After a few rounds with indifferent results, McKinley Kyle Paz is back on top of the UB150 standings following a stunning performance at Race 1 at the Zhuhai International Circuit.
The Filipino rider had arrived in China determined to win back the championship lead that he had lost following the Suzuka leg of the season. The young rider displayed his determination when he qualified for the front row with 2’02.302s. He started the race from P2, flanked by polesitter Aldi Satya Mahendra and championship leader Wawan Wello.
The 29-rider grid bunched up together as soon as the lights went off. At a track like the Zhuhai International Circuit, breaking away was almost impossible.
The close-contact racing continued right up to the final lap until a series of unrelated crashes gave McKinley the opportunity to extend his lead. First, Murobbil Vitoni high sided at the exit of Turn 1. A few corners later, Wahyu Aji Trilaksana tangled with Rozaiman Said. Then, championship leader Wawan Wello high sided out of the race.
With the key competitors in the group out of the race, McKinley was able to speed to the finish line with a time of 16’17.478s. His team mate Fernando Masato made it a Filipino 1-2 for the UMA Racing Yamaha Philippine Team. Young Aldi Satya Mahendra finished in third.