ASYAFF – CAN HE MAKE IT TO THE PODIUM?
Round 4 of the AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Can Asyaff Zaquan make a grand finish and bag the championship title in the BERJAYA SOMPO YAMAHA R15M RACE ELITES?
With a total of 49 points in hand, Asyaff currently takes lead on the scoreboard with a 12 and 13-point difference from his closest contenders Ahmad Iqram Danish and Md Aqil Danial respectively. While Asyaff may have the advantage of taking lead, both the rivals have showcased their competitive side in the previous round with the latter taking a win and the former a podium-finish in Race 2 where Asyaff concluded fourth.
Considering the close rivalry between the trio, it may not be as easy for Asyaff who has to keep up with the game-plan – being a champion. Asyaff may not have made a cut on the podium just yet throughout the season however being the chart-topper may just be the boost he needs to accelerate further. The question is, can Asyaff overcome the challenges of his rivals, the complexities of the circuit ground and the dexterity of his rivals to claim the big win at the season opener?
Commenting on the race, Asyaff said, “I will try my best to finish second on the podium and also maintain my position. It is not going to be easy but I will try my best. The circuit ground is difficult to tackle, more so in a race category that is highly competitive. But I like it because it has a technical corner that is challenging and also a hilly area. The contenders are all very close, which makes the outcome quite unpredictable. I will do my best in both races and hopefully, I can keep up with a consistent pace and momentum throughout the race.”
“My current contenders are both very strong and I know that they will inject as much pressure as they can to keep the competition stiff. Riding aboard the R15M machine is similar to riding the underbone machine in terms of competitiveness. But of course, this machine has a tank which means, riding techniques have to suit the body of the machine. For now, I am quite comfortable riding the machine but of course, there is so much more to learn and improve. I have to strategize from the very beginning till the end to ensure that I stay among the front troop.”
In terms of preparation, Asyaff said, “I have been doing a lot of training aboard the machine and I have also been building up on my physique, clocking in gym time persistently for the coming round. So, right now, I just hope that apart from doing well and having a perfect machine condition, I will also have luck on my side. For next season, I have no plans as yet but I am hoping that I could participate in MSBK once again.”