THIS WEEKEND!!

MR12/FIA-APRC : MCRAE IS KING OF THE MUD

15 JULY 2012, JOHOR BAHRU- The conditions were tough and made worse by the overnight rain but Alister McRae kept his feet firmly planted on the ground to win the Malaysian leg of the Asia Pacific Rally Champion (APRC) under such difficult circumstances yesterday.

As the wet weather continues to hover over the Tai Tak Estate route yesterday, the participants knew very well that the challenges ahead were going to be enormous but McRae and co-driver Bill Hayes in their Proton Satria Neo 2000 sailed through the muddy terrain to win the race in a total time of 2hrs 57mins 31.5secs.

Lying third after Saturday's opening round, McRae went into Round 2 yesterday knowing very well that he has to keep an eye on the road and make sure his vehicle  stay on course, which he did in style.

"It was such a challenging race. But we came through in the end and I am happy for the team and my co-driver. That's the nature of rallying. You win some and you could lose some too," said McRae. Chris Atkinson in a Skoda Fabia 2000 came in second with a total time of 3hrs 21mins 06.6secs with Brian Green in a Subaru Impreza third in 3hrs 24mins 08.1secs.

"Alister and I had such an interesting tussle but in the end he won and my congratulations to him. It was such a demanding race but in the end he was better," said Atkinson.

The race also saw the overnight leader Per-Gunnar Anderson of Sweden in a Proton  Satria Neo suffering an setback  when his electronic system failed to function which left him out of contention.

In a double swoop McRae also won the Malaysian Rally Championship round with the Cusco Racing team of Yuya Sumiyama and co-driver Naoki Kase in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X coming in second in a time of 3hrs 13min 32.2secs while third was Chris Atkinson and Stephane Prevot in their Skoda Fabia 2000.

Karamjit Singh, the defending Malaysian Rally Championship winner, was fifth in 3hrs 24mins 56.6secs in his Proton Satria Neo 2000.

"It is still a wide open race for the Malaysian Rally Championship. With two more rounds to go, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan, there are still enough points to fight for," he said.

MR12/ FIA-APRC : A SWEDE VICTORY FOR ANDERSON

14 July 2012, JOHOR BAHRU - The conditions were not ideal but Per-Gunnar Anderson in a Satria Neo 2000 came through the mud and the slush to clinch the opening round of the Malaysian leg of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship yesterday.

The constant drizzle over the Tai Tak Estate yesterday made conditions tough, so tough that the organizer had to cancel one stage of the race simply because of it's poor condition but then again Anderson and co-driver Emil Axelson were in their element to complete the estimated 115 km race in the fastest time of 1hr 48mins 49.9secs.

Second fastest was India Guarav Gill also in a Skoda Fabia with his co-driver Glen MacNeall of New Zealand in 1hr 50min 12.6secs while Proton Motorsports Alister MacRae and partner Bill Hayes came in third in 1hr 51.04.4secs.

The weatherman had predicted rain over the area over the past couple of days and true to their prediction, the rain came throughout the entire morning, making conditions a challenging one instead.

As Karamjit Singh, Malaysia's No 1 rally driver who came in fourth yesterday said: 'It was tough out there today. The roads were so slippery and a slight mistake could see you pay a heavy price. But then again the conditions are same for everybody,"

Karamjit, driving a Proton Satria Neo with Vivek Ponussamy was timed at 2hrs 08.02.2secs with New Zealand's Brian Green in a Subaru Impreza was fifth in 2hrs 09.50.9secs.

"More rain are expected tomorrow and I believe conditions will not get any better. So it's all a matter of staying in control tomorrow," said Karamjit.

MR12/FIA-APRC : RALLY BIG GUNS READY FOR SHOWDOWN IN JOHOR

13 JULY 2012, JOHOR BAHRU- As the big guns of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) gather in Johor Bahru for the Malaysian leg of the championship, the gravel roads of the Tai Tak Estate, is expected to test the resolve and skills plus the patience of the competitors, to their very limit.

And they know things could change overnight on a venue where little mistakes could be punished severely but huge rewards could be reaped if things go your way.

And that's where the likes of Australia's Chris Atkinson, the championship leader, is hoping to thrive on.

Driving a Skoda S2000, Atkinson is the leader after three rounds of the championship in New Zealand, New Caledonia and Australia with a total of 101 points and he knows too well of the task confronting him this weekend.

After all he was part of the Malaysian Proton Motorsports Team two years ago which swept the field to win the title at the very same venue.

"It has always been a very challenging venue. More so when it rains. But whatever the conditions, I am hoping for a podium finish," said Atkinson who will have Belgian Stephane Prevot as his co-driver.

Atkinson leads the championship on a total of 101 points with India's Guarav Gill second on 63 pts and New Zealand's Brian Green, third on 52 pts.

