2024 FIM Mini GP Malaysia Series: Chinese Racers Eyeing the Podium at the Youth Championship

The second round of the 2024 FIM Mini GP Malaysia Series, in conjunction with the SIC Ohvale Junior Championship, took place on June 8-9 at the Sepang International Karting Circuit in Malaysia.

The SUPER-26 team returned for another year, with Chen Sihang driving car number 78 in the 110 cc category of the SIC Ohvale Junior Championship; Chen Shiyu and Long Junhao raced respectively in cars 43 and 93, upgrading from the 160 cc group to the 190 cc division after last year’s series.

In the season opener held in Johor, Malaysia (Nusantara, Singapore) on May 25-26, Chen Sihang suffered an injury in practice and had to withdraw from the remainder of the event. In the new 190 cc category, Chen Shiyu and Long Junhao finished ninth and twelfth in their first race, while eleventh and tenth places followed in their second outing.

For all three racers, Sepang International Karting Circuit holds a special significance as their home track, having trained extensively there since their debut last year. Despite his injury, Chen Sihang raced conservatively, securing tenth and ninth-place finishes in the two heats.

Though new to the 190 cc FIM Mini GP Malaysia Series, Chen Shiyu and Long Junhao had already gained experience with the Ohvale GP-2 190 at domestic events, allowing them to be competitive from the start. Long Junhao started from the third position – his first front-row start in Malaysia – and finished fifth and fourth in the two heats, closing in on the podium. Chen Shiyu started from eighth and achieved ninth and sixth-place finishes.

The upcoming three rounds of the 2024 season, in Langkawi, Glass City, and again at Sepang, feature tracks where the team’s Chinese drivers have previously raced. Their goal is to make their first appearance on the podium in this highly competitive Asian championship, representing a significant milestone in their careers.