ARRC ROUND 2: RACE REPORT

Yamaha rider, Mohd Zamri Baba did Malaysia proud to bag a victory in the dramatic PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship race at the Sentul International Circuit in Indonesia today.

The PETRONAS Hong Leong Yamaha rider secured his maiden victory for the season in Race 2 following a heated three-way battle against rivals, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and M.Fadli.

The 30-year old was seen swapping leads with Azlan several times throughout the race but the latter proved stronger and went on to lead the last six laps of the race.

Zamri kept his cool and trailed Azlan who was starting to lose grip, sliding all over the track before going in for the kill at the last turn of the final lap. He took the checkered flag with 24’21.910s followed by Azlan second and Fadli third, 24’22.188s followed by Fadli third, 24’22.712s respectively.

Adding on to his joy, Zamri had also secured a podium in Race 1 where he finished second behind Azlan Shah.

Bagging 45 points from this leg, Zamri leaps from eight to third overall in the SuperSports 600cc standings with 61 points. Azlan leads with 90 points while Katsuaki Fujiwara sits comfortably in second with 69 points.

Meanwhile Ahmad Afif Amran had a mixed outing in the Underbone 115cc race. In a last minute dash to the finish line, the PETRONAS Hong Leong Yamaha rider outgunned five other riders to take second place with 19’51.877s behind winner, Norizman Ismail who timed 19’51.841s. Third came in Indonesian, Harlan Fadhillah.

Afif was hoping to bag another podium in Race 2 but unfortunately the 10-lap race was cut short to nine laps when Japanese rider, Kazuki Masaki suffered a massive crash.

On top of that, the Terengganu born rider suffered technical issues to his machine, officially ending the race 11th.

Norizman who was in lead when race officials called out the red-flag was declared race winner.

Picking up 18 points from this leg, Afif dropped from top of the Underbone 115cc standings to third with 59 points. Indonesian, Hadi Wijaya now leads with 67 points followed by Norizman second, 65 points.

For more news and results, visit www.asiaroadracing.com