Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship began today with the free practice sessions for the Asia Superbike 1000cc, SuperSports 600cc, Asia Production 250cc and TVS Asia One Make Championship race categories and ended with the qualifying session for the Underbone 150cc race category.
Despite the chilly weather at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course, the riders of the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category were pumped up for yet another exciting show. Today, marking the fastest in the practice sessions, combined for Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship was Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team.
In practice session 1 that was held earlier this morning, Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda-Asia Dream Racing with SHOWA was impressive when he showcased his agility in adapting to the circuit layout, clocking in his best lap time at 1’28:436s. At the second fastest was Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS Harc-Pro. Honda. Ph. who marked his best at 1’28:748s followed by Rei Toshima of Dog Fight Racing at 1’29:051s. In practice session 2, Markus Reiterberger emerged fastest with a new record at 1’28:299s. Japanese riders Takume Kunimine of TOHO Racing and Rei Toshima logged in second and third fastest at 1’28:430s and 1’28:562s respectively.
In the third practice session, Markus was on fire as he went on to mark a new lap record at 1’27:884s. At the second fastest spot was Haruki with his best time at 1’28:246s followed by Kota Arakawa of MOTO BUM HONDA with his best at 1’28:466s. That leaves with Markus taking the fastest spot in the practice sessions, combined. It’s an amazing achievement especially for a first-timer at the circuit which further accentuates his credentials as a well-established and experienced rider.
Commenting on the session, Markus said, “The lap time was very impressive. We made a few changes again to the machine and I found a good tire combination which I am quite comfortable with. The tire is more or less consistent although I lost some grip over the lap. We definitely have to improve this but for the qualifying session and the race, I think we are there.” At the second fastest place was Haruki Noguchi followed by Takuma Kunimine at the third fastest spot in the practice sessions, combined.
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