Suzuki Asian Challenge championship leader Punchana Kulrojchalalai enjoyed a good start to his final title bid as the Suzuki developmental class got underway at the Chang International Circuit.
The Thai rider used his intimate knowledge of the circuit to good advantage and was quickest in both FP1 and FP2. Punchana posted the fastest time in his class – 2’14.035s to earn provisional pole ahead of the qualifying session on Saturday.
Although Punchana is used to being the only Thai rider on the Suzuki Asian Challenge grid, he would be glad of the presence of Patis Chooprathet who returned as a wildcard for the final round. Patis would be a good partner on the track for Punchana, especially after logging the second fastest time in the class.
Of the three title contenders, Tetsuya Fujita managed to put in a creditable performance, lapping home within the top five. April King Mascardo, on the other hand, looked to be struggling when he was only ninth and 11th fastest.