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2015.4.6
Team KAGAYAMA SUZUKI Asia concludes the first Official Test at Sepang
Team KAGAYAMA SUZUKI Asia participated in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) Official Test in Sepang, and concluded all sessions of the 3-day test. The team is entered in the Supersports 600 category of the series.
Team KAGAYAMA SUZUKI Asia was formed to race in the ARRC, with Yukio Kagayama to spearhead the team as General Manager. The first rider to ride the SUZUKI GSX-R600 are #41 Noriyuki Haga, or also know as Nitro Nori, who raced in the World Superbike Championship and MotoGP, and have fascinated the fans with his agressive riding style. His teammate, #25 Rafid Topan Sucipto, a 21 year-old rider from Indonesia, have won several national championships in Indonesia, before racing full time in the Moto 2 World Championships with QMM Racing Team in 2013.The test held from April 1st to the 3rd at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, where the season opener of the ARRC will take place. After shaking down the SUZUKI GSX-R600, the team ran almost fully for the 8 sessions that was scheduled. Although a squall hit the track in one of the eight sessions, the team was able to run most of the sessions in dry condition, and also was able to test the 2 types of Dunlop tires that was made available to the teams.
Although Topan had a minor crash, there were no major trouble for the team. Haga lead Topan in many occasions, and supported him throughout the test.
The opening round of the FIM Asia Road Race Championship will be held April 17~19 at Sepang International Circuit.
Noriyuki Haga | #41
“Overall, it was a positive and a worthwhile test. The trouble we had when shaking the machine down in Suzuka have been mostly solved, and we have definitely made a step forward. However, considering that the race would be held in 25 laps, improving on average time would be needed. I hope we can solve the problems, while keeping the good parts, and be prepared for the race. There is only 6 races in the Championship, so we cannot drop any of them. I am going to be trying to race in the front from the first race.”
Rafid Topan Sucipto | #25
“It’s a like a dream come true that I am racing with Haga as my teammate, and I am happy that the team as chosen me as their rider. I was able to follow Haga on the track, and I learned a lot from him, being able to run together with him close. I got to learn from his braking and acceleration points, and I learned that there were many things that I was missing. Although the season opener in Malaysia is far away from home, my fans and friends are coming to Sepang to cheer for me, so I hope I can show them good results”
Yukio Kagayama | General Manager
“This was the team’s first test, and it was a brand new package for the staff and the machine. Although we had one minor incident where Topan crashed, we managed to clear all the menu planned, and we were able to finish the preparation for the race. Riders, as well as the team have a lot of things left to do, but we were able to confirm the potential of the team. We were also able to confirm what is needed, so I wish that the team works closely and smoothly together, and concentrate on improving the SUZUKI GSX-600R’s performance. We were able to form this team, in conjunction with the SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE(SAC), with the help of the sponsors and the personnel involved. I hope that this 600 team would leave good results, so that the SAC riders can aim this team for their first target, on their road to the world. I plan to do whatever I can to achieve that target.”
