Podium finish at the opening race in China

During qualifying this morning before the session start the sun was out, but during the session just as our riders changed tyres to the qualifying tyre, it started raining. Despite this, Nakarin took 2nd position on the starting grid and Andi 7th. In the evening for Race 1, both had a reasonable start to keep their positions. Andi kept fighting to make up places and in the last laps he moved into second and concluded with that position on the podium. Nakarin did his bast to keep his pace and keep fighting with his rivals, ending the close battle P5.

Andi Farid Izdihar #23 – QP : P7 / Race1 : P2

"Today in QP I didn't feel comfortable on the bike since we changed setting from yesterday and I only got P7 on the grid, so I decided to use yesterday's setting and just go for the race. For me, this podium on the race was very important because I think this track is where we have the most struggle. I am happy and also we still need to analyse to be more ready for Race 2 tomorrow and I just want to give the best possible!"

Nakarin Atiratphuvapat #41 – QP : P2 / Race1 : P7

"Today I was very determined, but weather changes all time made it difficult to choose settings and tyres. The bike was unstable on the exit of corners. During Qualifying though, with good tyre grip I could make fast lap.

During the race I had a good start but couldn't accelerate out of the corner with the bike too much moving so I just kept my pace to fight until finish. 

Tomorrow I will change settings to make bike more stable. Let’s see if it’s good or not. I believe on myself can fighting with top group.

Makoto Tamada - HADR Team Manager

"In qualifying, both Andi and Nakarin spent time checking their dry setting. Despite checking the results, Nakarin was 2nd and Andi was 7th. The conditions are the same for other teams, but machine settings are very important for Race 1. I think both Andi and Nakarin were able to run Race 1 with good settings. Andi was able to keep his time until the last lap and took 2nd place. Nakarin also ran in 2nd place in the early stages but ended up in 5th place. It was a race without one rider Zaqhwan, but I think both the riders and staff did a very good job. I don't know if tomorrow's race will be dry or wet, but I believe we can win tomorrow."