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Access Plus-Ducati Ph-Essenza optimistic on return to Malaysia for ASB1000

Access Plus Racing-Ducati Philippines-Essenza is certainly looking forward to their return to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this weekend for the Asia Road Racing Championship’s (ARRC) penultimate event of 2019. That’s because not only did they score their best result of the year on this very same track, but they also have a new ‘secret weapon’ for this weekend.

Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and Jonathan Serrapica kicked off the season earlier in March by delivering strong results on their ASB1000 debut. Alberto would get a best 6th place finish, while his teammate Serrapica was 7th across the line during opening race of the year. Naturally, they’d be hoping to add to those good memories with even stronger finishes and hopefully some silverware this time from Malaysia.

The team is also putting its hopes on Federico Santi who joins their lineup this September 20/22. As a former 125cc, 250cc, and Superbike World Championship rider, his experience will greatly help Access Plus Racing-Ducati Philippines-Essenza improve on their Panigale V4R’s setup and overall race pace on the 5.542 km circuit. Of course, as the team’s third rider, they’re also banking on the Italian to land some much-needed podium finishes if possible.

The penultimate event of the Asia Road Racing Championship features Qualifying at 10:50 AM and Race 1 at 4:15 PM local tim on Saturday (September 21). The final 11-lap Race 2 then happens at 4:15 PM on Sunday (September 22).

TJ Alberto, #77 Ducati: “We’re all glad to be back in Sepang. We got our best results in ASB1000 on this circuit during the season opener in March. Now after five rounds in the ARRC, I feel we have improved a lot and can close the gap even further to the front runners.”

Johnathan Serrapica #48 Ducati: “This is going to be our second time in Sepang this season and it’ll be a good way for us to test how much we’ve learned in 2019. We also have Federico Sandi with us, who gives us extra motivation this weekend. I already have a clear plan what I need to do and hope to get good results in Malaysia”

Federico Sandi: “I feel very honored to be part of Access Plus Racing this September. It’s not my first time at the Sepang International Circuit. Last time I came here was in 2008 with the 250 class World Championship, but I have never raced in superbike here before. Still, my goal is to be consistent, most especially to help the team improve the Ducati Panigale V4R and be fast all weekend.”

Toti Alberto, Team Principal: “So excited for the team to have a rider to Sandi’s talent join us for Sepang. He won the Superstock 1000 season ender last year and hope we can learn from his inputs this weekend. He’s also good friend of the team. Sandi was with us in Clark International Speedway during the Philippine launch of the Panigale V4R where he impressed us by setting a fast time on his first time on the circuit. With his experience, we expect Sandi to set good times on the Ducati and help the team be more competitive in ASB1000.”

Team Access Plus Racing-Ducati Philippines-Essenza is sponsored by Access Plus Group, Ducati Philippines, Essenza, AELLA, Dickies Philippines, Öhlins Philippines, Century Hotel Angeles City, LV8, and Pradera Verde.

For more info and the latest updates about the team, follow Access Plus Racing on Facebook.

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Time Attack Manila

Time Attack Manila

Founded in late 2013, Time Attack Manila (TAM) is the only dedicated online magazine in the Philippines that focuses on local and international motorsports.
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Time Attack Manila

Time Attack Manila

Founded in late 2013, Time Attack Manila (TAM) is the only dedicated online magazine in the Philippines that focuses on local and international motorsports.
View All Posts