Alor Setar Heritage City Night Fun Ride 2017 ( 7 April 2017 )

Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar dengan kerjasama Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa Negeri Kedah dan Tourism Malaysia Kedah akan menganjurkan program “Alor Setar Heritage City Night Fun Ride 2017” yang julung-julung kalinya dianjurkan dinegeri ini. Kayuhan sejauh 30 km ini adalah bertujuan untuk menonjolkan identiti Bandaraya Alor Setar sebagai Bandaraya Warisan Dalam Taman kepada penduduk tempatan dan seluruh masyarakat umumnya. Program ini juga bertujuan untuk mendukung hasrat dan dasar Kerajaan dalam mewujudkan Healthy City dalam perancangan pembangunan sesebuah bandar kearah menjayakan konsep “live, play and work”.

-Tourism Malaysia Kedah.

RUNNING MAN 2017 Live in Malaysia @ The Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre ( 22 April 2017 )

RUNNING MAN CONCERT TOUR ARRIVING IN KUALA LUMPUR THIS APRIL TO MEET FANS AFTER 3 YEARS!

South Korea’s longest-run popular variety show RUNNING MAN is bringing its concert tour, namely “RUNNING MAN LIVE IN MALAYSIA 2017” to Kuala Lumpur on 22nd April, Saturday at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Center (MIECC).

Since the run of their first tour in February through various cities such as Macao, Hong Kong, Thailand, Running Man’s very own stars Ji Suk-Jin , Kim Jong-Kook , Haha ,Song Ji-Hyo, and Lee Kwang-Soo are ready to thrill fans with a full line-up concert!

With Skull – a South Korean reggae singer who is well known around the world with his song “Love Inside” as one of the special guest appearance, Running Man would like to share the exclusive stage program with their favourite fans in Malaysia as a sign of gratitude for their long-years love and care despite many rumours about the variety show.

SBS Korea for the very first time officially authorized this concert tour, Running Man Live in Malaysia 2017 promise fans with an extraordinary production and scale, stage construction that shorten the distance between the stars and fans, games, and witness how the stars bring their wacky sense of humour on-screen to off-screen once again on stage!

Fans shall look forward to the minimum 2-hours full concert with brand new line-ups of performance, crafted specially for each Running Man members with special guests as well, and most importantly anticipates the hidden talent of singing and showmanship from each of the members!

Organised by YS Entertainment, RUNNING MAN 2017 Live in Malaysia will be held at The Mines International Exhibition & Convention Center (MIECC) on 22nd of April, Saturday at 6pm. Ticket prices from RM 758 (VIP), RM608 (PS1), RM 508 (PS2), RM408 (PS3), RM308 (PS4) and RM 208 (PS5).

VIP & PS1 ticket purchasers will get a complimentary official tour light stick, whereas VIP ticket purchaser (limited to 200pax) will be entitled for lucky draw of group photo with the 5 members of RUNNING MAN, not only Group photo with Running man but also will have another surprise for who purchase VIP Ticket. And for others concert ticket purchaser, will also receive a free poster on event day!

Ticket sales will commence on 29th March 2017, 11am at all appointed TicketCharge outlets and online purchases on www.ticketcharge.com.my. For ticket sales enquiries, please contact TicketCharge at +603 9222 8811 (Kuala Lumpur) or +604 645 9811 (Penang).

For other enquiries, please contact Concert Hotline at +603 9520 4310.

- www.ticketcharge.com.my

Kiulu launches Tourist Pass for eco-tourism adventures

The Kiulu Tourist Pass will be made available to visitors from April onwards
 for travellers looking to experience the various eco-tourism activities in Kiulu,
at a discounted price. (Pix by LANO LAN)

KOTA KINABALU: The Kiulu Tourist Pass will be made available to visitors from April onwards for travellers looking to experience the various eco-tourism activities in Kiulu, at a discounted price.

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the pass, which is valid for a year, was one of the initiatives to promote eco-adventure tourism here.

