The Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup is an exciting new competition for 2014, which will act as a feeder series to the world of motorcycle racing. The new project aims to give young talents from the Asian region a formal path into competitive road racing.
Led in part by renowned and successful talent scout Alberto Puig, leader of the successful MotoGP™ Academy and responsible for such talents as Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa, the competition will see Asia’s stars of the future participate in a eight-race series (in six events) in 2014 on Honda NSF250R Moto3 machines, powered by Shell V-Power racing fuel and lubricated by Shell Advance 4T Ultra motorcycle engine oil.
Run by Dorna, the rights holders of the MotoGP™ World Championship and the FIM Superbike World Championship, as well as co-organiser of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the competition will provide a spotlight for the most talented young riders in Asia.
The 22 talents who made it through the pre-selection event at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit in October 2013 will race in Qatar (Losail), Indonesia (Sentul), China (Zhuhai), Japan (Motegi) and Malaysia (Sepang) – on MotoGP race weekends or in independent events.
Malaysia is represented by six exciting young talents. They are Nazirul Izzat Bin Muhammad Bahauddin (13 yrs), Muhammad Shafiq Bin Rasol (16 yrs), Muhamad Adam Bin Mohd Norrodin (15 yrs), Muhammad Helmi Bin Azman (13 yrs), Fakhrusy Syakirin Bin Rostam (17 yrs) and Mohammad Shafiq Ezzariq (13 yrs).
The season started in February in Spain (Motorland Aragon) with a four-day test where riders were able to ride the official Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Honda NSF250R Moto3 bikes for the first time.
HRC is a Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup main partner, providing racing motorcycles (Honda NSF 250R Moto3 model) and spare parts for all riders at all races and tests.
The Sepang International Circuit, globally recognised for its high standards, will play a key role in the project and will be home to the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup headquarters and providing logistic support to the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup.
Other partners and technical suppliers include well known companies in the motorcycle racing world, such as Red Bull, who will provide economic support to the cup; AirAsia, who will provide each rider with flight tickets; Bridgestone, providing tyres for all races and tests; Alpinestars, providing racing equipment; and X-Lite will provide helmets to the riders. Other technical suppliers include Akrapovic, who will supply the exhaust pipes; Nissin, supplying the brakes; Stanley, providing the tools for maintenance of the motorcycles; and Gas, providing the staff and the riders with a uniform.
