Access Plus Racing show good pace during ARRC pre-season test in Thailand

By motoph admin on March 27, 2022

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With the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) season opener just days away, Access Plus Racing is now busy preparing their pair of Ducati Panigale V4Rs for an all-out assault in ASB1000. The team’s confidence comes from a positive 2-day pre-season test at the Chang International Circuit where they showed good pace with riders Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and newly-signed Thitipong “Tingnote” Warokorn.

TJ welcomed his return to the ARRC after the series’ 2-year absence and made the most out of the 2-day test to stretch the legs of his title-winning Panigale V4R on Dunlop slicks. It was also a chance for the reigning national superbike champion to further hone his riding and bike setup to the 4.554 km circuit. And by the second day, he managed to set a lap quicker than his previous personal best during the team’s last visit back in 2019.

ARRC’s pre-season test also marked the Access Plus Racing debut of Thitipong “Tingnote” Warokorn. Earlier this week the team announced that they have signed the multiple Thai champion for the full 2022 season. His talent and vast riding experience will prove valuable to the Philippine-based team, helping them in their hunt for podium finishes in ASB1000. Tingnote’s performance during testing confirms this as he was able to set the 2nd quickest time during the final test session on Wednesday afternoon on only his second day riding the Panigale V4R.

Both riders are now set for the first round of the ARRC this March 25-27 at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand. Qualifying takes place on Saturday morning followed by Race 1 at 3:45 PM local time, while Race 2 will get the green light on Sunday at 4:10 PM.

TJ Alberto: “I’m quite happy with our results although it’s still not a true representation of our performance. There were some teething issues as it was our first ARRC outing in 2 years, but it was expected and the team did a great job to sort things out. I was also able to improve on my personal best time in Buriram. Our pace is already quite good and we’re confident that there’s still some room for improvement before this weekend. There’s also a lot to learn from my new teammate Tingnote. This is his home track and he’s a multiple champion, so his inputs are a big help. Looking forward to the season opener and hope we can fight for a podium.”

Tingnote Warokorn: “I’m very happy that I got to join Access Plus Racing with new friends and new team. This project wouldn’t have happened without the racing association, all supporters, Ducati Team, ARRC, and also Chang International Circuit. The Panigale V4R is still new to me, so I’m now learning to know more about the bike. I’m trying to adjust my riding style to the bike as well as it’s my first time to ride a Ducati. Hoping to get a long with the bike in time for the race this weekend. I will do my best, and I really hope to win! Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to working together more in the future!”

Toti Alberto, Team Principal: “I’m happy that we now have 2 confirmed entries with 2 national champions Tingnote and TJ. Tingnote has a lot of track track knowledge at this circuit which vastly helped the team and TJ during testing. His pace shows that he’s able to fight for a podium and it’s possible that it can help TJ get closer to a podium spot as well. As for TJ, he was already quicker than his previous best time at this circuit, so things are going in the right direction. We’re looking forward to the race this weekend and confident that we can deliver good results.”

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.