The Honda Malaysia Racing Team (HMRT) raced to victory at the Sepang 1000KM (S1K) Race last weekend. Honda’s signature “Challenging Spirit” was in its full glory as the team overcame obstacles and claimed the title.
Professional HMRT drivers Aaron Lim and Farriz Fauzy cruised to victory by completing the 181-lap endurance race a full lap ahead of the second-placed team in 8 hours 42 minutes using the Honda City (Car 27).
HMRT Team Director Mr. Akkbar Danial said, “Congratulations to all 36 HMRT members who have shown the spirit of tenacity and consistency throughout the race, working hard behind the scenes to bring home the victory. Though faced with a tough competition of faster cars this year, the team demonstrated Honda’s challenging spirit and excellent team work in ensuring a winning edge for HMRT through our machine reliability and a good pit stop strategy. I am truly proud of them. The motorsports spirit is very much alive in Honda!”
The main strategy for HMRT this year was to make the race car faster and improve the suspension of the City. The team managed to increase the horsepower of the City to 140hp compared to 128hp last year while tuning the suspension for longer tyre sustenance and to match the increased power. These were the main technical changes that were done to the winning car.
“Apart from the technical strategy, the team also perfected their pit stop tactics. Frequencies of training for the crew were increased and all members were given theoretical and practical classes of how the machine works and the pit rules. Over the years, HMRT has proven to be an ideal platform to train and build up skills of Honda associates while honing their capabilities in the motorsports arena. I am pleased to note that 20 out of 36 HMRT members this year were new which also means that we have effectively added more associates with motorsport skills. Enhancing the skills of Honda associates has always been a core objective at HMRT. I am proud at the commitment shown by the team in using the skills and knowledge garnered through their participation in HMRT,” added Mr. Akkbar.
The S1K race is not just about speed and strategy; it also emphasizes the durability of the race machines as well as the stamina and determination of the team. The HMRT has proven that the motorsports DNA of Honda is indeed in the team. The HMRT will continue pushing boundaries and embrace the challenging spirit towards excellence in future motorsports races.