Then come the Proton Motorsports driver Alister McRae in his Proton Satria Neo 2000 who is lying joint fourth together with Sweden's Per-Gunnar Anderson on 48 pts each.

But expect a stiff challenge from Green's Subaru Impreza and McRae too.

Especially McRae who has the experience of driving under such trying conditions of the gravel track of the Tai Tak Estate in Kota Tinggi where a slight mistake could inflict heavy punishment.

As Malaysia's leading rally driver Karamjit Singh said: The Tai Tak Estate can be a very unforgiving venue. More so if it rains. But if it stays dry than it can be very rewarding especially those with a powerful car.

Karamjit with co-driver Vivek Ponusamy have been entered for the race with a Proton Satria Neo under the Proton R3 Cusco team instead of his usual turbo-charged Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XI which he normally drives in the Malaysian Rally Championship.
"But whatever the make of the car I am determined to have a go at the championship," said Karamjit.

A total of 16 cars have been entered for the APRC championship and 21 cars for the Johor Bahru round of the Malaysian Rally Championship; which will run simultaneously.

All eyes will be on China's Fan Fan who will be behind the wheels of his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X where he will be defending his Malaysian Rally title he won at the very same venue last year.

Driving under the GSR Air Asia Rally Team, Fan Fan was supposed to have raced at the Kangar leg of the Malaysian Rally last month but because of his car's late Customs clearance, he was denied the opportunity.

"But everything is solved now. I am looking forward to the Johor Bahru leg of the Malaysian Rally," said Fan Fan. And for the first time in the championship, the organisers have decided to hold a 2.5 km Special Stage race at the Plaza Angsana under the floodlights.

APRC/MR12 - YOUNG FOCUSED ON CHAMPIONSHIP PROSPECTS AT MALAYSIAN RALLY

 
8 July 2012, JOHOR - Michael Young, the 19-year-old rally driver from Opotiki, New Zealand, heads to the 2012 Malaysian Rally next weekend focussed on consolidating his championship prospects.

Young currently has a commanding lead in the Junior Cup category of the 2012 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship with the Malaysian event counting as the third round of the series. The only Kiwi in the four-strong junior class, Young has twice the number of points of his nearest rival, Japanese driver Akira Bamba, after contesting APRC events in Whangarei and Queensland.

“We are leading the championship after two rounds with a good lead on the other junior competitors,” says Young before he left New Zealand on 8 July. “The hard work has been done; we must now think about the championship and focus on finishing this tough event. But of course I want to win again!”

Young and his co-driver Tasmanian Daniel Willson are in the interesting situation of having rallied more frequently in Malaysia than they have in any other country.

“We have good experience of Malaysian roads - this is my fourth event in Malaysia although I haven’t rallied in this part of the country before. If we are in a position to win, we won't hold back!”

Young and Willson meet up with their team, Japan-based Cusco Racing, in the Malaysia’s southern-most city, Johor Bahru, on Monday before the event runs over the weekend of 13 to 15 July.

“We will test with the team on Tuesday and have a lot of preparation to do with the Proton Satria – we need to replace the clutch and the drive-shafts after the Queensland event which was rough on the gear. Also Malaysian rallies are very low speed so we will be using lots of clutch and changing from second to first a lot.”

Young and Willson have the opportunity to complete a two-pass reconnaissance of the rally route on Wednesday and Thursday before Friday evening’s official start ceremony. All competitors then start the event at 9:30 pm around the 2.5 km super special stage around the Angsana shopping complex which also houses the service park for all rally crews. With an 11 am start on Saturday, they tackle 155.4 km of special stages to the north of the city before Sunday’s 79.88 km of competitive stages and the finish ceremony in the afternoon.

Young is passionate about competing in the Asian events, despite the challenges of the tropical climate and tree-lined plantation roads typical to the Malaysian event.

“I love the whole experience of Malaysia; the food and the people are awesome. The rally will be very tricky coming from a New Zealand winter to the heat of at least 30 degrees. And remember that temperature is almost double inside the car.


“The roads are often rocky, rough and extremely slippery if wet! Through the plantations, they’re lined with palm oil trees and deep ditches, so we have to be super aware of those challenges which can end our rally very easily.”

Competing under the Mike Young Motorsport banner, Young drives a two-wheel-drive Proton Satria 1.6-litre rally car built and prepared by Cusco Racing and is fortunate to have the support of Yokohama Tyres which provides as many tyres as Young needs throughout the event.
 After Malaysia, Young heads to Japan in September for the final round of the 2012 APRC Junior Cup. The APRC Junior Cup was first introduced in 2011 with the intention of increasing opportunities for young talented drivers from within the region. It's open to drivers aged 28 years or younger as at 1 January 2012 driving currently homologated two-wheel-drive cars with a maximum engine capacity of 1600cc, and competitors must enter at least two rounds to qualify for points.

