Fakhrusy Syakirin Rostam of SCK Rapido Hi Rev Honda Racing stunned his more celebrated rivals including former Moto2 rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman as he topped the qualifying of Round 4 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here today.
Fakhrusy – a former Asia Talent Cup rider – clocked 1 minute 7.144 seconds on his Honda CBR600RR machine for his best lap around the 2,705-metre Sepang North Track to secure pole position fortomorrow’s opening race for the 600cc Supersport Championship.
Azlan Shah – the former Asian Road Racing Championship (ARRC) champion – was second fastest with the best lap time of 1 minute 7.456 seconds on his Kawasaki ZX6R to start alongside Fakhrusy on the front row.
Championship leader Ismael Smalji, who look set to win the overall crown by the end of Round 4tomorrow, completed the front row with the best lap time of 1 minute 7.754 seconds. After three rounds, the German rider has garnered 132.5 points with closest rival, Khurana Dhiraj lagging far behind on 83 points.
Qualifying for the Superbike Championship was topped by another former Moto2 rider, Mohd Ramdan Mohd Rosli of HKM Times Bike Racing Team. He clocked 1 minute 5.112 seconds, which is 0.5.41 seconds faster than defending champion, Rajini Krishnan of India.
The 1000cc Superstock Championship will have Malaysian Mohd Hafiz Nor Azman of Fastthrottle Motorsports on pole position for the opening race tomorrow after he chalked a commanding lap time of 1 minute 6.356 seconds on his Honda CBR1000RR machine to edge compatriot Mohd Radzi Omar. Championship leader Jonathan Serrapica has the third fastest time; with a time of 1 minute 7.265 seconds on his Yamaha R1.
Malaysian Muhammad Ibrahim Norrodin had to be contended with second place in the time sheet for qualifying today in the KTM RC Cup, losing out to Australian Billy van Earde who clocked 1 minute 16.452 seconds.
The 250 Open Cup was topped by Zhafir Zamani, who clocked 1 minute 17.312 seconds; beating Surya Narayana by a mere 0.398 seconds. Championship leader Muhammad Aiman Tahuriddin completed the front row with a time of 1 minute 17.925 seconds.
Fans can catch all the actions for free from the Main Grandstand. For a closer experience, they can purchase special Paddock Passes, which will allow them access to the paddock and enjoy the race from the covered rooftop of the Main Pit Building.
As in previous rounds, all the races will be telecast live on social media via live-streaming on SIC Facebook page.
