Azlan feeling optimistic despite starting from fourth on the grid

PETALING JAYA: Local riders Apiwat Wongthananon and Chalermpol Polamai locked out the SuperSports 600cc front row as the riders head into their final battle of the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship season at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand.

While the homegrown heroes set their sights on a complete domination of the podium, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman was the fastest among the five title contenders for the 600cc crown in qualifying yesterday.

The Manual Tech KYT Kawasaki Racing rider clocked 1:39.223 during the qualifier and will start Race 1 and Race 2 from fourth on the grid.

Right in front of Azlan are the top performers in Round 6 – pole-sitter Apiwat Wongthananon (1:38.770), Chalermpol Polamai (1:38.978) and Australia’s Anthony West (1:39.182).

“The Thais have grown stronger every time we race at Buriram. Apiwat is unbelievably fast.

“He clocked his quick lap on his second lap out on track and nobody was able to beat his time.

“Missing out on the front row is a big disappointment for me.

“However, I’m still feeling optimistic about the title chase because championship leaders Yuki Ito (Japan) and Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi will start from Row 3,” said Azlan.

Ito qualified seventh fastest and Zaqhwan eighth.