The 2010 Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (MMER) gets more interesting when Audi Race Experience Team Joest driven by two former LeMans winning drivers confirms their entry this year. It is no surprise that they are the crowd's favorite for this year's MMER.
Dato' Mokhzani Mahathir, owner of the Kencana Racing Team and 2007 overall champion is delighted with the high-profile team's entry in the MMER.
"I think this is the first time that a factory works team is taking part in the MMER. This is something that we should be proud of as we can learn from how an established team presents itself for the race.", he added.
The Audi Race Experience Team Joest will be anchored by the driving brilliance and experience of former winners of the Le Mans Endurance Race, Frank Biela and Marco Werner. Their participation gets mote powerful and complete, with Daryl O' Young, former Porsche Carrera Cup Asia champion gets behind the wheel.
This years' participation turns into a world class event, seeing other top racing names including Peter Kox, Christopher Haase, Richard Lietz, Craig Baird, Matthew Marsh, Dominic Farnbacher, Tatsuya Kataoka, Nobuteru Taniguchi and Masataka Yanagida.
The list of entrants extends with participation of Malaysian drivers in this year's 2010 MMER, with former Formula One driver, Alex Yoong, the current Lotus F1 Racing test driver Fairuz Fauzy, Meritus team owner Firhat Mokhzani, GT3 Asia driver Tunku Hammam Sulong, Eddie Lew, Wong Yew Choong, Keifli Othman and former equestrian champion, Ashraff Dewal.
In last year's race, the PETRONAS Syntium Racing Team scored a sensational 1-2 finish with the triumvirate of Tatsuya Kataoka, Manubu Orido and Malaysian youngster Johan Adzmi in a BMW Z4M Coupe.
Dato' Mokhzani added that the traditional midnight start of the race is great, as it gives the drivers at least seven hours of cool driving, so it's less physically taxing.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Reigning Champion Dominates the Race Weekend
Meanwhile, in the Supersports Championship category, the PETRONAS Yamaha Racing Team came in full force for Round 4 as they put their top three ARRC riders, Azlan, Mohd Zamri Baba and Ahmad Fuad Baharuddin to join youngster Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, to put an end to the domination of the Idemitsu Honda Racing Team in Round 1.
Azlan and Zamri both, won both races one and two, giving the team a sensational 1-2 in both races.
The competition is ever more heated up, when Sepang International Circuit, offered a golden opportunity for the top three finishers in the Supersports Championship to be part of the selection for the 2011 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix Moto2 wildcard riders.
Zamri, added that the team aims to maintaining their win in the next three races, and confident that they will have the opportunity to do well in the overall championship, even though, they have lost 50 points in Round 1.
It was also a big day for the newly-established Kajang Racing Team as their rider, Mohd Syahnas Shahidan, brough his MV Agusta machine to a double podium finish, taking second and third placing in race 1 and race 2 respectively in the Superbikes Category.
The former ARRC rider with PETRONAS Yamaha Racing Team, Syahnas, said that the team did not do too well during the opening round.
"But we took a double podium today, and that is a fantastic result indeed. We hope to do even better in the next round", he added.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
It can't get any hotter in Sepang
Azlan made himself clear that his advantage was his experience and knowledge of the track that paid off with not only qualifying first on the grid, but it was his best personal lap round the track.
"I, myself, was suprised. I am happy with the performance of the bike and the hot and dry weather really suited us well.", he added.
His rivalry teammate, Zamri Baba, clocked 2 minutes 15.003 seconds, and they would be sharing the front row of the starting grid tomorrow with Walairot Rathapong and Suhatchai Cheamsap, who both clocked 2 minutes 15.247 seconds and 2 minutes 16.311 seconds respectively.
Suhadi Ali Rahmat, only managed to clock fifth fastest, to start on the second row of the grid tomorrow.
Kuhara will start the Superbikes Category of the Malaysian Super Series tomorrow from the front row of the grid with Abdul Rahim Sidek, Mohd Syahnas and Ahmad Azhar completing the top four qualifiers.