Results from the Malaysian Rally can be found on the website www.malaysianrally.com. Young has also established a new website www.mikeyoung.co.nz which will feature news, image and video content, or find 'mikeyoungmotorsport' on Facebook.

ENDS/

GUARDINI TAKES HIS SECOND WIN OF THE YEAR AT PARIT SULONG

PARIT SULONG - Twenty four hours after winning into Melaka, Italian sprinter Andrea Guardini was once again the star performer on today’s third stage of Le Tour de Langkawi. The Farnese Vini Selle Italia remained in position on a brief drag inside the final 500 metres, then kicked hard on the slight downhill to the line in Parit Sulong.

Garmin – Barracuda’s Raymond Kreder tried to get past him, but Guardini was too strong. He punched the air in celebration of what is his seventh stage victory in two years, and increased his grip on the blue points classification jersey.

Kreder took second, with Malaysian favourite Anuar Manan (Champion System) netting third.

The sprint happened after a long distance break was hauled back inside the final twenty kilometres. The last to persist were Shinichi Fukushima (Terrengganu Cycling Team) and Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team), who had won into Parit Sulong two years ago.

However the main field was too strong, its chase paving the way for the big gallop to the line.

“There was a king of the mountains prize with ten kilometres to go,” Guardini said after the finish. “Colnago tried to make the race hard, they tried to stay in the bunch, leaving me behind. But my team got me back and, like always, they were trying hard to do exactly what I wanted. I can savour their good job.”

Stage one time trial winner Dave Zabriskie suffered in the heat like the rest of the peloton, but had no other problems and finished in the main bunch. He continues in the yellow jersey of race leader, maintaining his one minute lead over Adam Phelan and one minute ten on the latter’s Drapac Cycling team-mate Darren Lapthorne.

"It was crazy hot out there today – it’s hot at the Tour, but there’s a humidity as well that’s very hard. it’s tough on the body, but its also hard to breathe,” he said. “This is my first race and I’m still setting into it, but hopefully I’ll be okay by Genting.”

His team-mate Tom Danielson, who started the day fourth overall, fell heavily close to the end and was last across the line.

He finished seven minutes 40 seconds behind Guardini and the peloton, but because the incident happened inside the final three kilometres, he was credited with the same time as the other riders and maintains his high general classification position.

He said on Twitter afterwards that he had very bad road rash on his right hand side, but was otherwise okay.

Aggressive beginning to stage


All 129 finishers from yesterday lined out for this morning’s start of the third stage of the Tour de Langkawi in Melaka, with the riders who went down in crashes yesterday all able to continue. That list of fallers includes the rider in second place overall, Adrian Phelan, who received stitches to his leg but was otherwise not too badly affected.

Like Danielson today, his crash yesterday fortunately took place inside the final three kilometres, thus ensuring he didn’t lose time to the other GC contenders.

Early on, Shinichi Fukushima (Terrengganu Cycling Team) and Suhardi Hassan (Malaysian national team) went clear, but were reeled in. A few more riders then tried their luck, but everything was together twenty kilometres into the 187.6 kilometre stage.

Almost immediately, though, four riders clipped away and started building a solid lead. The group comprised RTS Sport rider Alex Coutts, a persistent Fukushima, Ahmad Lutfi M. Fauzan and Taiji Nishitani (Aisan Racing Team); the latter was particularly motivated, as he won into today’s finishing town two years ago with a perfectly timed sprint.

After 31 kilometres of racing, the quartet out front were forty seconds clear of Xue Ming Xing (Max Success Sports) and Wijaya Endra (Indonesia), who were trying to get across. The peloton was one minute 37 seconds back and losing ground.

Race leader Dave Zabriskie’s Garmin-Barracuda team was setting the pace and initially gave the break some leeway. After one hour of racing, 43.5 kilometres covered, the peloton was four and a half minutes back; the two chasers were two minutes down, and thus looking highly unlikely to get across.

The primes begin:

There were a total of three intermediate sprints and one mountains prime on today’s mainly flat stage. The first of those was in Tangkak, 51.9 kilometres after the start and was taken by Fukushima ahead of Fauzan, Nishitani and Coutts.

At that point the two chasers were three minutes back and facing a hopeless cause to reach the front. The peloton was four minutes 15 seconds behind, and caught the duo soon afterwards. However it continued to lose time to the leaders, who surpassed five minutes’ advantage at the 69 kilometre point.

Nishitani had started the day three minutes and seven seconds back and so he was firmly race leader on the road. Fauzan won the intermediate sprint at Labis (km 119.3), but was pipped by Nishitani to take the next in Chaah (km 136).

