MCP ROUND 9:PRACTICE REPORT

CP130

Mohd Ramdan Rosli was off to a good start as he led the way in the penultimate round of the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, breaking the CP130 lap record ahead of Sunday’s qualifying and final races at the Sepang South Circuit.

The PETRONAS Syntium Moto Yamaha AHM rider posted a best lap of 1’18.636s in his second lap to decimate the 1’19.309s record previously held by Yamaha Maju Motor’s Ahmad Fazli Sham.

Second fastest was Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi followed by Mohd Affendi Rosli third with 1’18.697s and 1’18.710s respectively.

“The team made a last minute setup change and this helped us to clock in half a second faster than the morning practice. They made a good call and thanks to them I could break the lap record so I am very quite pleased with today’s outcome,” said Ramdan.

“However, the race weekend is far from over. I need to deliver the same pace if not better to secure a front row start in the qualifying tomorrow. Based on past results, I don’t think it will be a walk through the park because the Honda teams are quite strong here (Sepang) but I will definitely try my best,” added the 17-year old.

Jempol (Round 8) winner, Ahmad Fuad Baharudin (Faito Yamaha Motobert) registered second last out of 16 riders with 1’24.616s due to a malfunctioning gearbox.

CP115

A set of new Dunlop tyres propelled Mohd Shariffudin Shamsuddin to the top of the CP115 timesheets ahead of 25 contending riders.

The PETRONAS Yamaha-CKj set the benchmark at 1’21.725s, 0.505 seconds ahead of Mohd izzat Zaidi Salehan (Motul Yamaha YY Pang) with 1’22.230s.

Third fastest was Sasitharen Sukumaran with 1’22.410s.

“We went out with the newly introduced Dunlop tyres and this gave us a slight advantage against the grid. It weighs less compared to the Bridgestone we normally use and it works better on tracks that require rolling speed,” said Shariffudin.

“Even so, we are planning to revert back to the Bridgestone for the qualifying tomorrow and make one final comparison. Only then we will decide which tyre to use for the final,” added Shariffudin who is hoping for a podium finish.

WIRA

In the WIRA category, Amirul Hakim Mohd Rizal cast usual suspects under the shade as he recorded the quickest lap for the practice session.

The absence of overall champion, Hafiza Rofa and teammate, Mohd Shafiq Rasol gave the Mos Track Pro Yamaha Racing room to display his potential on the 2.609 kilometer circuit.

Amirul topped the time sheets with 1’24.152s.

Trailing closely was Mohd Adam Norroddin and Mohd Rabilfirli Nooral Azmin (Faito Factory Racing) with 1’24.234s and 1’24.303s respectively.

Yamaha 135 Super Series PETRONAS

Mohd Azam Omar took home fastest time in the Yamaha 135 Super Series PETRONAS in the Timed Practice session for the ninth leg of the Cub Prix Championship.

Azam who is running for the championship title this season headed the 17-rider strong band of Yamaha youngsters under wet weather, carefully planning his move so as not to lose traction on the wide, slippery track.

With the machine going on full throttle on most long straights, Azam clocked in 1:33.093s as fastest time with another crowd favorite, Mohd Ibrahim Norrodin finishing behind in 1:34.403s while Mohd Shafiq Ezzariq (1:34.479s) came in as third fastest this time.

Wrapping up top five fastest riders were Mohd Fariz Ahmad Faizal and Mohd Amirul Rosefendy in fourth and fifth.

For more info and results, please visit www.malaysiancubprix.com