Fresh from a week-long training stint at the Yamaha-VR46 MasterCamp in Italy, Thai rider Apiwat Wongthananon continues his winning ways. The Thai Yamaha rider posted the fastest time of the day with 2’15.251s in the third free practice session of the Asia Production 250cc class, making a quick comeback after trailing Somkiat Chantra and Ayumu Tanaka in the first two sessions.
Apiwat, who is leading the AP250 class by 36 points, stands a mathematical chance of securing the title with a round to spare. However, the 22-year-old Thai rider is still wary of the competition.
“The track is in great condition but the long straight here means plenty of opportunities to slipstream. I expect the race to be tricky with a big group fighting for position,” said Apiwat.
Behind Apiwat, AP Honda’s Somkiat Chantra posted second fastest with 2’15.555s. Apiwat’s team mate provisionally joins him on the front row with the third fastest time of the day, 2’16.485s. Defending champion Takehiro Yamamoto astride the Trickstar Kawasaki was only fourth fastest with 2’16.653s while Imanuel Putra Pratna was the best performing Indonesian with 2’16.673s.