Markus Reiterberger (Onexox BMW TKKR Racing) is the champion of the 2023 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Reiti secured the title in the Asian championship in just the fifth of six events. At the Zhuhai International Circuit, he won both races from pole position and is therefore uncatchable in the overall standings.
In the Friday practice sessions, Reiti had to familiarise himself with the layout of the track, which was completely new to him. The 4,319 metre circuit in the province of Guangdong is China's oldest permanent race track. With the fastest lap of the day, Reiti already indicated on the first day that he is the guy to beat on Saturday and Sunday.
In qualifying, the man from Obing set a new track record with his BMW. In the first race, he took the lead early on and rode to a controlled victory. With his victory in Sunday's race, he ensured an early decision in the championship. The new Asian Superbike Champion will start the season finale at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand at the beginning of December without any pressure.
Markus Reiterberger:
"It was a breathtaking weekend. The practice sessions on Friday and qualifying on Saturday went really well. I set a new track record with the qualifying tyre and had a good feeling straight away. I got off to a good start in the first race and took the lead early on. I was then able to pull away slightly and win the race. On Sunday morning, we tried a setup change in the warm-up. This allowed me to improve once again and I was almost as fast on used race tyres as I was on the qualifying tyres. In the second race, I got away very well at the start. It was close in the first corner, but I took the lead. I was able to pull out a small gap, but had to give it my all until the end of the race. In the end, it was enough for a start/finish victory and the championship title. I am very grateful to my team. They have provided me with a very good bike. We've had a great season so far. I am very happy that we have secured the title and can finish the season in Buriram without any pressure. Special thanks also go to my physio Mathias Neugebauer, who prepared me perfectly for travelling to Asia. A big thank you also goes to my mechanic Wolfgang Kampe, my crew chief Michiel Rietvield, my suspension specialist Mathias Greiff, the entire Alpha Racing team, my friends, family and all my sponsors."
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