Suzuki Philippines gave the Philippine contingent to the 2016 Suzuki Asian Challenge a send off dinner cum press conference last night March 29, 2016 at the F1 Hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Attended by Suzuki Philippines officers headed by Suzuki Philippines President Hiroshi Suzuki, General Manager for Sales and Marketing-Motorcycle Division Mr. Jun Bulot, Marketing Head Mr. Monch Bontogon, and Suzuki Philippines Racing Head Noel Villapando, the riders of Team Suzuki Pilipinas were introduced to various members of the Motorcycle Media.
Team Suzuki Pilipinas is composed of
- April King Mascardo
- EJ Sobretodo
- Mario Borbon
Most of the questions from the audience centered around how the new team, which is now composed of ARRC veterans Mascardo and Borbon and rookie Sobretodo, will jell and what their respective strategies were for the series.
Davao City’s own April King Mascardo was seeded in the team because of his superb performance last year which included a podium finish in the 3rd leg of the 2015 series in Suzuka. Mascardo expressed confidence that he can do better this year owing to less nerves and better track familiarity.
When asked about the continuity of Suzuki’s commitment to developing local riders, Mr. Suzuki stressed that as long as the program exists in the international circuit, he will fight for the Philippine’s right to be represented. The Philippines is one of only a few nations with 3 representatives. Mr. Monch Bontogon also added that even though all the riders come from different teams and have separate rivalries in the local racing scene, they all carry the country’s colors during this event.
The riders along with their respective managers and crew were set to leave for Johor, Malaysia early the following day for the first round which begins March 31 and lasts till April 2.
Let’s wish our riders well and hope for a safe and successful race.
Congratulations to Team Suzuki Pilipinas, you are already our winners.
