Malaysia’s next hottest motorcycling talent, Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin successfully completed a 5-day intensive training stint as part of the first batch of talented Asian riders selected for the Yamaha-VR46 Master Camp. The training took place at the VR46 Academy in Tavullia, Italy from July 4 to 11, 2016.
16-year-old Kasma was joined by fellow Yamaha competitors Peerapong Loiboonpeng from Thailand, Indonesian duo Galang Hendra Pratama and Imanuel Putra Pratna, as well as Japanese rider Soichiro Minamimoto. All five were selected based on their performance in the first half of the 2016 Asia Production 250cc season in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.
The 5-day programme designed by multiple world champion Valentino Rossi, stressed the importance of physical fitness and bike control as key factors in the growth and development of a rider’s skill. Towards that end, much of the training was conducted on dirt bikes which is considered as the best to train riders to gain better control of their bikes.
“I am very happy after this experience. I lived every item on the programme a lot. Being here was also very nice. It was sad when we had to say goodbye to the VR46 team at Rossi’s headquarters. I have learnt so much during these five days and will always cherish those unforgettable moments. A big thank you to Yamaha, our instructors and the entire VR46 staff for organizing such an amazing programme,” said Kasma for whom the highlight of the week was the chance to race against Rossi on the flat track at the ranch as well as on the tarmac at the Misano Circuit.
As for living MotoGP legend, Valentino Rossi, the experience with the five riders had been a success. “The riders had fun during these five days. Understandably, they are tired because of the intense training, but they are happy. Above all, I hope they will bring home some things they learned from the VR46 Riders Academy, not only the knowledge and skills but also the mentality. The riders were very good and also very quick to learn so much in just a few days.”