The pendulum had swung, though, and the gap there was down to three minutes 50 seconds. Fauzan felt that the cause was a hopeless one and sat up, waiting for the bunch.
The others persisted and actually succeeded in extending their lead for some time, bringing the gap back up to four minutes and two seconds. However it started to drop again very soon after with 40 kilometres left, had nibbled it back to three minutes 20 seconds.

The advantage continued to be eroded and fell below a minute over the twenty kilometres or so. Coutts was dropped soon after that, leaving Fukushima and Nishitani out front alone. The two Japanese gave it everything to try to stay away, but were themselves caught before the summit of the category four Bukit Belah, which hit its high point 10.9 kilometres from the end.

There, the Colnago team did what it could to put Guardini under pressure. However he remained calm and stayed in contact, then moved back into position before blasting home for stage win number seven of his career.

PROTON UNBEATABLE

3 April 2011, JOHOR BAHRU - The Proton Team were just unbeatable at the Malaysian Rally 2011 Championship at the Tai Tak Estate in Kota Tinggi, Johor.

Led by Chris Atkinson in a Proton Satria Neo 2000, the car simply out-powered and outclassed the field to win the opening leg of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

And to add to the celebration, another Proton entrant, Alister McRae, came in third.




In fact the signs were all very clear that the Proton team meant business when they both finished in a similar position after the opening stage on Saturday.

Their domination continued into the second day with yet another round of flawless performance, both from the car and driver.

Atkinson and his co-driver Stephane Prevot from Belgium finished the race over the two-stages in a total time of 3hrs: 14:49.3secs with India's Guarav Gill and his Mitsubishi Lancer coming home second in 3hrs: 16:35.9secs. Third is McRae and co-driver Bill Hayes in 3hrs:23:37.5secs.

The Proton team's victory in Malaysia has come at a time when there were doubts whether the car would hold up under tough conditions, given the bitter experience of last season's outing when both the cars developed mechanical problems and suffered an early knock-out.

But things went well in the end and Atkinson was full of praise for the car at the winners' Press conference here today.

"We have taken a big step forward with our performances here today. The new suspension system and the development work done on the engine have paid off.

It's a great start to the year as we look forward to the rest of the round at the Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

"The secret to our success here for Alister (McRae) and me was the way the car
responded. That's why we could win by such a big margin," said Atkinson.

China's Fan Fan, who is making a return to the rallying scene here after a five-year absence won the opening leg of the Malaysian Rally Championship today with a flawless performance over the two stages.



He clocked a total time of 3hrs: 44.30.6secs in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo to push the defending champion Muhammad Rafiq Udahaya in a Subaru Impreza into second place on a total time of 3hrs: 47:20.6secs with Japan's Aji Kim in a Proton Satria Neo coming in third in 3hrs 58:51.6secs.

"I guess knowing the conditions in Malaysia having competed in the 2004 and 2005 series help me quite a bit. It's always tough rallying in Malaysia," said the Beijing based Fan Fan.

For Muhammad Rafiq, the fight continues. More so after the two local challengers, Karamjit Singh, who finished second overall last year and Saladin Mazlan, the 2009 runner-up failed to get their challenge off the ground.

Both the GSR Pennzoil team drivers suffered mechanical problems midway through and they know they need to do better at the next leg in Kangar at the end of May.

ends

THE ACTION BEGINS IN JOHOR BARU

1 April 2011, JOHOR BAHRU - Japan's Yuya Sumiyama is the fastest of them all alongside Indonesia's Rifat Sungkar on the opening day of the Malaysian Rally 2011 in Johor Baru.

Over the purposes built 2.5km dirt track for the special stage race on Friday, the two of them in a similar Mitsubishi Evo X, clocked a similar 2mins 02.1secs to finish at the top.

The achievement from the two of them will certainly give them the psychological boost as the Rally move into the rugged terrains of the Tai Tak Estate on Saturday and Sunday where the real action will take place.

The Scottish driver Alister McRae of the Proton Motorsports Team came in third fastest in 2mins 02.5secs with India's Gaurav Gill in a Mitsubishi EvoX fourth in 2mins 02.7secs.

The best Malaysian finisher was Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya, the overall Malaysian Rally defending champion in a Subaru Impreza who came in 13th fastest in a time of 2mins 18.9secs.

"The special stage race is designed for the spectators who want a close up look of the car in action. So there is no need to go flat out and take unnecessary risks.

"But I feel comfortable in my car and finished the race feeling very good. That's more important as we prepare for the real rallying action tomorrow and Sunday," said Muhammad Rafiq.

A total of 35 cars took part in the special stage race, adjacent to the Angsana Shopping centre and the organisers were happy with what they saw.

"The special stage race gave the spectators the chance to catch the drivers in action from close-up. That's the purpose. But we believe things can be done better next year to add more excitement to the fans.