The RM5 pass will see RM3 returned to the community to help develop tourism activities.

“Kiulu promises an enchanting experience by offering its scenic views where visitors will be taken through the Kiulu River Valley. The pass will also highlight the local attractions and activities along the way.

“Necessary information will also be made available in the pass to assist self-guided tourists and visitors alike in case of emergency,” he said at the launching of the Kiulu Tourist Pass and Kiulu Arch here.

Joniston, who is also Kiulu assemblyman, said visitors should take advantage of the pass to experience Kiulu in conjunction with Visit Kiulu Month in April.

Many activities have been lined up for the month-long event such as a traditional food and drink fiesta, cultural fest, tamu (market), and a tagal fishing challenge.

Travellers can check out Visit Kiulu's official website at www.visitkiulu.com to get more information about events and activities taking place here.

At the launching of the Kiulu Arch, Joniston expressed confidence that more visitors would be aware of the small district which has been transformed into an adventure and eco-tourism hub over the years.

The arch, located at the road junction leading to Kiulu, has listed several tourism products, which can be easily viewed by those travelling into Tamparuli town.

“This means a lot to us as it can help to promote Kiulu and people will know where Kiulu is.

“Although we do not have the figures, I believe visitor arrivals here are increasing. Hence, we encourage tour and bus operators to keep a record so we can study the tourism impact.”

The arch was sponsored by Warisan Harta Sdn Bhd and its subsidiary company Common Tower Technologies Sdn Bhd.

-nst online.

For luxury travellers, it's now experiences over dollars

The desire for learning and enrichment, giving something back, the rise of the ephemeral and instant as well as great service are the key trends defining luxury travel today, according to the Limited Access Luxury Travel Report, developed by MyTravelResearch.com, Executive PA magazine and the Luxperience travel show.

MyTravelResearch.com said modern luxury travel reflects wider macro-economic trends including rising levels of inequality, which make conspicuous public displays of wealth less acceptable.

In tandem with less ostentation, higher spiritual and emotional motives are now coming more into play – such as the need for inner fulfilment, creativity, self esteem, belonging and contentedness.

In short, experience transcends dollars at the higher end of luxury travel. The consequence: demand for luxury experiences seems to be growing faster than the demand for luxury goods.

The report also shows that luxury travellers are placing an even greater emphasis on service and increasingly insisting on a wider diversity of experiences, empowered by the Internet and a surplus of service providers in the luxury sector.

MyTravelResearch.com founder Carolyn Childs also singled out notable characteristics of the modern luxury travel market, including the greater number of new younger and women millionaires; the rise of wellbeing, multi-generational travel and learning; the growth of the luxury cruise market; as well as the luxury traveller's ever-rising expectations and premium placed on value.

-TTG Asia.

Norrodin Claims Solid Tenth; Sasaki Top Rookie In Eleventh At Losail

Qatar, Doha – Sunday 26th March

Circuit: Losail International Circuit
Circuit Length: 5.4 km

SIC Racing Team riders Adam Norrodin and Ayumu Sasaki claim points all round in the opening round of the 2017 Moto3 Championship, finishing in 10th [Adam] and 11th [Ayumu] place at Losail International Circuit. 

Continuing to show his renewed form, Adam Norrodin immediately began his battle for the points as the lights went out. Relentlessly pushing to stay with the leading group, the young Malaysian worked hard to hold his position and close in on the riders ahead. Showing consistently quick lap times throughout the 18 lap race, Norrodin impressed with his pace and determination to achieve his target of a top ten finish. 

Newcomer to the team Ayumu Sasaki made an impressive start to his 2017 campaign, launching off the line to begin his battle within the leading group. The fearless sixteen-year-old fought hard to work his way up into ninth place, before a crash in front forced him to take evasive action. Despite losing both time and positions, Sasaki regained his rhythm to conclude his debut Moto3 Grand Prix with a superb 11th place finish and the first rookie across the line.

Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager
“The target here was to finish in the top ten with both riders and we showed in practice that we had the pace for it. Both Adam and Ayumu did an excellent job and worked hard to stay with the top group. Unfortunately in turn six there was a crash in front of them and both riders suffered from this; they lost a bit of time from the group and then couldn’t recover. They just didn’t have the pace alone to catch them back up again. In any case we finished in the top ten with Adam and we’re very happy for this. Also with Ayumu, he was the best rookie today and did a superb job in his first Moto3 Grand Prix to finish eleventh. It’s been a difficult weekend with the weather conditions but we leave here happy with this first race; both riders in the points. We now need to keep this momentum. We see that we have speed, which is a big boost of confidence, so we need to take this to Argentina at the next race.” 

#7 Adam Norrodin P10
“Today was a great day! I’m so happy. I want to say a big thank you to my team! We trained really hard over the winter to start strong this weekend. We’ve pushed hard every session and we’ve achieved our target. In the race I just did my best to release my mind, stay calm and focus. I knew I had the rhythm. The feeling was good from the start and I was able to go with the leading group. We stayed there until near the very end but everyone was on the limit and there were a couple of crashes. To finish in the top ten on our first this season is really good. Now we just have to do even better in Argentina!” 

#71 Ayumu Sasaki P11

“We have started the season in a pretty good way. Unfortunately from the start of the race I had a small issue with the front of the bike but nevertheless I was able to follow the front group until two riders crashed in front of me. I had to run wide to avoid them and I lost a couple of positions. I was already on the limit to stay in the front group so I wasn’t able to catch them again after I lost the time. Anyway we leave Qatar with some points. We have work to do for Argentina but I’m confident we can do better there.” 

-SIC Racing Team.
PelanconganKini supports SIC Racing Team.

SIC RACING TEAM Sets High Targets For Season 3

SIC Racing Team, which opens its third season in the MotoGP World Championship at the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, has express delight in announcing the continuation of its collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), in which the circuit is working closely to develop and nurture future motorsport talents.

“We are delighted to be continuing our third year for the team and our second year with Malaysian rider Adam Norrodin, who has shown great progress since his Moto3 debut last year. Adam Norrodin will be banking on the precious experience acquired at last years’ experience to his advantage, as he aims to battle for the championship points at every round, beginning with the Grand Prix of Qatar this weekend,” SIC Racing Team said in a statement today.

Joining Adam this season is 2016 Red Bull Rookie Champion and 2015 Asia Talent Cup Champion, Ayumu Sasaki. Given his sensational performance last year, the sixteen-year-old Japanese rider will undoubtedly be one to watch this season; and should be a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.

Team manager Johan Stigefelt has expressed confidence for this year’s challenge; saying that all the team members are looking forward for the championship.
“I’m very happy to be starting this third season with Sepang International Circuit. It’s our third year in the Moto3 class, second year with Honda. We are all looking forward to getting started. This is Adam’s second season with us; he’s taken a big step forward, which he showed in the last few rounds of 2016, where he was going very well. We expect Adam to be close to the points this year and fighting for top positions,” Stigefelt said.

Adam himself has declared his firm commitment to take his performance level higher in 2017 and to continuously improve and to grow stronger as a rider.

“Firstly, I would like to say thank you to everyone at Sepang Circuit and all the support given; especially KBS for giving me this opportunity and for still believing in me. This year I want to do much better than my rookie year in the Championship. I have more experience now and I’m incredibly lucky to have such a good team around me. Together I know we can do well! My aim is to continuously improve and grow stronger as a rider. I am ready to fight hard and challenge for the top point scoring positions,” said the 19-year old Malaysian rider.

For Ayumu, despite being the rookie, expectations will be high for him.

“I’m very excited for my first year in the Moto3 World Championship. Thanks to Sepang International Circuit and KBS for this opportunity. I’m very happy to be riding for the SIC Racing Team on the Honda NSF250RW and also to have Adam Norrodin as my teammate. I am surrounded by professional people who are working very hard. My goal is always to be at the top; I think it will be difficult for the first year but I believe it is still achievable because we have a great team and a great bike, so let’s see!” said the Japanese rider.

