consecutive year at the upcoming Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Once again, the one-make series will see the inclusion of a multi-region rider participation in its bid to showcase excellence within the motorsports industry, a release received here said today.

    Replicating its domestic record, and continuing its international success after the first-ever TVS Asia One Make Championship (OMC) in 2022, TVS Racing is back with the third edition of the championship with more vigour and determination to create new records. Following its sheer dominance in domestic two-wheeler racing, TVS Racing is now geared up to host this flagship racing event this year alongside the FIM Asia (ARRC). Backed by four decades of racing pedigree, previous year’s championship demonstrated the product prowess of TVS Motor’s flagship motorcycle – TVS Apache RR 310 as it created a milestone for TVS Racing, setting a new top speed record of 215.9 kmph in its class at Chang International Circuit, Thailand. With a rich history and undisputed leadership in two-wheeler motorsports, TVS Racing has been instrumental in flourishing the racing performance culture and engineering the TVS Apache series through the company’s “Track to Road” philosophy. 

    The season opener of the racing series scheduled to be held at Chang International Circuit, will be entertained by representatives from nine countries including new entries from Germany and Korea. Top three achievers, Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia, Hiroki Ono of Japan and Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand will be back once again for a full-season alongside selected riders from India and Indonesia as well as six newcomers for the season in the race category. The rider line-up will consist of fifteen riders in total.

    Commenting on the championship, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium at TVS Motor Company said, “Celebrating our third year at the Idemitsu FIM ARRC alongside TVS Asia OMC marks a significant milestone for TVS Racing. It’s a testament to our enduring dedication to motorsport, excellence and innovation. Our continued participation underscores our commitment to pushing the limits of engineering and performance, while also providing an exciting platform for our riders to showcase their skills on the international stage. The data obtained during the races are pertinent in gauging the impact of our product modification and showcasing our strengths and transformations. As we embark on another thrilling season, we are eagerly excited by the opportunity to continue our legacy of success and to bring the thrill of racing to fans around the world. We look forward to another exciting year of competition, camaraderie, and, most importantly, the relentless pursuit of victory, and wish our racers luck for this season.”

    Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing said, “TVS Asia OMC has been instrumental in the expansion of ARRC and since their debut in 2022, we have garnered vast support and recognition from our fanbase and motorsports community which has impacted the championship positively. This year, we are proud to mark the entries of two additional countries in the one-make series which I believe would also serve to broaden our brand proposition and incite new interests in the future. As we move forward, our goal remains the same which is to ensure our reach to a wider demography while alleviating the standards of Asian motorsports.”

    The riders of TVS Asia would also experience a new safety feature this season – the Alpinestars air-bag system, equipped in their racing suit this year. The air-bag is expected to further accentuate the safety functions while enhancing confidence among its riders for better performance. The Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will commence with Round 1 on 15th March 2024 with no changes to its racing format. The season will move forward with six rounds for year 2024.

  • Mathana Kumar wins Asia Cup Road Racing Race 1

    Mathana Kumar wins Asia Cup Road Racing Race 1

    Nakhon Pathom (Thailand), 2 Sept. 2023: S Mathan Kumar of India dished out splendid stuff to come out victorious in Race 1 the first round Asia Cup Road Racing championship held concurrently with the Thailand Superbike Championship at the Thailand Circuit Motor Sport Complex here on Saturday.

    Mathana Kumar, earlier on Saturday, qualified P8 clocking a best lap of 1min 46.398seconds but managed to overtake a tough field and notched up his maiden international victory. Mathana Kumar is the reigning Indian National champion in the 165cc class and races for Team Pacer Yamaha in the Indian Nationals.

    Representing Team fmsci India, Mathana clocked 29minutes, 14.523seconds for the 10-lap race. He edged past Dustin Esguerra of Phillippines by0.628 seconds to top Race 6, that saw the participation of 14 riders from seven countries. Tz Jiun You of Chinese Taipei came third.

    Mathana Kumar with the Tricolour on podium on 2 Sept 2023. INDIAinF1 photo

    Talking to INDIAin F1 from Thailand, Mathana Kumar said: “I am very happy to get this victory. It is the result of a lot of hardwork and I thank my team, sponsors and all those who stood by me. This is an unforgettable moment to raise the Tricolour with pride.”

