-
2016.3.24
Riders finish the 2016 SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE Official Test
Suzuki’s rider development program, the SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE (SAC) finished its two-day official test in Johor, Malaysia. 17 riders from 9 countries joined the test. The test finished successfully and 16 riders will be selected to make the opening round next week, also to be held at the same circuit.
SAC is a single-platform race using the Suzuki FU150, and held equal conditions. It is held in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). The riders will not only be trained to become a competitive rider, but will also be trained in racing manners, as well as in communication, to prepare them to become a world championship rider. Former MotoGP™ and World Superbike Suzuki rider and SAC General Manager, Yukio Kagayama heads the coaching staff, with former WGP 500cc class rider, Shunji Yatsushiro as rider coach.
Riders that are recognized as the best suited rider for the program will be given the opportunity to step up, with the first step being Team KAGAYAMA SUZUKI Asia, the only SUZUKI team in the Supersports 600 category of ARRC. 2015 season runner-up, Patis Chooprathet (Thailand) have stepped up, and is currently racing with the team.
With two days of intensive training in 5 practice sessions, by both Kagayama and Yatsushiro, all riders improved significantly in the second day of the test.
Final selection will be made and announced shortly.
Yukio Kagayama | General Manager
We are now in our second season, and I am happy to see that our riders this year are all very talented. Everyone’s lap times are close, and we haven’t seen as many crashes as last year’s first test, so I am really looking forward to see one of them come up to our 600 team next year. I wish all of you will support our young riders again this year.
