The roar of the ASB1000 grew louder today in the first practice session with riders pushing beyond limits, testing their engine capacities with the hope that tomorrow would score them their first goal for the season. In that bid Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA emerged fastest with the combined result at 1’35:486s, held at the Chang International Circuit.
Earlier this morning, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of made the fastest in Practice 1 when he clocked in his fastest followed by Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM at 1’35:755s. At third fastest, it was Andi Farid Izdihar of HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA at 1’35:805s. During Practice 2 in the noon, Markus and Zaqhwan exchanged positions with the former clocking fastest at 1’36:069s while the latter at 1’36:132s. Andi remained at third fastest, marking his best at 1’36:336s.
Markus hit it back again in Practice 3 at 1’35:623s while Zaqhwan and Andi followed suit in second and third fastest spots. However, with the combined result, Zaqhwan was recognised fastest while Markus and Andi concluded at second and third.
Commenting on the session, Zaqhwan said, “It definitely felt very good. I was happy, excited and challenged. This year is foreseeably a tough one ahead with the likes of Markus, Andi, Noguchi and other international riders making up the entry list. If you noticed, the earlier session was pretty tough with the difference of less than a second. I have to be forward thinking in my approach during the race especially in managing the pace, even more so with such hot weather. The machine is indeed at its best and I am feeling really good manoeuvring it. Using the No. 1 on the machine definitely amplifies the pressure but I like the pressure. It pushes me further to do well especially my defence of the championship title.” “The weather will be somewhat similar tomorrow, I presume. I can already imagine the strain during the race especially among the top 5. I have to work on some strategies – perhaps, work on widening the gap or even trail someone close. But the more challenging bit would be preserving the tire till the end of the race. It is not going to be easy and I expect the tires to wear out by the 5th lap. Well, anyhow, I will keep my fingers crossed.”
Latest news at asiaroadracing.com