  • TVS RR 310 clocks 201.2 km per hour, becomes fastest Indian motorcycle

    TVS RR 310 clocks 201.2 km per hour, becomes fastest Indian motorcycle

    Sepang, 3 June 2022: TVS Racing, the factory racing team of TVS Motor Company, achieves a historic landmark by becoming the first Indian race bike to cross the 200 km/h mark.  India’s first factory racing team’s Asia RR 310 OMC Race bike clocked a staggering top speed of 201.2 km/hr at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The achievement is a testament to TVS Racing’s constant efforts to enhance its technological prowess and maintain its leadership in the two-wheeler motorsports scene.  Participants in the TVS Asia One Make Championship 2022 are riding sixteen extensively modified Race-Spec TVS Asia One Make Apache RR 310 motorcycles, imbibed with TVS Motor’s racing DNA. 

    Commenting on the achievement, Mr Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company,  said, “We are constantly exciting this segment by democratizing racing through initiatives like the TVS One-Make Championship and Apache Racing Experience. These initiatives give enthusiastic riders a platform to hone their skills and prove their mettle. It is also a means for us to push the technological and engineering limits of the TVS Apache series through our “Track to Road” philosophy, thus increasing the performance and fun quotient. The results of these initiatives are visible as TVS Apache has become the fastest growing brand in its segment.”

    The TVS Apache RR 310 Asia OMC race bike designed and engineered from the ground up has received substantial technology for an uncompromised racetrack performance

    • 312cc DOHC four-valve liquid-cooled engine
    • 38 percent higher power output than the road-legal TVS Apache RR 310
    • Forged pistons, Titanium valves and HLHD Cams
    • RAM Air Intake system that boosts the top speed.
    • Lightweight carbon fibre parts, including all bodywork, wheels and subframe
    • Ohlins adjustable and custom-built suspension
    • Dunlop soft compound radial racing tyres

    Highlights of the first round of TVS Asia OMC, the first-ever road racing championship by an Indian manufacturer on a global level

    • 16 riders from 8 countries, including three Indian riders, namely KY Ahamed, Deepak Ravikumar and 10-time INMRC winner – Jagan Kumar, battled it out on the track
    • Race 1 witnessed Vorapong Malahuan riding to glory, followed by Decky Tiamo Aldy, who recorded the fastest lap time of 2:28:477.
    • Race 2 saw Muhammad Fitri Ashraf set a staggering lap time of 2:27:433 and make an impressive climb to the top from the number five spot in Race 1
    • It was a mixed weekend for the Indian riders as KY Ahamed, and Jagan Kumar finished in the top 10 in both races.
    • Deepak Ravikumar met with a crash during Race 2 and hopes to make a strong comeback in the next round.

    Race Results –

    Race 1

    1st – Vorapong Malahuan (Thailand)

    2nd – Decky Tiamo Aldy (Indonesia)

    3rd – Varis Felix Fleming (Australia)

    Race 2

    1st – Muhammad Fitri Ashraf (Malaysia)

    2nd – Decky Tiamo Aldy (Indonesia)

    3rd – Vorapong Malahuan (Thailand)

    The second round of the TVS Asia One Make Championship is scheduled from August 12-14, 2022, at Sugo International Circuit in Japan.  This will be followed by the final two rounds, for which venues are to be confirmed tentatively in October and November, respectively.

    About TVS Racing:

    TVS Racing, a pioneer in building Motorsports in India since 1982, has been integral in growing the racing performance culture and has been pivotal in engineering the TVS Apache series through the company’s “Track to Road” strategy.  The brand has redefined the sports segment by focusing on race performance, making it a highly desirable product for sports enthusiasts.  This has resulted in TVS Apache and TVS NTORQ 125 becoming the fastest growing brands in their respective segments.  TVS Racing is also the pioneer of the One Make Championship in the country, the first Indian manufacturer to introduce the series in India in 1994.

  • TVS Asia one-make championship trials at Sepang on April 27

    TVS Asia one-make championship trials at Sepang on April 27

    Bangi, 20 April 2022: The two-wheeler giant in Indian motorsports, TVS Racing is all set to make it international presence with a one-make championship that that will run alongside FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) beginning in Malaysia from May 29. The trials at Sepang are scheduled for April 27.

    Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) announced its partnership with TVS Racing, the factory racing team of TVS Motor Company and the news one-make championship will be name the TVS Asia One-Make Championship.

    The championship will see a total of 16 riders from all over Asia who will be finalised on April 27 for the first year. The selection will be held at the Sepang International Circuit where Round 2 of the ARRC will take place in May.

    Commenting on the development, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “The engineering and performance prowess in our race machines has been derived from TVS Racing’s race-bred pedigree on the track, proving its mettle across a host of racing formats and has put us on the global map.  We are excited about carving our success story internationally. The TVS Asia One Make Championship will play a pivotal role as a milestone in our global journey for TVS Racing.”

    “We take this as an opportunity to take our learnings from the Indian tracks and demonstrate our capabilities internationally.  We also look forward to having international racers atop our TVS Asia One Make Apache RR 310 motorcycles competing in the future championships.”

    Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn. Bhd. said, “The participation of TVS Racing in the One-Make Championship is a bold gesture that would certainly open avenues in discovering new talents. More importantly, bringing in a new partner and manufacturer will ignite the interest for FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in general.”

    On the impact towards the motorsport industry, Ron continued, “Motorsport industry is ever-changing. From a technological perspective, we move very quickly from two-strokes to four-strokes and having said that, we foresee further development of machines to suit the needs of the industry. Being rider-centric, we constantly look for ways that would pave opportunities for riders to pursue professional riding at a higher level. Our collaboration with TVS Racing in this One-Make Championship is part of our strategic plan that would serve the needs of our Asian riders at the regional front consequently contributing to a comprehensive development within the motorsport industry.”

    FIM Asia President, Stephan P Carapiet said, “The One-Make Championship collaboration is an important mark in the motorsport championships as it forms yet another platform for the development of future motorsport stars and an opportunity to race the TVS One-Make machines. TVS will now be able to showcase the capacities, qualities and reliabilities of the machine in the racing field and through the technical specifications and data obtained from the races, they will also be able to make forward approaches in developing enhanced features that would better serve the needs of their domestic use.”

    “India is a base for motorcycle manufacturers with a sales projection that supersedes the rest of the Asian markets. The involvement of TVS in racing however goes the extra mile to exhibit their advancement in technology and potentially spark interest in motorsport among the 1 billion population. FIM Asia fully supports this initiative and with the financial subsidies and opportunities provided by TVS Racing, we look forward to the participation of over 10 countries for the coming round in Malaysia.”

    TVS Asia One-Make Championship will participate in four rounds of the ARRC:

    1.     27th – 29th May 2022 Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia

    2.     1st – 3rd July 2022 (TBC)

    3.     12th – 14th August 2022 Sugo International Circuit, Japan

    4.     18th – 20th November 2022 Chang International Circuit, Thailand

  • 2021 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship season called off

    2021 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship season called off

    The 2021 season of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship has had to be called off. With the many administrative conditions being imposed due to the pandemic in each respective countries, many of the racing teams are facing difficulties with their travel applications.

    Differing quarantine procedures, lack of flights, and many other roadblocks have made it impossible for the Asian grid to re-assemble for 2021. Therefore, with much regret, we have decided to confirm that the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will not be held in 2021.

    Ron Hogg, Director, Two Wheels Motor Racing

    “I would like to start off by expressing our gratitude to the Thai government and especially to the Chang International Circuit. Working together, we have left no stones unturned in our bid to bring the grid together in 2021. We especially want to thank the Chang International Circuit , the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Federation Motor Sports Club of Thailand. With the help of these agencies, we can confirm that we were trying as hard as possible up to the last moment. We worked hard to make it happen. However, not everything is within our control.

    Restrictions among the Asian countries are more stringent as compared to the other regions like Europe. Bringing the grid together will be a very costly affair, especially with the required quarantine procedures when teams return home to their respective countries. Therefore, we believe that it would be better to consolidate all our resources to kick start the 2022 season. Rest assured, plans for 2022 will be announced in due time.  In the meantime we would also like to say thank you to all our partners, teams, riders and our fans. Stay strong, stay safe, let’s get ready to roar next year!”

