The CP150 title is now Helmi Azman’s to lose after notching a fourth victory at Sepang this year with a calm and collected display under tricky conditions in the seventh round of the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix Championships yesterday.
The Hi-Rev SCK Honda Racing rider proved his mastery of the Sepang North track as he pipped Affendi Rosli (Petronas Sprinta Yamaha-CKJ Racing) to the chequered flag by 0.017 seconds.
Izzat Zaidi Salehan (Ipone Yamaha YYPang Racing) was a distant third (+3.092s) while Helmi’s championship rival Azroy Hakeem Anuar finished off the podium for the first time this season in fourth (3.331s).
The race started in dry conditions, but the heavens opened up on the eighth lap with Ahmad Afif Amran (Petronas Sprinta Yamaha CKJ Racing) becoming a casualty in the closing stages of the race.
Helmi now holds a 12-point advantage over Azroy (120 points) going into the final race today. The duo were even on points going into yesterday’s race.
Mathematically, only Azroy can challenge Helmi as third-placed Aiman Tahiruddin (Petronas Sprinta Yamaha CKJ Racing) has only 70 points to his name.
Helmi said he was grateful to win under difficult circumstances but stressed that he is not thinking too much about the title fight.
“It is always tricky when there is a downpour in the middle of a race,” said Helmi.
“Certain parts of the circuit can become very slippery, very quickly. I had to use all the experience and knowledge to stay ahead.
“I am not going to bother counting where I need to be placed (to win the title) tomorrow (today). I have confidence in our bike, and I will do my best to finish in the best position possible.”
Meanwhile, Adib Rosley (Ipone Yamaha YYPang Racing) won the intermediate class CP125 race while Rahimi Nabil Razu (Petronas Sprinta Yamaha 31 Racing) emerged victorious in the Wira KBS race.
One a separate note, the second and final round of the Malaysian Superbike Championship (MSBK), which was postponed due to the Conditional Movement Control Order, has been rescheduled for Jan 20-22 at Sepang.
Source: New Straits Times
