CUB PRIX ROUND 2: TIMED PRACTICE REPORT

Mohd Shariffudin Shamsuddin became the strongest man from the Yamaha camp in the timed practice sessions at Stadium Hang Jebat, host to the second leg of the 2013 PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship on Saturday.

The Hong PETRONAS Yamaha – CKJ rider who rode with new engines qualified for Sunday’s Shoot Out having lapped a best time of 50.672s ahead of Mohd Rozaliman Zakaria (PETRONAS Syntium Moto Yamaha AHM) with 50.766s.

Third fastest in the intermediate category was Rozaliman’s teammate and last season’s WIRA Champion, Mohd Hafiz Nor Azman. The 16-year old timed 50.869s.

“We had a positive outing today, and a major part of it was because we used a new engine. It was very responsive and all we needed to do was experiment with the sprockets and carburators to get the best out of it,” said Shariffuddin who Is hunting for a podium.

“However, we have a major concern regarding the weather in Malacca which is very hot and it might affect the engine during the race. The mechanics are now searching for a solution on how to increase it’s durability and withstand 15-laps of hard riding,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuad Baharudin of Faito Yamaha Motobert did not disappoint in the premiere class.

The 34-year old highly-experienced rider came in third fastest for the day with 49.778s after swapping leads with fastest rider, Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi who concluded the timed practice on top of the timesheets with 49.423s.

Second quickest in the premiere class was Norizman Ismail, 49.679s.

As for the WIRA category, Nurahmad Fariznazreen did the Yamaha camp proud to take third place.

The Mos Track Pro Yamaha Racing rider who finished second in the previous round at Batu Kawan timed 51.917s behind Khairul Idham Pawi and Round 1 winner, Hafiza Rofa with 51.442s and 51.842s respectively.

For more news and results, visit www.malaysiancubprix.com