Three rounds done, 57 points clear – that’s the commanding position Veda Pratama finds himself in as we get set for Round 4 of the 2023 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup season, which brings us to the fantastic Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
After taking a maximum 50 points in Japan, Pratama turned up on home soil meaning business in Indonesia. Amon Odaki ran the #7 close in Race 1, but the Japanese star couldn’t get within touching distance in Race 2 as Pratama again grabbed two race wins – taking his tally to 145 points out of a possible 150.
What’s more, Pratama tasted victory in Buriram one year ago, so the odds are in his favour ahead of the action kicking off. To win the title on Sunday morning, Pratama needs to be 100 points or more clear of second place – a tough ask, but by no means impossible.
Out to stop that happening will be double podium finisher in Indonesia, Zen Mitani. The rookie sensation acts as Pratama’s closest challenger and the aim for the Japanese rider in Thailand will be simple: halt Pratama’s charge. Elsewhere, after a lowkey couple of races in Indonesia, Japan’s Riichi Takahira now finds himself 75 points adrift in P3 as he seeks a first podium appearance since the opening round in Malaysia.
It’s a homecoming for Jakkreephat Phuettisan as the Thai rider goes in search of a second podium of the year, with the #20 P4 in the overall standings – one place ahead of Odaki. Expect the duo to be right up the sharp end in Buriram as they seek top step glory for the first time this season.
The ATC will take place on Saturday at 16:10 (GMT +7) and Sunday (09:45) in Thailand – you don’t want to miss it.