"We are thinking of widening the track to allow for a two-car race instead of the one car system we just used. Having two cars side by side would be more competitive and more challenging," said Clerk of Course Tengku Shaharin Abu Bakar.

ends


Yuya Sumiyama is the fastest of them all at SS1

FIA APRC MALAYSIAN RALLY 2011 (mr11) : Media Centre

The location of media centre for the FIA Asia Pacific Rally championship 2011 at Grand Paragon Hotel while a 'mini' media centre was also set-up at Angsana Complex (photo coming soon).

FIA APRC MALAYSIAN RALLY 2011 (mr11) : Press conference

The Pre-event press conference for FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship was held at Grand Paragon Hotel, 1 April 2011. With the attendance of top APRC competitors such as Katsu Taguchi (Japan, Team MRF), Muhd Rafiq Udhaya (Malaysia, MRU Motorsports), Alister McRae (Great Britain, Proton Motorsport), Rifat Sungkar (Indonesia, Pertamina Cusco Racing), Yuya Sumiyama (Japan,Pertamina Cusco Racing), Akira Bamba (Japan, Proton Cusco Rally Team), Tomohide Hasegawa (Japan, Hasepro Rally Team), Gunaseelan Rajoo (Malaysia, Pennzoil GSR Racing Team), Cody Crocker (Australia, Pennzoil GSR Racing Team) and Chris Atkinson (Australia, Proton Motorsports).

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR MALAYSIAN RALLY 2011

Sumiyama of Pertamina Cusco Racing testing their car

31 March 2011, JOHOR BAHRU - The days ahead at the Malaysian Rally 2011 which kick starts in Johor Bahru on Friday, look exciting.

A crowd of big names in rallying are gathered for the opening leg of the Asia Pacific Rallying Championship (APRC) and also the first round of the Malaysian Championship.

There is Australia's Cody Crocker, the four time APRC overall winner driving under the GSR Pennzoil Team in a Subaru Impreza.

There is Katsu Taguchi of Japan, the defending champion of the Malaysian leg of the APRC in his Mitsubishi Evo XI and there is the pride of Proton, the Malaysia car manufacturer, represented by Alister MacRae in the Proton Neo 2000.

Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya, the defending Malaysian Rally champion in his Subaru Impreza is just as eager to defend his title and so is Karamjit Singh in a new Mitsubishi Evo , who is ready to make up for his loss last season.

The action starts on Friday with a Special Stage Race over a 2.5km purpose built track at the Plaza Angsana before the real race begins at the Tai Tak Estate in Kota Tinggi over the weekend.

"We did a trial run over the circuit at the Tai Tak Estate and it is a challenging one. I just cannot wait for the race to begin. "Rallying is full of surprises and challenges. You never know what lies ahead and lies next," said Karamjit of the GSR Pennzoil team who finished second last season.

The threat of Saladin Mazlan who is making a return to rallying after a one-year absence, is seen as a challenge Muhammad Rafiq and Karamjit cannot ignore.

Saladin came in second to Karamjit overall in the 2009 season in a Proton Satria but sponsorship issue and his love for polo has prompted him to take a break last year.

"But watch out for him. He is a talented driver," said his GSR Pennzoil Team leader Gunaseelan Rajoo.

A total of 35 entries from nine countries including China, India, Australia and New Zealand, making it one of the largest gatherings of rally entries in Malaysian soil, confirmed for the championship.

ends.



Chris Atkinson of Proton Motorsports stirs up a trail of dust during the shakedown at Angsana Complex

FIA APRC MALAYSIAN RALLY 2011 (mr11) : Provisional Entry list

EIGHTEEN DRIVERS REGISTER FOR APRC 2011 - MORE TO COME

As the close off date approaches there are now 18 confirmed drivers registered to compete in one or more of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship competitions. As entries for Pacific Cup are not required until April 21 this number is expected to grow further.

Heading the drivers registered for the full six round competition is last year’s champion Katsu Taguchi from Japan. The APRC's most experienced driver is joined again by Indian team-mate Gaurav Gill in Race-Torque prepared MRF Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10's. Australian Chris Atkinson and Alister McRae from the UK will both drive for the factory backed Proton team using the latest S2000 Satria Neos. As last year, it is expected that these two teams will provide most of the competition and it will be interesting to see if the R4 spec'd Mitsubishi's can foot it with the very quick and nimble Protons.

In the past 2 days Wan Yu Rally Team China have confirmed their entry with Chinese drivers Fan Fan, Hao Yuan and 3-times British champion Mark Higgins. With the latest spec'd Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 to drive Higgins could prove to be ' the fly in the ointment' amongst the APRC regulars. Vastly experienced at World Rally Championship level and with a long list of victories in all levels of the sport, Higgins will undoubtedly be one to watch.

