Round 4 of the AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Can Kasma Daniel of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA ward off the threats of his closest contender Azroy Hakeem Anuar of HONDA RACING MALAYSIA to claim the championship title in the MSBK1000 A race category? With only 1-point difference between the duo, the pressure is definitely on, on who will grace the charts as the season’s champion. Kasma currently leads with 130 points after bagging two wins this season and four other podium-finish but Azroy on the other hands sits at the 2nd spot with a total of 129 points after sweeping four wins and 1 podium-finish at third place. Both equally competitive, the season finale is sure to stir the circuit ground up with their heated performances. Throughout the season, both the riders have showcased their strengths and dominance on the circuit ground. After all, Sepang circuit being home to both the Malaysian riders, the challenge has never been about the circuit ground but more so of skills versus right opportunities to strike. The either-or situation saw Kasma and Azroy engaging in a rivalry that not only challenged each other to be better but also inspired others to make the most out of their experiences. Between the duo, will Kasma flex his muscles further in taking down Azroy or will Azroy continue flaunting his expertise to defeat Kasma? Kasma said, “Between Azroy and myself, I definitely think that we both have the relevant experiences aboard the 1000cc machine as well on the grounds of Sepang however, there are the challenges of the differing riding techniques and skills between us. He may have an added advantage that I may not have but that is alright because, I am all about doing my best to ensure that my performance is not compromised. I know for sure that Azroy can take me down in a blink of an eye but my aim is to make the most of my game and ensure that I am on top of whatever circumstances, keeping my fingers crossed that my machine does not give any problems.” “When the season began, I was pretty confident thinking that I could score the big sweep once again but at the same time, I also knew that Azroy was not going to go easy on me because we are alike and we have the same kind of wit and grit. So, the expectations versus outcome have been a little different for me especially with the 1-point difference that speak volumes. I believe the final round will be not only highly competitive but also will be very exciting for both of us. The unique thing about MSBK1000 race category is definitely the part where group A and B rides at the same time. It injects a different kind of challenge that comes with a different kind of learning curve. For next season, there are no plans lined up as yet but given a chance, I will surely take up the challenge. More so, if I lose to Azroy this season, next season will be a season for a comeback.”
Round 4 of the AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Can Muhd Rauda Tul Razman complete the season with another Weekend Champion win in the MSBK1000 B race category? In Round 3, Rauda was exceptional when he scored a win in Race 1 and second place in Race 2. It was quite a performance especially coming from a newbie for the season, racing alongside some of the seasoned riders in the race category. Rauda showcased not just consistency but also his ability to inject pressure and tackle his contenders. But with competency level progressively increasing among the riders, can Rauda repeat his winning moves to secure one more trophy before the curtains close? Rauda commented, “Being a newbie in the MSBK1000 B race category has been quite a challenge for me. I did not expect to win but somehow, I managed to learn as quickly as I could and take the win. My goal in the beginning was only to finish the race safely. Despite the win, there are the challenges for sure especially getting used to the race machine. I had to do a lot of homework – learning in terms of understanding the intricacies of machine setup. I had to ensure that I found the compatibility with the machine. I am glad things worked out well for me so far.” “My main contenders are Teuke Irfan and Ejad. They are highly competitive but my strategy is quite simple. If we are going to rivals, I will just have to hold on to my best from the start till the end. It won’t be easy but if there is one thing I have learnt, racing is never going to be easy. It is all about strategizing and working on the riding techniques. So, I will do my best despite the stiff competition with my contenders and keeping my fingers crossed that I will cross the finish line without any major issues.” “Sepang has been a wonderful place to ride and I like everything about the circuit. Every corner requires a different approach in maximising the racing lines. It’s wide and safe for all rider. My machine currently is a stock version and there has not been much upgrading except for the braking system. Besides the condition of the machine, more importantly, I am preparing myself physically too. I do a lot of cardio workouts which is crucial for a 3-day event. Fitness has been my 1st priority so far, more so being a cyclist professionally. I have grown to love 2-wheels from there and right now, I am finding a keen interest for racing. For the machine, I will leave it to the crew to make the best and most of it.”
