ARRC RD03:PRACTICE REPORT

Ahmad Fuad Baharudin did not let the rain and dense fog stop him from mounting a serious challenge in the SuperSports 600cc PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship opening practice at the Autopolis Circuit in Japan on Friday.

Fuad representing PETRONAS Hong Leong Yamaha rolled up second quickest with 2’05.467s in FP2 behind Japan’s Katsuaki Fujiwara who set the benchmark at 2’04.334s after FP1 was cancelled due to poor visibility.

Thailand’s Ratthapong Wilairot posted the next best effort in third fastest with 2’05.657s while Satoru Iwata and Fuad’s teammate, Yuki Ito completed the top five with 2’06.416s and 2’06.534s respectively.

Fuad commented, “We got a full 40-minute session but the weather was very unpredictable switching between the fog and the rain. Hopefully the weather improves tomorrow so we can start looking for a good setup for our bike.”

Separately an eager Kazuki Masaki looking to replicate memories of getting on the podium here last season is off to a good start when he took charge of the Underbone 130cc practice sessions with 2’21.226s.

The teenage rider produced his impressive lap time in FP2 that was shortened from 40 minutes to 18 minutes due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Gupita Kresna who leads the Underbone 130cc title chase posted the second best lap in the combined results with 2’32.954s followed by Malaysian, Norizman Ismail third, 2’33.494s.

Rounding up the top five quickest Underbone 130cc riders were Hokky Krisdianto of Motul Yamaha YY Pang and Taiga Hada, 2’33.547s and 2’33.722s.