JEBAT HOPES TO CHALLENGE AKID
Round 3 of the AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Can Ahmad Jebat Zulkarnain defeat the chart-topper in the YAMAHA Y16ZR RACE MASTERCLASS?
Currently sitting at the second spot overall with a total of 48 points, 42-points shy of the top spot, it seems almost impossible for Jebat to topple Akid Shah and take over the lime-light. After taking a double-win in Round 1 and double-podium with 40 points in Round 2, Akid Shah currently remains unbeatable. Jebat on the other hand scored 16 points in three races, placing him above the rest of the troop after the Penangite.
What would it take for Jebat to make it ahead of Akid Shah for once this season? The duo is highly competitive and based on their performance, they are also consistent with their lap time and achievements. It definitely is not easy for Jebat to override the superiority of Akid Shah on Sepang grounds unless he is able to strategize and strike while the iron is hot. This also means that Jebat has to tune up his sensory and be more focused during the race while being prepared for the potential risks ahead.
Commenting on the race, Jebat said, “During Round 2, I struggled a little but I managed to get P3 in Race 1 and P2 in Race 2. The competition was stiff especially with riders who are really strong in the racing series. But I still try my best to adapt and fine tune my strategies to stay ahead of the others. Akid Shah is currently leading way ahead with 42-point advantage and perhaps to make it champion may be a tough shot. But, as a rider, the only motivation is the top spot on the podium and that’s what I will try to achieve for the rest of the rounds. My limitations may be in terms of weight and also strategy. Akid Shah is much smaller in size compared to myself which means he has better advantage on the long-straight during the race. I always read his body-language during the free practice sessions to see if I can trace and trail his game-plan.”
“The Yamaha Y16ZR is a fantastic machine and excellent for racing. It has a small body structure which makes it light and easy for riders regardless of size to race aboard it. So, I truly enjoy riding it and have found great advantage aboard it. The Sepang circuit is my favourite track however one has to find courage and strength to ride there especially when the riders form a tight group. If we doubt ourselves, then it will be tough to take lead. My only goal at the moment is to make it as champion this season. Not going to be easy, but I am going to try as best as I could.”