The round 4 of the Malaysian Super Series will start at 0900hrs to be held at the Sepang International Circuit. Apart from the bikes competition, fans would also get the opportunity to catch actions in the ATCS, Macau N2000 Series, Macau Roadsports Challenge and the PETRONAS Formula Xperience races tomorrow.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Suhadi aims for Moto2 wildcard
Mohamad Suhadi Ali Rahmat, the 2009 Malaysian Super Series Superstock Champion is all out for this year's championship to grab the Moto2 wildcard ticket for the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix offered by the Sepang International Circuit.
Suhadi, was delighted with his team who as well, are making this a priority. With Idemitsu Honda Racing team's support, he looks all set for the win this weekend after winning the first round.
Mohamad Suhadi started biking in his teenage days in Motocross, winning the national championship at the age of 16. He successfully delivered the 125cc Wildcard programme in last year's race, helping out Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin realising his dream to compete in the World 125cc MotoGP championship this season.
Efforts are being made by Sepang International Circuit working closely with Dorna to carry the similar Wildcard Programme for the 2011 Moto2 Championship. Candidates for the Malaysian Moto2 Wildcard Programme would be selected from the Malaysian Super Series' Supersports Championship with the top three riders to be put in a comprehensive selection programme.
Suhadi added that the championship this year is very competitive, with the Thai riders, riding pretty fast as well.
"Its good that there are now opportunities for local riders to move forward and test their skills in the international arena. I congratulate SIC for offering this opportunity to dream of competing in Moto2.", he added.
Apart from the second round of the biking competitions, this weekend's race event will also feature the ATCS, Malaysian Touring Car Challenge, Macau N2000, Macau Roadsports Challenge and the single seater PETRONAS Formula Xperience.
Suhadi, was delighted with his team who as well, are making this a priority. With Idemitsu Honda Racing team's support, he looks all set for the win this weekend after winning the first round.
Mohamad Suhadi started biking in his teenage days in Motocross, winning the national championship at the age of 16. He successfully delivered the 125cc Wildcard programme in last year's race, helping out Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin realising his dream to compete in the World 125cc MotoGP championship this season.
Efforts are being made by Sepang International Circuit working closely with Dorna to carry the similar Wildcard Programme for the 2011 Moto2 Championship. Candidates for the Malaysian Moto2 Wildcard Programme would be selected from the Malaysian Super Series' Supersports Championship with the top three riders to be put in a comprehensive selection programme.
Suhadi added that the championship this year is very competitive, with the Thai riders, riding pretty fast as well.
"Its good that there are now opportunities for local riders to move forward and test their skills in the international arena. I congratulate SIC for offering this opportunity to dream of competing in Moto2.", he added.
Apart from the second round of the biking competitions, this weekend's race event will also feature the ATCS, Malaysian Touring Car Challenge, Macau N2000, Macau Roadsports Challenge and the single seater PETRONAS Formula Xperience.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sixth victory for Lorenzo
Jorge Lorenzo dominated the race at the Grand Prix of USA held at the Laguna Seca Speedway yesterday starting from pole position, although losing ground at start, snatched the chequered flag to finish first, which accounts to a total of six GP victories this season.
His teammate Valentino Rossi, made a triumphant return to the podium just seven weeks after being breaking his leg, overhauling Andrea Dovizioso during a thrilling last ten laps of the race, to finish third.
Lorenzo lost ground at the start of the race for the first few laps, lapping third behind Pedrosa and Stoner. By the sixth lap, he managed to snatch second place when Stoner ran wide and continue to pressure Pedrosa, his fellow Spaniard.
Pedrosa crashed out and left Lorenzo in the lead and from then on, it was smooth sailing for Lorenzo till the finish line. Lorenzo was very happy to win the race in US Soil as this victory is his 11th in MotoGP, his 32nd in all classes and his 10th successful podium.
"I am really looking forward to some time to relax now after two very busy months. Thanks to everyone in my team for doing a brilliant job.", he added.