SIC Racing Team was the only Moto3 team that had been granted permission to conduct their testing exclusively for 6 days at SIC. Following that, the team conducted two further IRTA tests in Jerez and Qatar.

“The exclusive tests in Sepang were productive and positives test for the riders and the team. Subsequent tests in Jerez and recently in Qatar, though, were mixed due to intermittent weather conditions but overall it was positive. In any case, we are ready for the new season.

“Naturally, we would like to thank DORNA and HRC for their support to the team and for the second year we are using the Honda NSF250RWwhich proves to be competitive in pre-season tests,” Johan added.

SIC Racing Team recorded its appreciation to KBS for their continued support to nurture future motosports champion and the team feels it is right that KBS receives recognition in the international arena via the SIC Racing Team, where this year the team will carry the corporate identity of KBS.

SIC also announced their support for the ‘Negaraku’ initiative which was recently launched by YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak as a national movement for Malaysians to come together and express their love for the country.

Commenting on this, SIC CEO Dato’ Razlan Razali said, “Without question, sport is the best platform universally to promote the spirit of unity and patriotism among Malaysians. SIC Racing Team is a testament of this. The establishment of this team is actually an evolution of a national initiative by a group of passionate and patriotic people in 2009 to put Malaysia prominently in the international motorsports map,”

“The Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix has been a sell-out event for the past few years. It is a sport that bring Malaysians together, driven by the support for our nation and country. Deep inside every Malaysian, we hold a desire for greatness, and when all 31 million Malaysians exhibit the spirit of Negaraku, this translates into a powerful force that fuels our Malaysian riders to strive for the best”, he added.

In reigniting the team this year, a special campaign showcasing the all new SIC Racing Team this 2017 will be featured via SIC Racing Team’s social media channels throughout the #QatarGP weekend and the races to come. So, don’t miss out, and be part of the team,” it added.
In the statement, SIC Racing Team also recorded its highest appreciation to its partners; adding that the engagement of new partners is positively progressing and that it hopes to secure several partners from Round 2 onwards.
The current partners are as follows:
• Rudy Project: Official eyewear partner
• Unipac Engineering (Distributor for Beta Tools): Official tools partner for team and for upcoming SIC Motorsports Academy
• SBR Trackdays: Technical partner
• Motorex: Technical Partner
• Nippon Road: Technical Partner
• Promech: Technical partner
• NGK: Technical partner
• D.I.D: Technical partner
• Ohlins: Technical partner
• MRA: Technical partner
• Sporttravel: Travel agency partner

Led by Race Team Manager Johan Stigefelt, SIC Racing Team for 2017 will continue to be a combined expertise of international brilliant minds and skillful hands that includes two Malaysians – Faizal Ismail as the Motorsports Development Manager and Mustafid Mustamam as the team’s designer.
The full team composition are as follows:
1. Johan Stigefelt (Sweden) – Race Team Manager
2. Graham Malyk (GB) – Tyre Technician and Driver
3. Mark Woodage (GB) Crew Chief
4. Thibaut Gravier (France) – Crew Chief
5. Faizal Ismail (Malaysia): Motorsports Development Manager
6. Mustafid Mustamam (Malaysia) – Designer
7. Ben Fry (GB) – Mechanic:
8. Robyn Spejkers (Netherlands) – Mechanic:
9. Andrew Machin (GB) Mechanic
10. Steve Kandall (GB) – Mechanic
11. Heather Maclennan (GB) – Team & Communications coordinator

SIC Racing Team’s social media channels

Website: www.sicracingteam.com
Youtube: ‘SIC Racing Team’ | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgypovCyl_-9SLrhtrmRfYw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SIC-Racing-Team-1386218331679887/
Instagram: sic_racingteam
Twitter: @sicracingteam

SIC Racing Team 2017 launch video: https://youtu.be/y3g_0enuSwk

-SIC Racing Team.
PelanconganKini supports SIC Racing Team.