    Stephan Carapiet, President, FIM Asia

    “The FIM Asia supports the decision of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship to call off the 2021 season. Asia is a more populous region as compared to the other parts of the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Asian governments are imposing stricter restrictions with regards to international sporting events. Matters were made worse with regulations that seem to be constantly in flux.

    I am just as disappointed as everyone else about this inevitable decision. However, let’s look forward to a great year in 2022.” 

  • Yuki Ito wins ASB1000 Race 1: Asian Road Racing Round1

    Yuki Ito wins ASB1000 Race 1: Asian Road Racing Round1

    Please watch the videos for the highlights of the first round of the Asian Road Racing Championship season opener.

    Markus Reiterberger in a pensive mood as rain disrupts the start.
    SS 600 race highlights at Sepang circuit
    AP250 Race 1 highlights

    Markus Reiterberger may have been on a record-breaking streak throughout the 2020 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship season-opening weekend, but it was Yuki Ito who emerged triumphant as torrential rain swept through the Sepang International Circuit.

    Sepang, 8 March 2020: ONEXOX BMW TKKR SAG Team’s Markus Reiterberger continued on his record-breaking charge when he set another lap record, 2’04.762s in the ASB1000 qualifier. More than a second quicker than the rest of the field, Markus confirmed himself for pole in both Race 1 and Race 2.

    However, the German rider’s race strategy was disrupted at the last minute when a torrential downpour broke over the Sepang International Circuit, just as the ASB1000 Race 1 was scheduled to start. The thunderstorm caused a delay of almost 45 minutes, but stopped long enough for the full race to take place.

    Markus peeled off from pole position but soon lost the lead to Yuki Ito from YAMAHA Racing Team ASEAN. Supremely confident and silky smooth in the wet, Yuki carved up a 3 second lead within the span of a single lap.

    Behind the Japanese rider, Markus lost P2 to Broc Parkes and then ran wide on Lap 3, dropping down to P5 as ApiwatWongthananon and AnupabSarmoon went racing past.

    By the midpoint of the race, Ito was absolutely in his element, lapping almost a second quicker than the rest of the grid. As the chequered flag came down on Lap 12, Ito clinched the first ASB1000 win of his career with 28’16.971s.

    The YAMAHA Racing Team ASEAN was on course for a 1-2 finish until Lap 11 when Broc Parkes high sided at Turn 12. The crash caused significant damage to the Australian rider’s handlebars and prevented him from returning to the track.

    Broc’s crash left the field wide open for ApiwatWongthananon and comeback kid AnupabSarmoon to deliver two podium spots to the YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team. ApiwatWongthananon finished second with 28’24.580s, 7.6 seconds behind marquee-mate Ito. Anupab enjoyed a successful ARRC comeback in third with 28’39.751s.

    Markus Reiterberger missed out on the podium in fourth place (28’44.981s). With much of the team’s set up done in the dry, the BMW rider faced problems with his rear grip in the wet.  Lorenzo Zanetti took Access Plus Racing-Okada-Team’s Ducati to fifth with 28’49.555s.

    Further down the field, Kawasaki’s ThitipongWarokorn would be glad to see the day come to an end. Thitipong crashed out during the qualifying session, caught off-guard by underground water seeping onto the tarmac at Turn 4. The KAWASAKI Thailand Racing Team raced the clock to get his bike back in race-shape but the rain brought more challenges. Thitipong finished in ninth ahead of his team mate Ryosuke Iwato.

    ASB1000: Top 5 Qualifying Results

    1. Markus Reiterberger (GER) (BMW)                        2’04.762s

    2. Broc Parkes (AUS) (Yamaha)                                   2’06.050s

    3. ApiwatWongthananon (THA) (Yamaha)               2’06.075s

    4. Yuki Ito (JPN) (Yamaha)                                           2’06.254s

    5. Lorenzo Zanetti (ITA) (Ducati)                                2’06.292s

    ASB1000: Top 5 Race 1 Results

    1. Yuki Ito (JPN) (Yamaha)                                           28’16.971s

    2. ApiwatWongthananon (THA) (Yamaha)               28’24.580s

    3. AnupabSarmoon (THA) (Yamaha)                          28’39.751s

    4. Markus Reiterberger (GER) (BMW)                        28’44.981s

    5. Lorenzo Zanetti (ITA) (Ducati)                                28’49.555s