BANGI: The Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix Championship begins its 30th season at the Sepang Circuit this weekend with new entries in the CP125 class.
Md Adam Haikal Jahar, defending champion of the Wira KBS class takes the step up to the second tier alongside his his team mate Md Syamil Amysar Md Iffende with the Petronas Sprinta Yamaha–31 Racing. Md Syamil took the second spot overall last season. The duo will move up to the CP125 class after exceptional performances in the Wira class last season. Adam who took the podium 10 times, defeated his teammate Syamil by 19 points overall.
"In my opinion, CP125 will definitely bring with it a huge challenge especially with riders of great potential, experience and refined skills. Nevertheless, I will still do my best to challenge them. I have learned quite a bit in the last season and I will bring forth the experience and the knowledge gained into the new class," said Adam. "The riding techniques will surely be different therefore I will have to pay more attention to understanding and learning the tricks and trades as fast as possible. My goal is to achieve a spot on the podium or be at least at the top 5.”
Md Adie Putra Sukarno, champion of the Yamaha Petronas Super Series season 2022 will also move forward into the CP125 category with the Petronas Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor team. Adie came out strong in the last season when he took eight consecutive wins with a total of 195 points. In Round 9, Adie received the opportunity to ride among the big boys of the CP125 category however he did not finish the race. In Round 10, Adie did not participate in any races due to injury. Adie, as a rider has definitely showcased his potentials and abilities and this gives his new team hope for a better achievement in Season 2023.
"My biggest challenge this season would be racing with the senior riders who are more experienced but I am grateful to my team. I have a lot to learn and I will do so as much as possible from my team members. "I will do my best for my team. My team has definitely geared me up especially in sharpening my skills and enhancing my performances. My main motivation for this season would be to achieve a good result. For that, I will place 100 per cent focus and strategise before the race to be better prepared for the race," said Adie.
Arash Tsunami Kamarudin, champion in the AEON Credit Service Yamaha NVX Challenge will join Petronas Sprinta Yamaha-CKJ Racing in the CP125 class. Arash also took third place overall in the Yamaha Petronas Super Series. In the last three rounds of the championship, he teamed up with Petronas Sprinta Yamaha–31 Racing to compete in the Wira KBS class. Arash’s strengths are noticeable in his understanding towards the machine and in the ways he handled different machines throughout last season. Nevertheless, this season would be different, even more so in a race category that is known for its highly competitive riders.