Perak New Draw For Tourists From India - Tourism Malaysia DG

IPOH, March 23 (Bernama) -- Perak would be a new destination for tourists from India, said Tourism Malaysia director-general, Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab.

He said over 630,000 tourists from India visited Malaysia last year, putting it in sixth place as a popular tourist destination for Indian nationals.

"Tourism Malaysia is always looking for new destinations in the country to be promoted to tourism operators across the world and in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017, a number of initiatives at a higher level have been undertaken, including putting Perak in the tourism itinerary for tourists from India.

"For this, Ipoh will be introduced as one of the new Singapore-Penang cruise holiday destinations. After arriving in Penang, the tourists from India will be taken to Perak by bus and then to Kuala Lumpur before returning home," he told reporters at the India-Perak Travel Mart, here, last night.

For the event, 63 tourism agents from India were taken to Perak to be introduced to the state's attractive tourism products.

Also present was State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman, Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi.

Mirza said Perak had the potential to be a choice destination for tourists from India as it had interesting places to visit and about 50,000 Indian tourists were expected to visit Perak this year.

"They are more into family travel, thus theme parks are important, and Perak has theme parks such as the Lost World of Tambun and Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS), which will be ready soon.

"Besides that, tourists from India place importance on the availability of vegetarian food. In Ipoh, there's Little India for visitors to savour Indian food and there are other tourist spots to visit such as like Gua Tempurung," he said.

Mirza also thanked the state government and local tourism industry players for actively carrying out various efforts including a series of familiarisation programmes with foreign tourist agents to promote Perak in the international travel market.
-Bernama.

Pakej Bilik Ramadhan @ Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

- www.bukitmerahresort.com.my

AirAsia links up Shenzhen with Langkawi

(From left) Langkawi Development Authority's Haji Azizan Noordin; AirAsia's Aireen Omar; Ministry of Transport's Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai and Seri Saripuddin Kasim

AirAsia will soon begin services from Shenzhen to Langkawi, which will mark its third international connectivity into the island after Singapore and Guangzhou.

This thrice-weekly service is scheduled to commence operations on July 16, 2017. Bookings for this new route will be made available soon.

  

With the number of passengers flown year-on-year into Langkawi having increased by 30 per cent from 2015 to 2016, Aireen Omar, CEO of AirAsia, is confident that the airline can further grow the market demand from Shenzhen for the Malaysian island with its marketing investment.

Langkawi was AirAsia’s first route to be operated in 2001 and AirAsia currently serves five routes from Langkawi with 106 weekly flights to two international destinations (Singapore and Guangzhou), and three domestic flights (Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru).

-TTG Asia.

Top Ten For SIC RACING TEAM Riders On Day One At Losail

Qatar, Doha – Thursday 23rd March

Circuit: Losail International Circuit
Circuit Length: 5.4 km

Bike #7 – Adam Norrodin
FP1: P10; 2’07.856 – 12 laps
FP2: P14; 2’08.860 –9 laps

Bike #71 – Ayumu Sasaki
FP1: P8; 2’07.810 – 12 laps
FP2: P18; 2’09.167 –11 laps

SIC Racing Team riders Adam Norrodin and Ayumu Sasaki made a solid start to their 2017 campaign today, concluding the first day of practice in 8th (Ayumu) and 10th (Adam) place overall.

Looking in good form Malaysian rider Adam Norrodin focussed his attentions on achieving consistent lap times around the 5.4km circuit. With renewed confidence the 18-year-old improved his pace throughout Free Practice one to finish the session just 0.875s off P1.

Ayumu Sasaki made an impressive start to his official Moto3 debut immediately launching himself into the top four in FP1. The 16-year-old rookie showed his confidence within the World Championship field, holding a top four position for the majority of the session, only just being pipped to 8th place in the final minutes.

Free practice two saw more challenging conditions for the Moto3 riders as an increase in wind speed proved testing for the lower cylinder category, with times increasing by a second.

