With ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and track temperature hitting the high 60s, Round 5 of the 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Zhuhai International Circuit is looking to be a sizzling hot affair.
As the ASB1000 riders hit the 4.3km Zhuhai track for the very first time, many of the riders have found the circuit to be highly challenging. Malaysian rider Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi (Honda Asia Dream Racing with SHOWA) laid down the first marker in the premiere class by clocking 1’34.482s at the top of the combined practice results.
Zaqhwan is only 0.048s faster than championship leader, Broc Parkes. The Yamaha Racing Team ASEAN rider was second fastest in the practice sessions with 1’34.530s. The Aussie rider is joined by his team mate, Yuki Ito, who came in third fastest with 1’34.539s.
Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, now officially backed by BMW, was fourth fastest with 1’35.179s. Yamaha Man Lee Tat Racing Team’s wildcard, Li Zheng Peng, leads the Chinese charge in the ASB1000. He clocked fifth with 1’35.297s.
Thitipong Warokorn, newly returning to the battle after recovering from a crash earlier this year, put up a commendable P6 finish with 1’35.297s.