Meanwhile, his teammate Valentino Rossi had suffered all weekend with pain in both his leg and his shoulder. Once Pedrosa has crashed out of the race, Rossi's fighting instinct kicked in as he spied a podium possibility. In fourth, he gradually closed down the gap with Dovizioso, and with just six laps remaining, he was already within striking distance.
"When I saw Pedrosa on the gravel, I just had to try to catch Dovizioso! I just pushed as hard as I could for a few laps and that brought me closer to him and then I couldn't give up, somehow I caught him and it was a great feeling to pass him to take third.", Valentino Rossi, during the post race interview.
Rossi added that he is thankful that everyone around him has helped him gained back into form and back on the podium. He is happy that there will be some time off for the next race in Brno, just so that he can work on regaining his physical fitness in time.
Source: Fiat Yamaha Team
His teammate Valentino Rossi, made a triumphant return to the podium just seven weeks after being breaking his leg, overhauling Andrea Dovizioso during a thrilling last ten laps of the race, to finish third.
Lorenzo lost ground at the start of the race for the first few laps, lapping third behind Pedrosa and Stoner. By the sixth lap, he managed to snatch second place when Stoner ran wide and continue to pressure Pedrosa, his fellow Spaniard.
Pedrosa crashed out and left Lorenzo in the lead and from then on, it was smooth sailing for Lorenzo till the finish line. Lorenzo was very happy to win the race in US Soil as this victory is his 11th in MotoGP, his 32nd in all classes and his 10th successful podium.
"I am really looking forward to some time to relax now after two very busy months. Thanks to everyone in my team for doing a brilliant job.", he added.
Meanwhile, his teammate Valentino Rossi had suffered all weekend with pain in both his leg and his shoulder. Once Pedrosa has crashed out of the race, Rossi's fighting instinct kicked in as he spied a podium possibility. In fourth, he gradually closed down the gap with Dovizioso, and with just six laps remaining, he was already within striking distance.
"When I saw Pedrosa on the gravel, I just had to try to catch Dovizioso! I just pushed as hard as I could for a few laps and that brought me closer to him and then I couldn't give up, somehow I caught him and it was a great feeling to pass him to take third.", Valentino Rossi, during the post race interview.
Rossi added that he is thankful that everyone around him has helped him gained back into form and back on the podium. He is happy that there will be some time off for the next race in Brno, just so that he can work on regaining his physical fitness in time.
Source: Fiat Yamaha Team
Keihin HSV-010 wins at SUGO GT300km Race
The round 5 of the 2010 Autobacs Super GT was a 300-kilometre race which took place at the 3.704-kilometre Sportsland SUGO Circuit. The cars completed a total 81-laps of the circuit to round up the 300-kilometre battle.
Pole sitter, Benoit Treluyer of the MOTUL Autech GT-R had a great start and continued to open up a gap over the rest of the pack to 15-seconds at one point. The second half of the race was driven by Benoit's teammate, Satoshi Motoyama, who continued to hold the lead with a difference of 6-seconds, what looked like a victory for the MOTUL Autech GT-R.
Unfortunate for the GT-R, as the car came to a halt at the last corner of the circuit with just 8-laps remaining, due to a developed electrical problem.
With Motoyama out of the race, the battle for the win was between the two Honda HSV-010 GT cars, with Takashi Kogure in his Weider HSV-010 and Koudai Tsukakoshi in the KEIHIN HSV-010. The battle was head-to-head till the last corner of the last lap, when Tsukakoshi brought his HSV-010 even with Kogure from the outside and then nosed ahead just as they crossed the chequered flag.
Tsukakoshi managed to snatch the win over Kogure with just 0.025-seconds apart from each other as the crossed the finish line.
Tsukakoshi, who was still in disbelief during the post race interview, was very happy with the win and felt that the achievement was just luck.
"I think I was just very lucky. As a team, we have confidence that we can run good races, now all we need to work on is getting a better qualifying position. Then, I will try my best to go for a second win in the next round.", he added.
In the GT-300 class, the Apple K-ONE Shiden driven by Hiroki Katoh and Hiroshi Hamaguchi started from pole position and never gave up the lead all the way to the chequered flag.