#7 Adam Norrodin

“The conditions today were a little bit difficult. In FP1 there was not so much grip because of the sand on track; there were many crashes in the session but I managed to stay calm and find a good rhythm. I was not pushing to my limit but I was able to do some consistent times and finish in the top ten. Going into FP2 I wanted to do better. The grip had improved and I felt good straight away. I wanted to achieve another top ten finish, so I continued to push harder as the session went on, but then in the final minutes I made a mistake and had a small crash. I’m sorry to Nakarin for this as he was caught up in it. Overall we are not so far away so we are looking forward to seeing what we can do tomorrow.”

#71 Ayumu Sasaki

“There was quite a lot of sand on the track for the first practice so conditions weren’t so great, but this was the same for everyone. The lap times were slower than testing last week but I had a pretty good feeling on the bike still. We finished FP1 in eighth position which was good. In second practice we expected to be better but it was too windy so we couldn’t improve the lap time. In the last session I focussed more on riding in the group; I was able to pass some riders in the breaking so I am happy with the setting I have. No stress, just wait for tomorrow and push again.”

-SIC Racing Team.
PelanconganKini supports SIC Racing Team.

Bendsneyder and Antonelli make good start in Qatar

03/23/2017 - Losail International Circuit, Qatar

Despite the weather forecasts, rain did not make an appearance on Thursday at the Losail International Circuit for the start of the first Grand Prix of the year. The Moto3 riders undertook their first two Free Practice sessions of the season, in which Bo Bendsneyder led FP2 and finished in 7th place on the combined timesheet. Niccolo Antonelli placed 9th at the end of a positive evening for both riders. In the first free practice session the wind –which reached gusts of up to 15km/h– made the riders’ work somewhat difficult. However, it was Bendsneyder who started strongest, leading the way from the first ten minutes and holding the position for half an hour. Although he set his best lap in the last seconds of the session, the Dutchman’s 2:07.432 put him seventh, two places ahead of his teammate Niccolo Antonelli. The Italian also clocked his best time -2: 07.816- on his last lap. Wind was again present in FP2, although the Red Bull KTM Ajo riders managed to overcome it and and shone during the session. Bendsneyder was in the Top5 during the first half of the session, and took a step up with 13 minutes remaining with a time of 2:07.955 for the top spot. Antonelli was also among the fastest riders, after improving his times during the final stretch and setting a best lap of 2:08.476 for fourth. The Italian suffered light crash just before the action concluded. Tomorrow sees a single 40-minute practice session at 7pm local time. Results (Combined practice time FP1-FP2) 1. Philipp Oettl (KTM) 2:06.763 2. Joan Mir (Honda) 2:07.239 +0.258 3. Gabriel Rodrigo (KTM) 2:07.380 +0.399 4. Juanfran Guevara (KTM) 2:07.388 +0.407 5. Romano Fenati (Honda) 2:07.414 +0.433 7. Bo Bendsneyder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:07.432 +0.451 9. Niccolo Antonelli (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:07.816 +0.835

-Red Bull KTM Ajo Motorsport.

Take a Break! @ Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Hassle Free Staycation Package Book now  @ 03-4042 5555  and enjoy your family moments at Seri Pacific Hotel KL!

-Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Website : http://www.seripacifichotel.com

Citarasa Warisan Budaya @ Grand Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

-The Legend Resort Cherating KLSO.

Aussie praise for Penang

Tasty treats: Tourists enjoying the local food at the Gurney Drive food court.

GEORGE TOWN: Gurney Drive made it to the 13th spot on the list of ‘25 best streets for tourists to visit around the world before you die’, according to a popular Australian travel website.

The Australian website Traveller stated that the seafront promenade in Penang offered some of the best street food in all of Asia.

The website then cited the 100-over stalls at the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre that have been operating from the 70s.

A link was then attached to the website’s page dedicated to the state.

Traveller is said to provide the best travel advice and comprehensive destination guides for Austra-lian tourists.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the new recognition would boost the the state government’s effort to develop Penang’s potential as a world-class tourist destination.

