Access Plus Racing has confirmed that they have now received the latest 2023-spec Ducati Panigale V4 S and V4 R, which are ready to go racing at the Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK) this weekend. Their goal is to bounce back after a tough outing at BRC last month, score maximum points, and maintain their lead in the Pro and Expert classes.
The team has been rigorously testing their new machinery at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) since last week in preparation for Round 3 in the 2023 calendar. The 4.189 km facility in Pampanga has also been the team’s strongest suit. Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto set the lap record on multiple occasions in the past and secured his 2 championships on the very same circuit. His teammate also feels more at home on this track, which allows Lawrence Macalinao to push with confidence and fully commit when battling for position.
Although their older Italian machinery are still some of, if not the quickest bikes on the grid, the team admits that they’re now starting to show their age. Years of running in hard competition has begun to compromise reliability and could cost them results in due time. Hence, it’s only fitting for Access Plus Racing to bring out the latest iterations of the Panigale V4 as the championship approaches its halfway mark where Alberto and Macalinao are both in the running for their respective class titles.
Qualifying for Round 3 of the 2023 Philippine Superbike Championship will take place on Saturday (July 8), while Races 1 and 2 happen on Sunday (July 9).
TJ Alberto, #77: “It’s nice to be back in Clark as it’s a track I’m quite comfortable with. We had a good 3 days of testing with the new 2023 Panigale V4 R and the results are very promising. With this I’m really excited to take it out on its maiden outing. We’re now tied in the points lead, but the season is still long. Our goal is also to score as many points as possible and take the title, not just to win races. Thanks always to everyone for their support and looking forward to the race weekend.”
Lawrence Macalinao, #26: “Really looking forward to Round 3 this weekend. With the new Ducati Panigale V4 S I think we could maximize the potential of the bike. Overall I am expecting good race pace and get a double win at Clark.”
Toti Alberto, Team Principal: “Right now we are tied for points in 1st place with TJ in the Pro Class, while Lawrence leads in the Expert Class by 8 points after the last race at BRC. Although we are still at the front, the team realizes that our bikes are now past their prime. They served us well, but we could run into more reliability issues and that’s why we’re bringing brand new bikes this weekend. Our goal for Clark is to be quick, consistent and score as much points as possible.”
Access Plus Racing is sponsored by Ducati Philippines, Angkas, Shell Advance Motorcycle Oils, ArmyNavy Burger + Burrito, Frontrow, Makati Diamond Residences, Katinko Oil and Ointment, Macbeth, Aella, LV8 Elevate, Extreme Components, STM, and Öhlins Racing.
