Honda’s Rajiv Sethu finishes in the Top 10 in ARRC

- Becomes first Indian rider in ARRC to finish in Top 10

- Secured 6 points in Race 1 thus jumping two positions to 12th in championship standings

- Senthil Kumar faced a rather difficult race

The ongoing FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2019 (ARRC) has turned out to be significant for Idemitsu Honda Racing India team rider Rajiv Sethu. The Chennai born rider has completed Race 1 of this weekend’s Australian round at Bend MotorSport Park circuit in 10th position. It is the first time in the history of ARRC that an Indian rider has completed a race in the Top 10. Rajiv is competing in the AP 250 class riding a race-spec Honda CBR250RR.

During qualifying, Rajiv managed to secure the 12th position on the grid for Race 1. As the lights went out, Rajiv was off to a good start which allowed him to move up to the 5th and 6th position in the very first lap of the race. As the race progressed, his handlebar got stuck with Indonesian rider, Irfan Ardiansyah, which resulted in him losing his position and returning back to the 12th osition. However, Rajiv didn’t lose hope and maintained his cool and got back into the groove as he made his move in lap 5. He managed to overtake two riders before crossing the chequered flag in 10th position. Rajiv’s race completion earned him 6 points in Race 1 and a jump of two positions in overall championship standings.

On the other hand, Rajiv’s teammate Senthil Kumar had a rather difficult race. The 18-year-old rider started the race in 18th position and also managed to overtake three riders in the course of the race. However, misfortune struck when Senthil went out of the track at turn 15 which resulted in him losing his standing and moving back to 24th position. In spite of the adversity, Senthil overtook seven riders before finishing the race. He completed Race 1 in 17th position, one position ahead of where he started from. 

Race 2 of the FIM ARRC 2019 Australian round will be held tomorrow.