It was a day of fierce pace and shifting momentum in the AP250 class as riders tackled the opening day of Round 4 in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia. After three practice sessions, it was Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who emerged on top with a blistering 1’47.227s.
The Indonesian youngster stamped his authority in Practice 3, recovering from a cautious start earlier in the day to light up the timing sheets and secure the combined practice honours in front of his home crowd.
Close behind, Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM kept himself firmly in contention, recording a strong 1’47.336s, just 0.109s adrift. Japan’s Aiki Iyoshi of MOTUL KAWASAKI SNIPER MANUAL TECH proved consistent across all sessions, finishing third overall with 1’47.489s.
Malaysia’s Mohamad Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM showed solid pace to slot into fourth on the combined standings at 1’47.501s, while Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM rounded up the Top 5 at 1’47.554s with his late charge.
Arbi said, “From the beginning I already felt comfortable with the bike and the setup. It was my first time riding this bike on this track, but I have a lot of experience here in the 600cc from the national championship, so I just tried to manage my pace at the start of practice. Unfortunately, in Practice 2 I had some technical issues with the engine, but the team fixed it and helped me a lot so I could push again. In Practice 3 I tried to find my pace again, avoid mistakes, and keep a consistent rhythm for the race. I have a good pace, I feel comfortable, and let’s see what we can do tomorrow in qualifying and Race 1.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE (AP250)
- FADILLAH ARBI ADITAMA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (1’47.227s)
- MOHAMMAD MUROBBIL VITONI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (1’47.336s)
- AIKI IYOSHI – MOTUL KAWASAKI SNIPER MANUAL TECH (1:47.489s)
- MOHAMAD DANIAL SYAHMI AHMAD SHAHRIL – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM (1’47.501s)
- KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (1’47.554s)