Suzuki’s Borbon, Mascardo set Philippine history in Johor

Filipino riders April King Mascardo and Mario Borbon Jr. completed a 1-2 combo for Team Philippines by winning back-to-back in the Suzuki Asian Challenge Round 1 at the Johor International Circuit in Malaysia over the weekend.

It was a historic finish for the two who became the first Filipinos to seize a grand slam in Johor.

Mascardo and Borbon are part of the 3-man Team Suzuki Pilipinas that competed against 13 other riders from Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Visayas rider Mario Borbon, Jr. managed to stay on the lead on the last laps of Race 1 despite the slippery and wet track condition, before grabbing the 1st top podium win of the season.

Mascardo the third member of Team Pilipinas, EJ Sobretodo alternated the lead on the first laps of Race 2. Sobretodo, however, collided with other riders midway the race, allowing Mascardo to isolate himself and take the lead. Mascardo eventually took the victory in Race 2.

Suzuki Asian Challenge is a one make race competition among nations aiming to hone young riders to be MotoGP racers.

The trio of Borbon, Mascardo and Sobretodo will next race in Round 2 at Chang International Circuit, Thailand on April 14 to 15.

Round 3 will take place at Suzuka International Circuit, Japan on June 3 to 4, followed by Round 4 at Sentul Inetrnational Circuit, Indonesia on August 12 to 13. The final round will be staged at Chang International Circuit, Thailand on December 2 to 3.