The Championship leader breaks clear to claim his third win of the season as Hafiy earns a home race podium in Malaysia
Title chase leader Zen Mitani proved he’ll be a tricky rider to beat in 2024 as the Japanese star claims both victories at the Sepang International Circuit. The #2 broke clear in the final stages to win by two seconds, as Kiandra Ramadhipa and home hero Farish Hafiy complete the podium on Sunday.
Mitani grabbed the holeshot from pole position, with Hafiy and Seiryu Ikegami slotting into P2 and P3 on the opening lap. In the early laps, nine riders were locked together, with Hafiy having a turn of holding the P1 baton for a couple of laps.
Mitani hit the front again with seven laps to go, but at this stage, the likes of Hafiy and Ryota Ogiwara were biting back, as the latter then led with six to go. However, when Mitani returned to the summit with four laps to go, the crucial break was made.
A 0.4s lead with three laps left then grew as the battle behind raged, with eight riders all in with a shout of a podium finish. A fantastic fight played out for the rostrum, and it all came down to the final corner. Ramadhipa and Hafiy were the riders who managed to place themselves best to take P2 and P3, with Riichi Takahira in P4 missing out by just 0.094s.
Takahira’s compatriots Ogiwara and Ikegami came across the line in P5 and P6, with Kiattisak Singhapong, Rintaro Takemoto and Tanachat Pratumtong taking P7, P8 and P9 in that close-knit group. Burapa Wanmoon rounded out Race 2’s top 10.
It was worth the wait! Round 2 didn’t disappoint as we look forward to getting back on track in Indonesia when the ATC paddock links up with MotoGP™ for Round 3.
