Team members of Access Plus Racing-Ducati Philippines-Essenza were in exceptionally good form during Round 3 of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Held at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand from May 31 to June 2, Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and Jonathan Serrapica managed to close the gap to front with their Panigale V4Rs and score solid top 10 positions in Asia Superbike (ASB) 1000.
“This was the best weekend for us so far this season. We are new to the championship and we’ve been able to slash two seconds from our gap to the front runners. That’s a huge improvement and we will continue to work hard to be ready for the next race at Suzuka, Japan. I can’t wait to take on one of the most legendary tracks on the ARRC calendar,” said Alberto.
The only Philippine team to enter ASB1000 demonstrated how far they’ve come since the season opener in Malaysia. Lessons learned over the 2019 season allowed them to slash seconds off their times with Alberto setting a 1:37.793 lap in Qualifying to put him P10 on the grid. Serrapica, on the other hand, started just behind his teammate at P12.
Race 1 got underway under dark skies with a light drizzle falling on parts of the 4.554 km circuit. It was of little concern to Alberto who enjoyed a clean start and held onto P10. Three laps in, an opportunity opened up which moved the Filipino rider into P9. He then nursed a slight vibration issue on his #77 machine to take the chequered flag in a strong 9th. His teammate Serrapica also did well to maintain position throughout the 13-lap race and bring home a point-scoring 12th place.
Jonathan Serrapica | Photo from News Moto
“If there was ever an indication that our progress is steadily going up, this race weekend would be it. We’re now closer to the riders in front and ready the fight better than ever before. Getting such new bikes in such a short time was a challenge, but I believe that we now just have to make small adjustments to deliver great results,” said Serapica.
Both riders carried this momentum into Race 2 on Sunday. With clear weather, Alberto and Serrapica challenged for a good position in the opening laps with the Italian-Swiss rider momentarily moving up to P11 just behind his teammate. The field eventually spread out as the race progressed but Alberto still pushed hard to bring his lap times down. He crossed the finish line to earn the team 10th place while setting his second quickest lap of the weekend. Meanwhile, a flawless ride from Serrapica would see him take another remarkable 12th place.
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.