#Class of 2018 descend on Philippine capital with practice sessions
The action for the second round of the FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship 2018 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Philippines got underway on Friday with the scheduled practice sessions.
The slight revision in the programme saw the riders take to the track for the very first time to acclimatise with the specially constructed track at the iconic location with two free practice sessions.
The sessions were also utilised to allow the riders to get a feel for their machines as well as decide on the setup and tyre options ahead of Saturday’s timed practice, qualifying and SuperChrono shootout.
Despite a wet start in the morning, the threat of prolonged rain did not materialise allowing for perfect dry running in the afternoon.
Taking full advantage of the favourable conditions, all the riders took to the track on Friday with the attention on the main protagonists in this year’s Championship.
Keen to leverage on racing on home soil, the day was well spent by the two Philippine riders, Mark Reggie A.
Flores and Kenneth San Andres who will both be looking to build on their solid start to their 2018 campaign. Also out to solidify his claim to the Championship crown after his double race wins in Thailand is Denmark’s Simon Vilhelmsen, who will have to fend off a strong charge from the United Kingdom’s Lewis Cornish.
“After a lot of planning, round 2 of the FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship 2018 here at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Philippines is finally here with the practice sessions today.
“As usual, these practice sessions are vital to allow the riders to better acclimatise with the track, and how their machines behave.
“It is also important to allow the riders and their respective teams to explore the setup, geometry and tyre options ahead of tomorrow’s important qualifying session.
“After a super competitive opening round last month in Thailand, we can definitely expect an action-packed weekend of racing in the coming days! We would like to thank our Presenting Partner, the National Parks Development Council (NPDC), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Moto Tourism Council (MTC) and our local co-organiser, Plug and Play 360. All races are fully sanctioned by NAMSSA.” commented Andrew Ching, Chief Executive Officer of E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd, promoter and organiser of the FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship.
Proceedings for the round at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila continues on Saturday, 8 September with another free practice session, a time practice, qualifying and SuperChrono sessions.
The highlight of the weekend’s proceedings will see the two races (Moto 1 and Moto2) scheduled on Sunday, 9 September.