Round 4 of the AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Ahmad Afif Amran of SUPERFAST JRT X RAPIDO is one-step ahead and may just be the next champion in the MSBK250 A race category. At 24-point difference with his closest contender, Irfan Ardiansyah of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM, Afif has to plan his moves carefully, further accentuate his riding techniques and manage his machine exceptionally to avoid the possibilities of being trumped. The Malaysian rider is no stranger to the circuit ground which gives him an added advantage considering the mileage he has clocked in. The familiarity coupled with his years of experience in professional riding, Afif seemed to have it all covered. Apart from that, Afif also has the upper-hand in terms of competency considering his performance throughout the season with three wins and two other podium-finish. Irfan is not bad himself with five podium-finish including one win. The competition between them is bound to get heated at the season finale and Afif has to definitely play his cards well to avoid Irfan’s pressure and tricks. The question is, can Afif deflect the pressure and stay focused to claim the ultimate prize? Commenting on the race, Afif said, “It is quite hard to describe – the strategies on the race situation and the plans to overcome the mounting pressure. I prefer to be prepared in all aspects and stay cautious. There are many highly competitive riders in the race category. Irfan specifically has a very good riding technique. Perhaps the Honda machine is more stable than the Yamaha when taking the corners so I need to continuously be alert on the possible outcomes. I don’t really want to think too much of the championship points at this point of time. The aim is to keep my focus on each race and give my best.” “I believe though that my advantage comes from my machine being faster as we have already found the right setup and the rhythm needed for Sepang. The preparations too are pretty much the same. There are no major changes in that sense. I am confident for the coming race. However, I also know that racing is not only about skills. It also takes into account the play of luck. I can only hope that the race will go on smoothly for me and my team without any major disruptions. My target for next season is to continue enhancing my skills aboard the 250cc machine and compete ARRC’s AP250 race category.”
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.”
Round 4 of the AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Can Qayyim Razin Razali of HORIZON RACING TEAM repeat his victorious moves at the season finale of the MSBK250 B race category. Highly-competitive and strikingly skilled, Qayyim replicated his double-win act from Round 2 in Round 3 when he took home yet another Weekend Champion title. But again, that doesn’t come as a surprise considering his double-win in Round 1 too. Qayyim has definitely mastered the techniques and re-defined the benchmark for the MSBK250 B race category. With six wins to his name, the only expectation is nothing but a double-win before the curtains close and unless there is an encounter with an unfortunate incident, Qayyim definitely has what it takes to make it. Commenting on the race, Qayyim said, “I believe that my riding skills, experience and overall fitness have helped me come this far. These are essential in racing for a rider and maintaining a good help and enhancing my riding techniques over time have really helped me stay consistent and perform my best in all the races. The MSBK250 B race category, although it runs concurrently with the A group, has been a great platform for me to continuously improve. I am given the opportunity to fight alongside professional riders – which consequently helped me grow further beyond my boundaries.” “Currently, my closest rival would be Carlsen Solis. He has a good pace and is highly competitive. He is definitely one that I have to keep my eyes on during the race. Of course, there are the other riders as well so, the most important thing is to stay focused despite the rivalries so that I can minimise errors. My goal right now is to win over the weekend once again but at the same time, I would also like to progressively improve and work towards becoming a professional rider.” In terms of preparations, Qayyim said, “I’ve been focused on becoming stronger physically and mentally. I also make sure that I maintain good team work and communication with my mechanic to ensure everything runs smoothly. So far, I have managed to take the weekend champion title from Round 1 to Round 3. The next goal would be to secure the overall championship title. I want to compete in the MSBK250 A race category and hopefully, next year, I would be able to find a spot in it and compete with at a different level of competency and rivalry.”