Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Round 1

MARCH 17, 2018

Official images from www.asiatalentcup.com

March 16-18-Losail, Qatar- The Philippines’ only representative for the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC) Troy Alberto already went to battle last March 17 to 18, on his first international race in Qatar.

The ATC is scheduled in time with Moto 3, Moto 2 and Motorcycle Grand Prix or MotoGP, which gave opportunities for participants to meet MotoGP riders such as Dani Pedrosa of Repsol Honda, who were even able to give some pointers.

Although Alberto’s journey was met with several challenges, including his co-competitors being experienced in previous ATC competitions and in using the Honda NSF250R, he managed to place 8^th out of 18 participants during practice round. However, the competition grew stiffer as the day progressed.

On Race 1 held last March 17, Haruki Noguchi of Japan came in first place with a margin of 0.034 seconds, followed by Indonesian racer Mario Aji in second place and fellow Japanese racer Sho Nishimura in third place. On the other hand, Troy was included at the 2^nd pack and was trying to fight to go further. His efforts landed him in 15^th place.

On Race 2 last March 18, the tables have turned for Bill Van Eerde from Australia, who came back from his own accident in Race 1 to overtake Noguchi with an incredible photo finish. Van Eerde took the lead in this race while Noguchi fell to second place and Japanese racer Toshiki Senda was in 3^rd place. On the other hand, Troy Alberto has somehow struggled in the 2^nd round which he was eventually unable to finish due to his crash. In the conclusion of Round 1 of ATC in Qatar, Japanese rider Noguchi garnered the highest score.

However, Alberto is still positive about his first journey in an international race. He is gunning to make a comeback in Round Two, which will be held in Buriram, Thailand this March 24 to 25.

Honda is supporting Alberto in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, which has five rounds to go. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Asia is the governing and sanctioning body of the competition; while the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) is the Accredited FIM certifying body in the Philippines.

For more information on Honda Philippines, along with its racing events and riders, go to www.hondaph.com or follow the official Facebook page: Honda Philippines, Inc.