NAKARIN OR AZLAN?
The season finale of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) will take place at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Between Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of Horizon Racing Team, who will be the one to end the season with a crown in the MSBK1000 A race category?
Looking at his achievements throughout the season, Nakarin seems to have it all especially with a streak of 25-points from Round 2 and Round 3. The Thai rider was quick to adapt to the circuit ground and accelerate further with his pace to take hold of the top position in the overall standings chart. With a total of 124 points, 23 points ahead of his closest contender, Nakarin is almost there in making it champion for the season. However, the stakes are still high especially with home-ground rider, Azlan who is trailing right behind him with an upper-hand on the circuit ground. Question is, will Azlan be able to regain control of the circuit and defeat Nakarin?
Commenting on the race, Nakarin said, “I give it my all in every race. There are no two-ways about it. But it also depends on the situations and rivalry. I still have to do my best to avoid the foreseeable risks. Riding definitely has its own sets of pressure points but it is also quite pleasurable for me. Round 4 is going to be fun for me. I think I can finish on top in Race 1 itself. I am quite confident about that. MSBK has presented me with great opportunities. I am able to enhance my performance and work on my riding techniques. Of course, juggling between championships is not easy but the continuous riding gives me the motivation to do better. The week-by-week race definitely causes exhaustion but this is where I have to manage my body, mind and emotions. Having enough rest is crucial. Throughout the season, we have found better settings at Sepang which is one of our biggest achievements. Honda machine has an added advantage at cornering. Other parts which might be a little disadvantage can be adapted depending on situations. For next season, it is still not firmed up. But with the opportunities gives, I will want to come back and do better.”
Azlan said, “For me, I will go all out in the season finale. Sepang is my home-circuit so there is no two-way about it. I have to give my best shot and I have to succeed. That is my only goal for the season. It is definitely not going to be easy considering the likes of other riders who are equally competitive this season. While the going gets tougher, the ride has also been equally exciting and fun. My machine is currently in a good condition so I am not very worried. In fact, I am quite confident with the settings that suit the circuit layout and my riding style. I will do my best in the coming round and keep my fingers crossed that everything will go as planned.”