Indonesian rider Rafid Topan Sucipto led the way on Day 1 at the season finale of the 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, thanks to a 1’53.039s fastest lap that put him on provisional pole in the Asia Production 250cc class.
The former Moto2 rider was followed by A.P. Honda Racing Thailand trio Piyawat Patoomyos, Muklada Sarapuech and Tatchakorn Buasri, with the top seven riders all qualifying within a second.
ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team’s Rey Ratukore completed the top five on the overall charts. The Indonesian sits 0.7 seconds off compatriot Rafid as they head for qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday.
Aiki Iyoshi led the three AP250 title contenders on P6. Behind the Manual Tech KYT Kawasaki Racing rider, his team mate Andy Muhammad Fadly, Awhin Sanjaya, Irfan Ardiansyah and Lucky Hendriansya rounded up the top 10. All four has a critical role to play in the outcome of the Asia Production 250cc title chase. Team play is expected to be very much in evidence this weekend, especially with both Fadly and Irfan riding with a 1000rpm cut.