Category: Circuit Racing

Hari ke-3 Ujian Rasmi MotoGP™ Sepang 2024 mencatatkan ‘lap’ terpantas 1 minit 56 saat di Litar Antarabangsa Petronas Sepang oleh penyandang juara dunia MotoGP™ Francesco Bagnaia. Diikuti dengan Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini dan juga Alex Marquez yang masih menunggang jentera lama GP23.

Rekod catatan masa terbaru ini menunjukkan bahawa teknologi hari ini tidak tertumpu pada enjin semata-mata. Aerodinamik juga memainkan peranan yang penting walaupun dengan hanya sebutir ‘winglet’ yang kecil dapat menbantu memperbaiki catatan masa.

Dengan keadaan litar yang semakin panas, kebanyakan pelumba kembali ke litar dengan tayar yang sudah digunakan. Mereka melakukan beberapa simulasi untuk mengumpul data sebanyak mungkin.

Hari terakhir ujian di Sepang ini memperlihatkan pengilang Jepun masih tercari-cari jawapan yang mereka harapkan. Walaupun Honda dan Yamaha telah membuat peningkatan yang besar, masih terdapat kelemahan tertentu  untuk menghasilkan masa terbaik.

Musim ini Pol Espargaró terpaksa melepaskan tempatnya untuk Pedro Acosta. Pol memikul tugas yang sama seperti Pedrosa sebagai penunggang uji KTM. Sementara itu, adiknya Alex Espargaró seperti berminat dengan dunia penyiaran. Pelumba Sepanyol itu beraksi sebagai hos memperkenalkan pit KTM kepada penonton. Good Luck, Pol !!!

Sambungan penjelasan tentang Aero Rakes dari Dr. Aid Fawzal semalam, rakan beliau, Nik Muhammad Nasri, manambah penerangan dengan lebih terperinci. Nik Muhammad Nasri merupakan seorang jurutera ‘wind tunnel’ yang kini bertugas di Coventry University, UK.

Sensor yg digunakan pada Aero Rakes di MotoGP tu ialah Kiel Probes. Measurement of method masih sama, menggunakan pressure sensor untuk ukur perbezaan tekanan (pressure) antara stagnation point dengan static point. Hasil dari perbezaan pressure ini, kita dapat tahu total pressure dekat point of measurement. Dari pressure, kita boleh mengira kelajuan angin menggunakan formula p=(mV₂)/2.

Perbezaan Kiel Probes dengan Pitot Tube ialah Kiel Probes mempunyai penghadang (shroud) dekat tip untuk menyukat ‘stagnation pressure’. Ini bermaksud sukatan Kiel Probes lebih ‘localised in a sense of directionality’. Dengan kata lain, result ‘measurement’ Kiel Probes kurang sensitif dengan perubahan ‘Yaw angle’.

Nik Muhammad Nasri – Wind Tunnel Engineer

Alamak tuan, dah kenapa MotoGP bawak raga kat belakang motor pula ni??

Itu bukan raga ya, jaring pon bukan. Itu adalah “aerodynamics rakes” (juga dipanggil “aero rakes”).

Guna aero rakes ni adalah untuk mendapatkan bacaan tekanan dinamik (dynamic pressure) supaya jurutera dan jurureka (designer) mendapat gambaran bagaimana struktur aliran angin dibahagian tersebut.

Dalam gambar tu aero rakes diletakkan di hujung belakang, maksudnya ujian sedang dijalankan untuk mengenalpasti aliran angin di belakang. Ini mengambil kira kedudukan pelumba yang berubah² dan prestasi komponen aerodinamik sedia ada.

Data yang aero rake ni rekodkan juga akan membantu jurutera dalam menentusahkan dan memperbaiki program simulasi Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) yang mereka jalankan.

Untuk penjelasan ringkas, simulasi CFD terhad kepada satu² senario kedudukan motorsikal (cth: simulasi sewaktu tegak-lurus, atau simulasi konar-baring). Kata kan sudut-condong (lean angle) maksimum 60°, setiap 5° baringan akan dibuat simulasi satu-persatu.

Begitu juga dengan dapatan (results) daripada ujian terowong angin (wind tunnel). Ia terhad kerana angin yang datang sentiasa daripada depan dan bukan angin senget seperti sewaktu mengambil selekoh (cornering).

