Sethu relishes test chance with Honda's Moto3-spec bike

The Chennai-based rider was part of the 10 young hopefuls to be given the chance to test the bikes used in the Thailand Moto3 series at the Buriram circuit.

"The bikes used [in the test] were totally different when compared to the bikes used in the Asia Dream Cup races," he told Motorsport.com. "Those are basically production bikes.

"But the ones we tested are Moto3 prototype bikes specially made for racing. It is a lot more quicker in corners and faster in straights.

"Physically too, it is challenging to handle, but it was a great experience for me on that machinery," he said, adding that the opportunity came to him since he is one of the reserves for the 2017 Asia Talent Cup.

Talking about his 2016 season in ARRC racing in the ADC category, where he finished 16th overall, the Indian said, even though he improved as a rider, but he wasn't overly satisfied with his performance.

"I was not at all happy with my performance in 2016. I think, I could have done much better, but I lacked consistency and my bike setup hurt my chances," he explained.

"The area I think I need to work upon in the off-season is my focus and concentration. But from 2015, I feel I made an improvement.

"For 2017, I would certainly want to work on my consistency, concentration and be able to setup the bike."

With the decision of Honda to discontinue the ADC category and focus solely on ATC, Sethu is left with limited options for his future in international racing.

"I don't know anything yet [on my future]," the Honda Ten10 Racing academy rider said. "If I get a chance I would like to race in ARRC.

"I still need to improve on my weakness [though], before I get any chance for [racing in] Europe," he added.