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Ducati riders fill up Pirelli Cup class podiums at BRC season opener

Thanks to the masterclass performance of six fine gentlemen, Ducati Philippines enjoyed a dominant weekend at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) last May. A mixture of Ducati sport, sport naked, and supermoto race bikes were entered in Pirelli Cup’s opening event of the year and took home a collection of class victories and podiums for the Italian marque.

Justin Guce and Jan Timbol where the quickest riders in the group and lead the way in the Super A Class. Justin who happens to be the brand’s newest recruit was a natural on his Panigale V4 and set the fastest time in Qualifying. Racing on slick tires in mixed weather conditions proved to be a bit of a challenge, but Justin skillfully kept his Ducati in control to finish 2nd in Race 1 with Jan crossing the line not too far behind in 3rd. The pair would then switch positions in Race 2 to secure four podium finishes for Ducati in Super A.

Last year’s Ducati Cup Sportsbike Sub1000 champion Jade Regalario decided to move up to the Pirelli Cup in 2023 and take on the other brands. In a span of five months, he had to train hard as he switched from a Panigale V2 to a Panigale V4. All his hard work and training courtesy of Tofu Track Riding Clinic eventually paid off as he scored two 1st place finishes in the Rookie Class.

Another pair of new Ducatis likewise proved the brand’s performance on track. Ric Cruz with his Streetfighter V4S and Pong Lacson with his Hypermotard SP had very little practice before the race weekend, but both still managed to excel in the Naked Class. Ric also shared that he had to adjust from riding a sport bike last year to a naked bike in 2023 and still won both races on his first official competitive outing with Ducati. Pong, on the other hand, completed the podium for the team with his two 2nd place finishes.

It was a welcome surprise to see Alvin Pullon enter the event with his Panigale V4 S. With no prior track or race experience in BRC, Alvin arrived on Friday to practice and only decided to join the Heavyweight B Class on the very same day. He was then quickest in his class during Qualifying on Saturday and enjoyed a 2nd and 1st place finish on Sunday. Aside from riding a very capable Panigale V4 S, he shared that the support he received from Ducati Philippines encouraged him to perform well.

All in all, Ducati Philippines took home five class victories and seven podium finishes in the Pirelli Cup’s first event of 2023. The team’s entries in the Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK) also gave them more reason to celebrate with riders Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and Lawrence Macalinao adding to their tally of wins. Access Plus Racing enjoyed a perfect season opener with their pole positions, two race wins in the Pro Class, and two race wins in the Expert Class, allowing them to score full points for the 2023 championship.

Two other riders on the PSBK grid also took home podium finishes for Ducati. Josh Tan entered a Panigale V4 in the Intermediate, Novice, and Master Classes with good results. His efforts were rewarded with four class wins, two podiums, and a remarkable Top 5 finish in Race 2 crossing the finish just behind Lawrence. His fellow Ducati rider Lorenz Villanueva likewise brought home trophies in the Intermediate and Novice Classes with his own Panigale V4.

Ducati Philippines is owned and operated by T.A. Marketing Inc. located at 222 Katipunan Ave., Blueridge A, Quezon City.

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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