Kerana itulah, data langsung daripada lapangan sangat² diperlukan dan implementasi “aero rakes” ini lah antara cara mendapatkan datanya. Data yang diambil pastinya lebih dinamik berbanding CFD dan terowong angin kerana ia mengambil kira semua pergerakan motorsikal dan pergerakan pelumba dengan dinisbahkan terhadap keadaan litar.

Pakar dalam bidang ini dipanggil trackside aerodynamicist.

Penulis: Dr Aid Fawzal -Pakar pergerakan bendalir (CFD) & pemindahan haba (heat transfer), Kejuruteraan Automotif, Inventor.

Foto: Sham Rahaman, Shah Hafiz & Han Yassin

Prima Pramac rider, Jorge Martin set the fastest lap time on the opening day of the Sepang MotoGP™ Official Test 2024 at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit which started on Tuesday.

It was a a good opening day for Ducati when Martin clocked 1:57.951 on lap 22 from total of 59 laps.

Meanwhile, Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 rider, Pedro Acosta continued his excellent pace as he maintain his own lap record during the Sepang Shakedown session to record the second fastest time overall.

Just 0.008 behind the Moto2 champion was Fabio Quatararo in third place. Marc Marquez (Gresini Ducati) crashed and had technical issues before moving up from 20th to 9th.

Martin, who was contacted after the end of the session, said he was not thinking about the fastest time but was just focusing on understanding the new machine.

The 2024 MotoGP winter test session will continue on Wednesday and Thursday with all teams work hard to get the best set-up for the new season.

The co-partnership initiative between Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn. Bhd. (TWMR) in promoting and alleviating the standards of Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) will continue with Season 2023.

Season 2022 concluded with three rounds in total despite the uncertainty of post-pandemic. As the nation propels towards a more stable environment, the new season will foresee another 3-round cycle that will provide a value-added experience to aspiring riders. The season opener will commence on 18th August 2023. Through this effort, superbike aficionados can continue to have first-hand experience on the circuit alongside professional riders.

Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of TWMR said, “Season 2022 was made even more exciting with the introduction of an additional race class which summarised an all-inclusive championship. The participation of riders, both homegrown and foreign professionals and privateers were a promising one which gave us the confidence that MSBK is proceeding apace, locally and at the international front. Thank you to all involved in making the championship a success. This season, there is something new coming along the way. Stay tuned!”

“As we move forward, the goal is to widen the outreach which would potentially stimulate interest and consequently growth, the much-needed elements for continuous development of the motorsport industry as a whole. We aspire to attract more participants from the local and international front and already have a number of new countries with confirmed participants partaking in the coming season.

At TWMR, we strive to ensure that the standards of the MSBK are progressively up-graded to keep up with market trends and improved technology which are key drivers of sustainability. We will continue to explore avenues for advancement with the best interest in serving the demands of the industry and the motorsport community. Here’s to a new season as we move along in the direction that would enrich the experience of our MSBK family.”

Commenting on the championship, Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit (SIC) said, “We are proud to work closely with TWMR for this championship as a venue provider and all rounds are scheduled to take place in SIC. Each year, the championship
brings competitive racing experience with an increase in the number of participants from the local and international neighbouring countries. The previous season was a major success which complements the improvements and changes that have been made, which includes the introduction of Yamaha Y16ZR Race Masterclass.”

“As a responsible venue provider, SIC is committed to ensure top class facilities and services for the upcoming season. With the primary objective to bring national motorsports to a greater level, we would like to rally more riders and teams to compete in MSBK and welcome the fans to witness the
races in SIC this year.”

The grass roots race, FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series and SIC Ohvale Junior Championship season 3 is scheduled to take place with 5 Rounds this year.

The first round will be held at UniMAP Circuit, Perlis this weekend, 20 – 21 May 2023, while the second round at Morac Adventure Park Langkawi Circuit, Kedah on 17 – 18 June 2023. Tangkak Racing Circuit, Johor is the location for the third scheduled round on 5 – 6 August 2023, while the fourth and final round will be held at the Sepang Kart International Circuit (SIKC) on 2 – 3 September 2023 and 14 – 15 October 2023.

The FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series will featuring 18 riders aged 12 to 14 including 4 riders from Singapore, Vietnam and China who will ride Ohvale 160cc racing machines. Meanwhile, 15 riders including 5 riders from Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and China aged 8 to 12 will ride Ohvale 110cc racing machines in the SIC Ohvale Junior Championship.

FIM MiniGP Malaysia will also going on together with the Malaysian Supermoto Championship this year. This championship can also be watched live via Facebook FIM MiniGP Malaysia and SIC Ohvale Junior Championship.

The battle between Malaysia’s Super KIP and Thailand’s Chip Nakarin was evident in Round 1 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Taking their turns to flex their muscles and dominate the circuit with their well-rounded expertise, the season foresees exciting scenes as they go on full-throttle to conquer.

Circumstances may not have been favourable to KIP in last season but this year is all about making up for the loss, and he flew to a great start. His flawless lap time consequently his win in Race 1, may not have come as a surprise but for Chip, it was about learning his contender’s moves and using his home-ground circuit to his advantage to strike back in Race 2. With HONDA RACING THAILAND and BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM gloating upon equal points, the next challenge would be the drive to dominate the chart.

Commenting on the Round 1, Chip said, “There are differences in our riding styles and tactics. Riding alongside my rivals help me understand that better and be more aware. That is important as it helps me adapt to the situation throughout the race. Round 1 was an incredible race. Of course, apart from the rivalry, it was also the heat however that’s the challenge we have to overcome.”

As for KIP, he said, “Last year was a struggle for me as I was out of the racing scene for about a year prior to that. So, while I took time to gain back the confidence and pick up on my riding abilities, it helped me project the possibilities clearer. Race 1 was an ultimate boost to get back into the momentum. Now, it is all about being ahead and fighting from here on.”

Sepang circuit will definitely be an added advantage for Khairul however Nakarin seemed to have upped his game this season and is in to take up the forthcoming hurdles ahead. The Honda riders may have the machines for speed but what fuels excitement into the game is the amalgamation of engine capacities with manoeuvring techniques.

Khairul said, “I love Sepang circuit. It is my home-ground and I have celebrated many success stories there. Nevertheless, key to the success is also the condition of the machine. As such, team work is crucial as they are the backbone to the development of a machine that is near perfect for the race.”

As for Nakarin, he said, “The motivation in Sepang would be to have Thailand flag on the podium, preferably on the top spot which is not going to be easy. Riding there would require the skill in braking at the corners and a proper riding plan. I lack skills when cornering hence need more work on that. Furthermore, with Malaysian riders on the circuit ground, it is bound to get fiery!”

The Underbone 150cc race category of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship has always been an intriguing ride especially with highly driven Asian riders in long lines, fighting to catch up in a bid to bag the limelight. Wawan Wello of PitsBike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team has showcased excellent showmanship in Round 1 and will return for greater challenges in Round 2 at Sepang International Circuit.

The 25-year-old Indonesian rider is not a stranger in his homeland and has a huge database of fans and followers. That is undeniably an attribution to his successes in the motorcycle racing scene. Wawan made his debut in ARRC in year 2018 in the last two rounds before coming back for more in
year 2019 where he made it second on the podium three times. It was not an easy year for him especially with technical issues surrounding his machine nevertheless, he put on quite a show and landed himself 7 th overall. Coming back this season after a long-hiatus on his end is a big move and despite that, Wawan has already made waves on the circuit.

“I am quite happy and satisfied with my achievements and the team work in Round 1, more so since I have not raced in the Asian racing scene for over 2 years. My experiences in the years before have definitely been a huge guide in helping me with my riding abilities. The machines in the UB150 race category are almost similar in power and capacities hence practicing on my skills are important to make the cut.”

Wawan was fiery in Round 1 where he took lead in most laps. His ability to withstand the pressure trailing him kept him grounded with a steady pace. Commenting on the ride, Wawan said, “This category paves a winning pathway for all riders. Key to this category would be finding the right
rhythm that would provide consistency throughout the ride. Consistency can only be achieved if mistakes are minimised.”

“The machines in the category are fine-tuned to achieve its maximum capacity. The mechanics are excellent in providing a setup that would work for the circuit. As a rider, my job is to up my performances, aligned with the performances of the machine. For the race at Sepang, I would have to get adapted to the setup of the machine as quick as possible so that I can make my way to the podium.”