IDEMITSU Honda Racing India Shows Grit and Promise in ARRC Round 3 at Buriram
Buriram, Thailand – IDEMITSU Honda Racing India's riders, Rajiv Sethu and Senthil Kumar, delivered a mixed performance in Race 1 of Round 3 of the 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at the Chang International Circuit.
Highlights from Race Day:
Rajiv Sethu achieved a historic milestone by qualifying 7th — the best-ever qualifying finish by an Indian rider in ARRC. He also narrowed the gap with lead rider Muklada Sarapuech to under 1 second.
Despite a strong start in qualifying, Rajiv had a poor launch in Race 1, dropping 14 positions from his 3rd row start. He fought back strongly to reach the Top 10 by Lap 10, but a high-side crash in Turn 3 disrupted his run. He still managed to finish the race despite handlebar damage.
Senthil Kumar, starting from 20th, had a slow progression in the first 8 laps. He eventually gained two positions in the final laps to finish 18th. An early impact in Turn 5 hampered his rhythm.
Podium Finishers – Race 1 (AP250 class):
Muklada Sarapuech (Thailand, A.P Honda Racing)
Tatchakorn Buasri (Thailand, A.P Honda Racing)
Irfan Ardiansyah (Indonesia, Astra Honda Racing)
Other Categories – Notable Mentions:
In the ASB1000cc class, Zaqhwan Zaidi (Malaysia, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA) secured 2nd place, battling closely with winner Azlan Shah.
In the Honda Thailand Talent Cup, Indian teen Kritik Habib achieved his best-ever 9th place, while Mohammad Mikail crashed while avoiding contact with another rider.
Quotes from the Team
Prabhu Nagaraj, VP – Brand & Communications, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India:
“Rajiv’s top 7 qualifying was a breakthrough for India. Though Race 1 didn’t go as planned, his spirit and pace are promising. Tomorrow, our goal is a Top 10 finish.”
Rajiv Sethu:
“I recovered well after a bad start and reached my target position, but a crash cost me. I finished the race and learned a lot — now aiming for a Top 10 tomorrow.”
Senthil Kumar:
“After contact early on, I lost my rhythm and rode alone for most laps. My focus is now on improving and aiming for a Top 15 finish in the next race.”
About ARRC 2019:
The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is Asia’s premier motorcycle racing competition, now in its 24th season, spanning 7 rounds across 5 countries. The championship includes four classes:
Asia Superbike 1000 (ASB1000)
SuperSports 600 (SS600)
Asia Production 250 (AP250)
Underbone 150 (UB150)
IDEMITSU Honda Racing India is the only Indian team, competing in the AP250 class with the CBR250RR, represented by Rajiv Sethu and rookie Senthil Kumar.
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