A new combination is the "Cusco-Pertamina Team' with Indonesian Rifat Sungkar leading their APRC assault in a Cusco prepared Mitsubishi Lancer. Yuya Sumiyama will return to defend his Asia Cup title for the team, while it is expected that Cody Crocker will compete in Australia and New Zealand as 'Cusco-Pertamina' go for the APRC teams award. Crocker is also expected to be in Malaysia too but as part of an assault on the Malaysian Rally Championship.

Young Japanese driver Akiro Bamba in a Proton Neo 1.6 is doing both the Junior series and is fully registered for the APRC has he hopes to win the 2WD Class for Proton-Cusco. Entered for the Junior Series only and driving for Cusco-Proton team is Kosuke Takashino from Japan.

Malaysia is represented by Gunaseelan Rajoo, the former Malaysian Rally champion going for the 2WD class in a Suzuki Swift. New Zealand veteran Brian Green will drive a variety of cars starting with an MRU prepared Subura Impreza in Malaysia, returning to Mitsubishi Lancers for the Pacific events.

There's an impressive line-up in both the Asia and Pacific Cups - where drivers can compete in just the three events of those regions. Full-timers Taguchi, Gill, McRae and Bamba are all entered in Asia Cup joined by Malaysian MRU team owner Muhammad Udhaya and Japanese drivers Yuya Sumiyama, Tomohide Hasegawa and Masaaki Hatano.

The Pacific Cup has the largest entries of any of the APRC competitions with Atkinson, Fan Fan, Hau Yuan, Higgins, Sungkar, Green and Rajoo all going for the cup. These fully registered drivers are joined by New Caledonians Jean Louis Leyraud and Daniel Palau. Pacific Cup entries are expected grow further as final registration is not required until April 21. Australian's Cody Crocker and Nathan Quinn are expected to enter Pacific Cup, joined by Indonesian Suban Aksa.

With the ability to enter four local wild-cards at each event and Teams entering one-off guest drivers to get Team Trophy points, further drivers are expected to join the APRC in 2011.

For a full list go to http://www.fiaaprc.com/media/2011/03/aprc-entry-list-2011-4.pdf

12 Mar 2011 - by Brian Young

Jelajah 1Malaysia

Pulse is honored to be a part of this year's Jelajah 1Malaysia, held from 8th to 13th March 2011. The event ranked 2.2 class by UCI (Union Cyclist Internationale) organized by Malaysian National Cycling Federation raced through difficult conditions starting from Johor Bahru and ending at Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.



Individual Malaysian Classification (White Jersey) - Amir Mustafa Rusli (PDM)
King of Mountain (KOM Red Jersey) - Muhammad Adiq Husainie Othman (MAS)
Individual Points Classification (Green Jersey) - Mohd Hariff Salleh (TSG)
Stage 6 winner, Individual Asian Classification (Blue Jersey) & General Individual Classification (Yellow Jersey) - Mehdi Sohrabi (TPT)
Best Team & Best Asian Team Classification - Tabriz Petrochemical Team
Best Malaysian Team - Terengganu Cycling Team.

congratulations to all the winners!!!

FIA APRC MALAYSIAN RALLY 2011 (mr11) : April 1st - 3rd

The Asia Pacific Rally Championship and The Malaysian Rally Championship

Tuesday, 1 March, 2011 - A host of big names are expected at the opening round of the 2011 Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) which forms part of the 2011 Malaysian Rally championship (MRC) to be run off at the Plaza Angsana Johor Bahru and Tai Tak Estate in Kota Tinggi from April 1st until 3rd. For the first time ever, a short 2km special stage has been created in the Plaza Angsana area (next to Menara Hasil) as part of the organiser’s wish to inject more awareness towards rallying to the public.

Heading the list is Japan's defending champion Katsu Taguchi who will be racing under the MRF banner and the runner-up, team mate Guarav Gill of India as the duo made it a 1-2 finish over the six-round championship which saw the participants raced in Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, Japan and China. Malaysia's challenge at the APRC will be spearheaded by the reigning MRC 2010 overall winner, Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya and his co-driver Sean Gregory in their Subaru Impreza and the Pennzoil GSR team of Gunaseelan Rajoo and Jagdev Singh with a Suzuki Swift Sport in the 2WD category. Japan's Yuya Sumiyama who won the China leg of the APRC last year, is also confirmed for the Malaysian leg of the championship under the Cusco banner.

The Malaysian car manufacturer Proton, will also be represented with their Proton R3 team with Scotsman Alister McRae and Chris Atkinson putting up their challenge behind the wheels of their Proton Satria Neo S2000. The Proton R3 team had an encouraging start to their APRC debut last year but a series of mishaps in the later stages in the dirt and gravel of the Tai Tak Estate cost the team dearly. But as Clerk of the Course Tengku Shaharin Abu Bakar said, a bit of luck is always needed in rallying, and the Proton Team is hoping for lots of it this time around.

