The last qualifying session of the year for the Asia Production 250cc category also yielded one of the most dramatic results. The only thing that went according to script was Anupab Sarmoon’s ability to turn the home ground advantage to his benefit. Muklada Sarapuech pulled off a fast lap to qualify on front row for the first time in her ARRC career while championship leader Gerry Salim defied the odds to retain his front row start position.
The Thai riders had been a formidable force in the final round. Anupab lived up to expectations when he posted 1’53.522s during the Asia Production 250cc category.
AP Honda Racing Thailand’s Muklada Sarapuech managed a scintillating lap during the qualifier – 1’54.070s – and earned the right to park her bike second on the grid.
Gerry Salim highsided at Turn 1 during the opening laps of the qualifying practice. Some frantic work in the pit from the Astra Honda Racing Team engineers brought Gerry out on track in time to put in a couple of quick laps, fast enough to put him third on the grid with 1’54.200s.
Among the three title contenders, Anupab looks to have the bigger advantage, having consistently improved on his laptimes from the first free practice onwards. Tomoyoshi Koyama will start the race from sixth on the grid.
