Access Plus Racing managed to bring home a pair of Top 10 finishes at the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) season opener in Thailand. Although it was a weekend filled with missed opportunities, the Philippine-based team is positive that it has a race-winning package in their hands with the Ducati Panigale V4R and riders Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and Thitipong “Tingnote” Warokorn.
The newly-signed Thai rider turned heads on the Panigale V4R as he made his way around the Chang International Circuit. Despite it being his first time on a Ducati, Tingnote was able to set some of the quickest times on track. He then carried this momentum over to Qualifying where he put the #100 machine 2nd on the grid. TJ was also pleased with his runs as he was already faster than his previous best last time they visited the circuit and ended up 11th.
Access Plus Racing’s hopes of a podium, however, were dashed when Tingnote was forced to start from the pit lane in Race 1. Adding to the team’s misfortunes, TJ then collided with another rider on the opening lap. He would suffer a fractured collarbone as a result and was out of contention for the rest of the race weekend. With the Thai rider flying the team’s colors solo, Tingnote pushed hard to regain the places he had lost. He managed to climb a spot on almost every lap up to P4 and finished in a strong 9th place.
All the team’s chances of a good result rested with Warokorn in Race 2. He fought for position throughout the grueling 13-lap race to secure a hard-earned 8th place, improving on his position from the previous day and collecting valuable championship points.
With lessons learned from the season opener, Access Plus Racing vows to come back stronger for the second round of the ARRC’s 2022 season in 2 month’s time. The Philippine-based will head to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on May 27/29.
TJ Alberto: “Not the weekend that we were expecting. I was injured when I crashed out in Race 1 and could no longer participate in Race 2, so I’m leaving Thailand with no points. But there were positives from the season opener. Our pace showed that we have potential just that luck was not on our side. I’m now looking forward to be fit to race in Sepang in 2 month’s time.”
Tingnote Warokorn: “I was happy after all, even though we didn’t win yet as it was too new to me, but I really hope to win soon enough as soon as I got to know the bike. So far I am thankful to Access Plus Racing for such hard work and support. I felt like we were family. Thanks to all sponsors who gave such support. I look forward to cooperating with everyone and I hope to bring victory to Ducati. Let’s work as team, let’s do this together.”
Toti Alberto, Team Principal: “Overall, I’m happy that our lap times are very competitive in Thailand and our riders are up there with the front runners. We just have to iron out some small issues with the bike to have a more consistent race and deliver results. It’s only the first race of the year and the team will be working hard to get back in shape in Sepang, especially with TJ on his road to recovery.”
Access Plus Racing is sponsored by Ducati Philippines, Angkas, Essenza, Frontrow, Katinko, Makati Diamond Residences, Italtrans, Aella, Apex, Extreme Components, Lv8, Macbeth, Ohlins, and STM, with Motoworld and Teagumps.
For more info and the latest updates about the team, follow www.facebook.com/AccessPlusRacingPH/ and riders www.facebook.com/TjAlberto7.
[Photos by NewsMoto]
