STOCK STANDARD BIKE NO HASSLE FOR ZAQHWAN
Racing astride a stock standard Honda CBR1000RR is no hassle for Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi. At Round 1 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) underway this weekend, the 26-year-old even clocked a new MSBK 1000 lap record during the first day of free practice with 2’07.317s.
“I am riding a stock standard bike, direct from the factory. The only major difference is, of course, the suspension system. Creating a new laptime came as a complete surprise to me too!” Zaqhwan joked.
Nevertheless, Zaqhwan revealed that he will not be taking part in Race 1 on Saturday.
“Honda had made prior arrangement to film a launch video with me. Since there was no way to change the studio time, I have no choice but to absent myself from the grid tomorrow. I’ll be back for Race 2 and Race 3 on Sunday. But having missed the all-important qualifying session, this means that I will start both races from the back of the grid… on a stock standard bike.”
Elsewhere, MSBK 1000 rookie Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin gave good account for himself in his maiden ride astride the Yamaha YZF-R1M. Kasma ended the day half a second adrift of Zaqhwan’s pace, second quickest in class with 2’07.742s.
Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman clocked third fastest with 2’08.134s. The 2019 FIM Asian Superbike champion was having trouble getting back into the grove and crashed out in the closing minutes of the second free practice.
MSBK 1000 COMBINED FREE PRACTICE RESULTS
- Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi (Honda, Boon Siew Honda Racing Team), 2’07.317s
- Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin (Yamaha, Yamaha Racing Team ASEAN), 2’07.742s
- Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (BMW, ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team), 2’08.134s
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