But as the APRC title chase looks competitive, the hunt for the MRC overall title is just as intense. There is Muhammad Rafiq and there is also Karamjit Singh of the GSR Pennzoil team, who finished second overall last year. Karamjit in a Mitsubish Lancer and Muhammad Rafiq were locked in a fight to the finish over the four rounds of the MRC but a series of mishaps along the way, killed off his hopes of landing the crown. The two will continue from where they left off last year and over the four rounds this year, starting in Kota Tinggi and then Chuping, Perlis in June; Malacca in October and Negeri Sembilan in November, it will be interesting to see who wins the battle this time.

The promoter of the mr11, Wheel Sport Management Sdn. Bhd., has also lined up a series of events to support the championship. Among them is the 3 days Mini-Carnival from 1st of April at the Plaza Angsana Johor Baru, which will include a concert featuring some local artistes; an exhibition of rally car accessories and the highlights of the weekend is the daily Special stage race in town before the race continues in the vicinity of Tai Tak plantations in Kota Tinggi.

As of printing time, a total of 19 cars from as far as the UK are taking part in the championship and according to Tengku Shaharin, the list is very encouraging. "With the help and co-operation from the Johor State government and Johor Tourism Dept., we are confident that the event will be a success and help promote Johor on the world tourism map," said Tengku Shaharin.

-Ends

SUMMARY PEMENANG - GRAND PRIX LEBUHRAYA Sirkit 2, JOHOR

Hari Kedua – 8hb Ogos 2010

GP WANITA TERBUKA (Jarak: 118km) – Top 15
1 205 Noor Azian ALIAS MAS19800905 JOHOR 3:51.12
2 244 Mariana MOHAMAD MAS19780518 MSN 3:51.12
3 229 Zahraa ANUAWAR MAS19920616 TERENGGANU 3:51.12
4 166 Suryani MOHAMAD MAS19871228 TERENGGANU 3:51.12
5 231 Serena LEE MAS19880513 TERENGGANU 3:51.12
6 158 Nurul Ahmar BADEUUZAMAN MAS19900917 SELANGOR 3:51.12
7 219 Nur Ain MALIK MAS19910129 MSN 3:51.12
8 245 Kimberley YAP FUI LI MAS19850609 MSN 3:51.12
9 203 Nurul Sakinah ABDUL KARIM MAS19900701 JOHOR 3:57.03
10 201 Nurul Nurlizawati MOHD SARIP MAS19880116 ATM 3:57.03
11 230 Nur Ain MAHMUD MAS19920731 TERENGGANU 3:57.03
12 232 Rozie Hidayu RAMLE MAS19931013 SSBP 3:57.03
13 208 Noradhziah RAZAK MAS19920319 JOHOR 3:57.03
14 168 Liyana Athirah MOHD ZAILANI MAS19910725 TERENGGANU 3:57.03
15 167 Maizatul Akmal LONG HUSSIN ALWAI MAS19901206 TERENGGANU 3:57.03

GP LELAKI TERBUKA (Jarak: 172km) – Top 15
1 39 Sarham MISWAN MAS19880223 SELANGOR 4:29.31
2 3 Fadzli Rizal MOHD NAWAWI MAS19971227 ATM 4:29.31
3 188 Mohamad Nor Halieff MOHAMAD MAS19930620 SSBP 4:29.31
4 43 Mohd Al Ghazali HAMID MAS19920725 MSN 4:29.37
5 32 Zulhilmi Afif A. ZAMRI MAS19920310 MSN 4:29.51
6 24 Wan Syazwan Afiq WAN SHARIL MAS19920215 MSN 4:29.51
7 271 Muhamad Asyraf MISNAN MAS19940228 SSBP 4:29.51
8 7 Mohd Sharul Afiza FAUZAN MAS19900414 ATM 4:29.51
9 38 Muhammad Rauf Nur MISBAH MAS19870726 SELANGOR 4:29.51
10 190 Apirak SOMPONG MAS19931129 SSBP 4:29.51
11 55 Mohd Nazri MUHAMAD MAS19680325 MBJB 4:29.51
12 16 NG Yong Li MAS19851006 LE TUA 4:29.59
13 184 Putra JOQAZAHIDHIER MAS19940103 JOHOR 4:31.14
14 1 Mohd Fadhli Anuar MOHD FAUZI MAS19891103 ATM 4:39.35
15 65 Mohammad Saufi MAT SENAN MAS19901010 TERENGGANU 4:39.35












Hari Pertama – 7hb Ogos 2010
LELAKI SENIOR VETEREN (Jarak: 37km) – top 3
1 170 Francis NEO SIN19670822 SPECIALIZED SINGAPORE 1:05.20
2 200 Johnson LEE SIN19600715 JOY RIDER SINGAPORE 1:05.21
3 155 Khamis KASRON MAS19550415 KLUANG 1:05.23