Pole sitter, Benoit Treluyer of the MOTUL Autech GT-R had a great start and continued to open up a gap over the rest of the pack to 15-seconds at one point. The second half of the race was driven by Benoit's teammate, Satoshi Motoyama, who continued to hold the lead with a difference of 6-seconds, what looked like a victory for the MOTUL Autech GT-R.
Unfortunate for the GT-R, as the car came to a halt at the last corner of the circuit with just 8-laps remaining, due to a developed electrical problem.
With Motoyama out of the race, the battle for the win was between the two Honda HSV-010 GT cars, with Takashi Kogure in his Weider HSV-010 and Koudai Tsukakoshi in the KEIHIN HSV-010. The battle was head-to-head till the last corner of the last lap, when Tsukakoshi brought his HSV-010 even with Kogure from the outside and then nosed ahead just as they crossed the chequered flag.
Tsukakoshi managed to snatch the win over Kogure with just 0.025-seconds apart from each other as the crossed the finish line.
Tsukakoshi, who was still in disbelief during the post race interview, was very happy with the win and felt that the achievement was just luck.
"I think I was just very lucky. As a team, we have confidence that we can run good races, now all we need to work on is getting a better qualifying position. Then, I will try my best to go for a second win in the next round.", he added.
In the GT-300 class, the Apple K-ONE Shiden driven by Hiroki Katoh and Hiroshi Hamaguchi started from pole position and never gave up the lead all the way to the chequered flag.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Lorenzo's Firth Pole
Jorge Lorenzo secures an impressive fifth consecutive pole at Laguna Seca, USA, the 40th of his career across all classes, while his recovering team-mate Valentino Rossi, continues to struggle a little with his current physical condition, to settle for sixth.
Lorenzo, who was also the pole-sitter in last year's race was very happy with his results and securing his fifth pole. He did not expect this pole position this year, as Casey Stoner was also fast at Laguna Seca, who is second fastest in the qualifying session.
He added that he looks forward to the race at Laguna Seca as it is always a special race here with a great atmosphere.
Laguna Seca is a much more technical circuit than Sachsenring, making it less forgiving for Valentino Rossi this weekend. Rossi was physically challenged around the 3.610-kilometre track.
Rossi expressed that his team members and himself will need to improve the bike settings to get closer to the pack leaders in tomorrow's race. He admitted that the track was much difficult than Sachsenring as the demanding corners and hard braking areas is very technical and physically challenging.
"My leg feels better than yesterday, which is good, the problem today is the shoulder because my left one isn't strong enough to compensate completely for the lack of power in my right one and now I have some pain in both!", he added.
Casey Stoner and Andrea Dovizioso will start the race alongside Lorenzo, completing the front row of the grid, while Dani Pedrosa and Ben Spies, who qualified fourth and fifth fastest respectively completes the second row of the grid with Rossi qualifying sixth fastest.
Lorenzo, who was also the pole-sitter in last year's race was very happy with his results and securing his fifth pole. He did not expect this pole position this year, as Casey Stoner was also fast at Laguna Seca, who is second fastest in the qualifying session.
He added that he looks forward to the race at Laguna Seca as it is always a special race here with a great atmosphere.
Laguna Seca is a much more technical circuit than Sachsenring, making it less forgiving for Valentino Rossi this weekend. Rossi was physically challenged around the 3.610-kilometre track.
Rossi expressed that his team members and himself will need to improve the bike settings to get closer to the pack leaders in tomorrow's race. He admitted that the track was much difficult than Sachsenring as the demanding corners and hard braking areas is very technical and physically challenging.
"My leg feels better than yesterday, which is good, the problem today is the shoulder because my left one isn't strong enough to compensate completely for the lack of power in my right one and now I have some pain in both!", he added.
Casey Stoner and Andrea Dovizioso will start the race alongside Lorenzo, completing the front row of the grid, while Dani Pedrosa and Ben Spies, who qualified fourth and fifth fastest respectively completes the second row of the grid with Rossi qualifying sixth fastest.
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