November 24th (Thursday) Sunny Buriram → Buriram

Total: 227.25km Liaison: 78.65km SS: 148.60km

LEG 3

Today complete over 1000km, passing 1/3 to middle point of the entire race distance. A fierce battle endure for both MOTO 2 Wheels and AUTO 4 wheels.

Fierce battle between Cambodian forces and Japanese forces

There is no sure thing in racing, until you reach the finish line. MOTO 2 wheels leader started with the comfortable lead, but Team Cambodia's #20 Koun Phandara (KTM's 450 EXC-F) pushing with pace that is out of this planet, pulling away from the pack and now become the top position.

Previous overall 1st position leader #3 Team Japan's NISHIMURA Hironori (Husqvarna TE250i), whom kept finishing daily 1st place, fell to overall 2nd place overall, due to his 5th place finish today. However, their overall different is just 28 seconds, with remaining 2 days short SS, its still too close to call.

#2 ORANGE FACTORY's ONO Takuya (YAMAHA YZ250FX) achieve the second fastest time today, whom had received a big penalty in SS3 placing him in 7th. But todays 2nd surly demonstrates he is back in the fight.

3rd place finish #16 Team Japan's OTSUKA Masaki (KTM 250EXC-F). The overall position has also improved from 6th to 5th.

The leading group remains unchanged. 3rd overall is Daravuth Chan (SUZUKI RMX 450Z) of #24 Team Cambodia, and 4th overall is #1 MATSUMOTO Norihisa (KTM 350EXC-F) of Team OTOKONAKI. For the top podium fight, it is likely be between these 4 riders.

All gloves are off between these automakers

Since the second day of the rally, We have reported that this year AUTO 4 wheels are in a "three-way battle". Nevertheless, we could have foresee the battle this clearly. Be amaze and see the below current position finish ranking.

• (1)(2)Isuzu D-MAX
• (3)(4)Toyota Hilux Revo
• (5)(6)Mitsubishi Triton
• (7)(8)Toyota Fortuner
• (9)(10)Toyota Hilux Revo
• (11)(12)Isuzu D-MAX

Top finish of the day, Suwat Limjirapinya / Prakob CHAOTHALE of #101 Isuzu Suphan Explorer Rally Team, continue with their impressive finish time. If keeping the leading pace and without encounter major trouble, they will surely continue at top.

2nd place finish Isuzu D-MAX of Tawee Neanna / Athikij SRIMONGKHOL of #115 Ayumi Racing Team.

3rd place is #103 Mana Pornsirichard / Thanyaphat MEENIL's Toyota Hilux Revo. His teammate finish 4th place, Toyota Cross Country Team Thailand's #102 Jaras Jaengkamolkulchai / Sinoppong TRAIRAT. The #102 Hilux Revo has moved up from yesterday's 3rd place to 2nd place overall.

Following finish at 6th and 7th are Team Mitsubishi Ralliart's #118 RIFAT HELMY SUNGKAR / Chupong CHAIWAN and #105 Chayapon Yotha / Peerapong SOMBUTWONG. #105 Triton maintained the overall top position with stable pace. By continuing the current pace and strategy, if without major mechanical troubles or miss course, winning on the first try is still a possibility! #118 Triton also moved up from overall 5th to 4th overall.

And at 8th and 9th place is Fortuner GEOLANDAR takuma-gp's Toyota Fortuner, which maintain running at a stable speed since the first day without any trouble. #108 AOKI Takuma / Itthipon SIMARAKS team and #116 HANAWA Ikuo / SOMEMIYA Hirokazu team, continue to show great team work and support for each other. Which reflects in the overall ranking, #116 HANAWA was 3rd and #108 AOKI was 5th. The atmosphere of the team gets stronger as the race days passes, not just in the day time racing, but also at their nighttime pit work.

Tomorrow we will cross the border from Thailand into Cambodia. Although the SS course was shortened by about 10km just before the race, the total distance extended from 348km to 433km. Although mostly in liaison, however if any major machine trouble did occurs during that time, it will still surely affect the ranking. Look forward to all cars safely gather in Siem Reap, and continue focus on race battle to the finish line.