LELAKI JUNIOR VETEREN (Jarak: 37km) – top 3
1 150 Hassan ABDULLAH MAS19671005 SEGAMAT 1:05.19
2 148 Abdul Nazeer IBRAHIM 1:05.19
3 165 Mustaffa Kamal AHMAD MAS19700625 JOHOR BHARU 1:05.19

LELAKI MASTER (Jarak: 80km) – top 3
1 153 Ng Khai HSING MAS19701229 2:01.50
2 194 Azuan RAMAROH MAS19680325 MBJB 2:01.50
3 256 Bergtor HAUGA SIN19670422 JOY RIDER SINGAPORE 2:01.50

WANITA (Jarak: 80km) – top 10
1 158 Nurul Ahmar BADEUUZAMAN MAS19900917 SELANGOR 2:01.50
2 244 Mariana MOHAMAD MAS19780518 MSN 2:01.50
3 231 Serena LEE JEK SIN19880513 TERENGGANU 2:01.50
4 166 Suryani MOHAMAD MAS19871228 TERENGGANU 2:01.50
5 219 Nur Ain MALIK MAS19910129 MSN 2:01.50
6 203 Nurul Sakinah ABDUL KARIM MAS19900701 JOHOR 2:01.53
7 237 Christina LIEW SIN19790728 JOY RIDER SINGAPORE 2:01.53
8 245 Kimberley YAP FUI LI MAS19850609 MSN 2:01.53
9 234 Caroline Anak GEORGE MAS19940909 SSBP 2:20.07
10 230 Nur Ain MAHMUD MAS19920731 TERENGGANU 2:35.04

LELAKI PRA JUNIOR (Jarak: 80km) – top 10
1 273 Mohamad Azrul Taufiq ANNUAR MAS19940819 SSBP 1:58.16
2 271 Muhamad Asyraf MISNAN MAS19940228 SSBP 1:58.16
3 272 Al Azani ZAINAL MAS19940531 SSBP 1:58.17
4 178 Mohd Azami SENAN MAS19940531 JOHOR 1:58.18
5 293 M Azri AHMAD MAS19951006 TERENGGANU 1:58.18
6 274 Muhammad Amir Aizudin MOHD AZAHAR MAS19940720 SSBP 1:58.18
7 277 Ahmad Ghadaffy ZULKIFLY MAS19940913 SSBP 1:58.18
8 294 M Afiq Huznie OTHMAN MAS19960804 TERENGGANU 1:58.18
9 276 Khairi AMIN MAS19940817 SSBP 2:01.49
10 290 Syazwan HILMI MAS19950217 TERENGGANU 2:01.50

LELAKI JUNIOR (Jarak: 80km) – top 10
1 193 Nur Amirull Fakhruddin MAZUKI MAS19920124 TERENGGANU 3:21.56
2 188 Mohamad Nor Halieff MOHAMAD MAS19930620 SSBP 3:21.56
3 177 Sofian Nabil OMAR BAKRI MAS19930419 MSN 3:45.22
4 192 M Fahmi Irfan ZAILANI MAS19920805 TERENGGANU 3:45.22
5 179 Muhammad Azizi DAUD MAS19921006 JOHOR 3:45.22
6 190 Apirak SOMPONG MAS19931129 SSBP 3:45.24
7 141 Mohammad Faiz MOHD ZONIS MAS SELANGOR 3:45.41
8 15 Mohamad Fikri SHARIL MAS19920422 JOHOR 3:45.47
9 189 Muhammad Shahiddan JASMI MAS19930527 SSBP 3:50.24
10 191 M. Sharazy FOUD MAS19920203 TERENGGANU 3:50.26

LELAKI SENIOR (Jarak: 164km) – top 10
1 43 Mohd Al Ghazali HAMID MAS MSN 4:19.42
2 39 Sarham MISWAN MAS19880223 SELANGOR 4:20.00
3 7 Mohd Sharul Afiza FAUZAN MAS19900414 ATM 4:20.00
4 25 Mohd Ekbar ZAMANHURI MAS19920121 MSN 4:20.00
5 32 Zulhilmi Afif A. ZAMRI MAS19920310 MSN 4:20.17
6 2 Mohd Sharul Nizam CHE SAMSUDIN MAS19890602 ATM 4:20.17
7 4 Mohd Fuad DAUD MAS19820109 ATM 4:20.25
8 1 Mohd Fadzli Anuar MOHD FAUZI MAS19891103 ATM 4:20.47
9 40 Muhamad Azmi ALI MAS19880810 SELANGOR 4:20.47
10 46 Mathew CHONG SOON LEONG MAS19901218 SSBP 4:20.47