Zaqhwan feels the pressure as team’s lead rider

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Super Sports 600cc rider Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi is already feeling the weight of being the lead rider of the Musashi Boon Siew Honda Racing Team.

When the 22-year-old competes in Round 6 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, this weekend, he will have a bull’s-eye on his back as the championship leader in the premiere category.

It has been a season of ups and downs for Zaqhwan in his first season as lead rider for the team.

In previous seasons, he always had the benefit of either a more experienced teammate or at the very least an equally fast peer to guard his flank.

But he finds himself fending off attacks by himself at the front end of the grid as he makes a bid to win his third overall title.

“I’ve had to work very hard for the championship lead this season. My teammate, Teppei Nagoe, shows a lot of promise and talent but this is his rookie year in the 600cc class.

“It will take at least another season before we can see him fighting within the leading group. This means I often find myself in the middle of a hostile pack,” he said.

Zaqhwan rode to the top of the championship with 138 points, thanks to two wins and five podium finishes.

As the riders head to the Chang International Circuit for the final round, the Musashi Boon Siew Honda rider holds a four-point advantage over Yuki Ito of Japan.

“We know that the Yamaha and Kawasaki bikes are really fast at the top end. This gives them a huge advantage in Buriram. We will need to be smart with our engine set-up strategy. Tyre choice will also play a big role in this weekend’s outcome,” said Zaqhwan.