Malaysian rider Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi clinched his second ASB1000 win of the season at Race 1 in Round 5 at the Zhuhai International Circuit.
The Honda Asia Dream Racing with SHOWA rider had displayed the best pace over the course of the practice sessions, but found his pole position taken over by Aussie rider Broc Parkes during the qualifier. Broc earned the right to park his bike on pole position with 1’33.994s.
However, a front row start from P2 was all Zaqhwan needed to take control of the ASB1000 Race 1 from lights to flag. A terrific start from the Honda rider sent him straight into the lead. Polesitter Broc did not have the best of starts, dropping to P4 at the end of Lap 1.
Zaqhwan put up a masterful display of defensive riding as he controlled the race pace from the front and ended the 13-lap race with 20’38.147s
Behind Zaqhwan, Yamaha Racing Team ASEAN’s Yuki Ito was also a constant presence in P2. Ito successfully clinched P2 with 20’39.032s.
Thitipong Warokorn enjoyed a dream comeback in third with 20’40.430s.
Championship leader Broc Parkes ended his race just off the podium in fourth. The Yamaha Racing Team ASEAN rider has managed to secure his lead on top of the standings. Broc now holds 163 points.
Zaqhwan’s latest win has pushed him up the standings to second overall with 140 points.
Meanwhile, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman dropped to third overall after he low-sided out of the race on Lap 3.