Honda’s ZZ can’t wait to rise after months of ‘slumber’

After nine months of enforced inactivity, Zaqhwan Zaidi finally gets to scratch that “racing itch” as the Boon Siew Honda Racing Team confirmed his entry in the MSBK1000 race for the Malaysia Superbike Championship this weekend.

The two-time Asian 600cc champion is more than relieved to be back in action in the opening round at Sepang International Circuit.

“I watched in frustration on the sidelines when my peers and rivals revelled in the competition at the first round of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). My frustrations mounted as the Covid19 pandemic forced one postponement after another in the ARRC calendar.

“Things came to a head when strict border controls and quarantine procedures finally forced the ARRC organisers to abandon the 2020 season.

“By then, I was just about ready to concede that there will be no racing for me this year.

“Luckily, the team have agreed to enter me for the Malaysia Superbike Championship.

“Even though there will only be two rounds, at least it is a chance for me to practise my race craft,” said Zaqhwan.

However, Zaqhwan will not be racing on the much-touted Honda CBR1000 RR-R which was supposed to be his ride in the Asia Road Racing Championship.

He will use the 2019 Honda CBR1000 RR on which he had mounted his 2019 campaign in the ARRC.

“Of course I was hoping to get into the saddle of the new bike. But with the sudden lockdown all over the world, it was logistically quite impossible to do so.

“However, I am just glad that our 2019 bike is still race ready,” said Zaqhwan.