IR Update: Podium Finish Again for Team Suzuki Pilipinas in Indonesia

Date posted on August 8, 2016

The Philippine flag was seen at the podium again in the fourth round of the Suzuki Asian Challenge in Indonesia last August 7 as April King Mascardo of Team Suzuki Pilipinas remarkably delivered a third place finish for the team. Mascardo was able to stay with the lead pack in the 8-lap race held at the Sentul International Circuit. Aside from his podium finish, Mascardo also impressively had the 1:59.572s fastest lap time in Race 2.

April King Mascardo proudly holds the Philippine flag at the podium during the awarding ceremony of Race 2 of the Suzuki Asian Challenge which had its fourth round in Indonesia. Mascardo placed third in Race 2.

Race 2 winners. Mascardo (rightmost) delivered a third place finish for Team Suzuki Pilipinas.

Eane Jaye Sobretodo also battled in the lead pack and fought with the Indonesians until the 5^th lap. He finished the race in 6^th place. Mario Borbon Jr. was also part of the lead pack at the start of the race but when it came to the chicane, he almost overshot. Borbon Jr. then settled for 8^th place. It was a good performance for Team Suzuki Pilipinas as our three riders showed they can battle out with other Asian riders and Mascardo, Sobretodo and Borbon all finished inside the top ten.

Race 2 Result

In Race 1 which also had 8 laps, Mascardo had a tight race with the Indonesians. He overshot in a turn in Lap 5 but was able to finish in 5^th place. Mario Borbon Jr. had starting problems which made him unable to be with the lead pack and ended up at 9^th place. Sobretodo was in the lead pack and was fighting for the win but after contact with an uneven surface of the track he overshot and tried to chase the leading riders but crashed and finished in 11^th place.

Race 1 Result

Jefri Tosema of Indonesia was the winner in Race 1 while Muhd Rozaliman Zakaria got the victory in Race 2.

Overall, it was still a good showing for Team Suzuki Pilipinas and they brought honor to the country once again. The team showed that the Philippines is a force to be reckoned with in racing and we are gaining attention the of foreign teams, riders and race fans.

L-R: Mario Borbon Jr., April King Mascardo, President Hiroshi Suzuki of Suzuki Philippines and Eane Jaye Sobretodo

Suzuki Philippines’ President Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki was present to support and watch our riders Mascardo, Borbon Jr. and Sobretodo. President Suzuki is excited watching the races and is very happy with the effort of our racers and the rest of the team. Mr. Noel Villando of Team Suzuki Pilipinas is the manager of the team and mechanics are Mr. Bobby Mencias, Mr. Manuel Chien and Mr. Rico Cagnaan.