FINAL LAP GAMBLE PAYS OFF FOR AFIF
Petronas Sprinta Yamaha CKJ rider pips Akid on last turn
AHMAD Afif Amran showed a classic combination of courage and calculation to clinch a dramatic victory in the CP150 category at the second round of the Cub Prix AAM Malaysia Petronas Championships in Serdang yesterday.
The Petronas Sprinta Yamaha CKJ rider started from third on the grid at the MAEPS circuit and moved his way up to second by the halfway mark behind Akid Aziz (Petronas Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor).
Afif left it late before making his move on Akid, overtaking the latter at the very last turn of the final lap to clinch a dramatic victory.
Akid settled for second while teammate Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin, who won the opening round in Johor, completed the podium.
Afif, 23, said he did not expect to top the podium considering
the strong pace in the race.
“I knew it would not be easy as Akid had topped each session starting from the first practice yesterday (Saturday) until superpole earlier today (yesterday),” said Afif, who finished second in Johor.
“My goal was to finish at least in the top five and try to collect as many points as possible as the season is still long. I did not want to take unnecessary risks.
“But I felt good today and was confident with my tyres in the latter part of the race. I decided
to take a gamble and pass Akid on the last turn and I am grateful it paid off.”
Meanwhile, the CP115 category witnessed Motul Zeneos Yamaha YY Pang Racing's Tengku Amirul Haffirudin emerging victorious ahead of teammate Fareez Afeez.
Haziq Md Fairues of Petronas Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor completed the podium.
The third round of the championships will be held in Jasin, Melaka on July 21-22.