Indonesian racer Kiandra Ramadhipa successfully achieved his first podium in the Red Bull Rookies Cup , after finishing second in the first race of the German Series, at the Sachsenring Circuit.Kiandra had started from 12th position in the race that began with pouring rain. After the start, he immediately rose to seventh position and continued to improve his position.Kiandra then occupied second position on lap eight, before then leading the race on the following lap.Another good start was made by another Indonesian rider, Veda Ega Pratama, who started the race from seventh position. Kiandra and Veda even led the race in positions 1-2 on Laps 10 to 12.
Unfortunately, Kiandra was overtaken by Brian Uriarte on the final lap at Turn 12 and had to finish second. Even so, Kiandra was very satisfied with this result, because this was Kiandra's first podium in the Rookies Cup."It was a very long race. I was leading the race and I just wanted to finish quickly. I tried to give my best, and I tried to control myself," he said in parc ferme, after the finish, as reported on the Red Bull website on Saturday. Kiandra also admitted that his tires had worn out in the final laps, because the track dried quickly. That's when he started to change strategy and play it safe in order to achieve his first podium and maximum points. "I felt the tires were wearing out on the last lap, and I said to myself, 'Don't crash.' I didn't care if anyone overtook me, I just kept my ego in check and tried to finish the race," he also said. "Thank you to the Astra Honda Racing Team and all the Indonesian people who have always supported me. This is for Indonesia. I will give my best for the second race tomorrow," he said again.