“This recognition comes after Penang was named by CNN Travel as one of the 17 best places to visit in 2017,” he said in a press conference held at Komtar yesterday.

Other popular Asian destinations that made it on the Australian website’s list were Khao San Road in Bangkok and Hollywood Road in Hong Kong.

-thestar online.

SIC RACING TEAM Set For Season Opener In Qatar

Qatar – Wednesday 22nd March

Circuit: Losail International Circuit 
Circuit Length: 5.4 km

As the MotoGP paddock descend upon the Losail International Circuit for the first Grand Prix of the 2017 season, SIC Racing Team gear up for a strong start with riders Adam Norrodin and Ayumu Sasaki. 

Making his official Moto3 debut with the team, 2016 Red Bull Rookies Champion Ayumu Sasaki will be looking to make a solid first impression. Undeterred by his rookie status within the field, the 16-year-old Japanese rider is determined to battle hard and prove his ability within the Championship.

Beginning his second year with the team, Adam Norrodin is hungrier than ever to fight for the points and compete for the top spot. With his learning year behind him, the Malaysian rider is confident that he can use last years’ experience to his advantage this season. 

Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager
“The weather conditions prevented us from doing as many laps as we would have liked at this last test in Qatar but overall the time we’ve had went well. We feel prepared going into this first race weekend and I’m confident we can be competitive from the start. The riders and team are all working well together; We’ve tested a lot since our first outing in Malaysia and both Adam and Ayumu are feeling comfortable on the bikes now, so let’s see what happens on Thursday. I just hope the weather stays dry and not too windy as it has been forecasted to be! The goal for Adam and Ayumu is simple; push hard from the start.”

#7 Adam Norrodin
“We’ve done a lot of work during the pre-season testing and the outcome has been positive. The Qatar test was difficult with the weather but that was the same for everyone. It looks like there’s a big chance for more rain this week, so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens there. We have a good set-up and I feel happy with my bike. We’ve made good progress and I know we can continue like this. I like the Losail Circuit a lot and I feel that I have built my confidence even more over the last year, so it should be a good GP. I have my own target for this first race but I’m keeping it a secret for now! Of course I am going to give it everything I’ve got. I can’t wait to be on the grid ready to race!”

#71 Ayumu Sasaki
“I’m really excited for the first race of the season. I rode in Sepang last year for another team but I never got to finish the race. At that time I was nervous as it was my first experience riding in the Moto3 class but now we have been building since testing in Malaysia and I feel confident on my bike. We have a good base setting for Qatar and pretty good pace too. The bike setting we found in Jerez worked well here also in the test; we didn’t have many things to change, so I feel positive about the race weekend. My goal is always to win but to follow the front group and finish my first race in Moto3 is most important for this first Grand Prix.”

-SIC Racing Team.
PelanconganKini supports SIC Racing Team.

Sajian Rasa Utara Bufet Berbuka Puasa @ Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

- www.bukitmerahresort.com.my

AirAsia X offering discounted fares on new Wuhan route

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia X is offering 8,888 cheap seats to Wuhan in celebration of their inaugural flight to the Chinese city.

Fares as low as RM188 are available for one-way trips, while its Premium Flatbed seats are going for as low as RM688, also one-way.

Passengers on the inaugural flight on Wednesday received a special send-off from AirAsia X's management at KLIA2 and were treated to special goodies and unique in-flight activities.

Its CEO Benyamin Ismail said China is a key market for both AirAsia and AirAsia X and this new connection would strengthen the airline's presence in China.

"We are happy to connect Wuhan directly to Kuala Lumpur after Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok and Phuket, operated by our short-haul affiliates AirAsia and AirAsia Thailand," he said.

He added that besides its many tourist attractions, Wuhan's strategic position in central China allowed it to be a hub for many industries.

AirAsia and AirAsia X combined offer 35 weekly flights to Wuhan, making the group the largest foreign carrier into China in terms of passenger load.

-thestar online.