Access Plus-Ducati to race at ARRC’s Suzuka round

The Access Plus Racing-Ducati Philippines-Essenza team

AFTER posting strong finishes at the Thailand leg of the 2019 Asia Road Racing Championship’s (ARRC) ASB1000 division, Access Plus Racing-Ducati Philippines-Essenza has arrived at Japan’s Suzuka Circuit for the race series’ fourth round scheduled on June 28-30.

The Suzuka leg marks the halfway point of the 2019 season.

For team riders Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and Jonathan Serrapica, the Suzuka track is a “welcome challenge” as they prepare to “bring the fight to the front-runners onboard their Ducati Panigale V4Rs,” Access Plus Racing said in a news release.

It noted the 5.807-kilometer circuit is known for being a “temple of speed” as it has “undulating corners, a tight hairpin and the flat-out 130R” corner.

“It’s a privilege to race on such a legendary circuit. We’ve never competed here before so it’s going to be quite a memorable experience to take it at speed, especially on a Ducati Panigale V4R. The layout is also said to be quite taxing on both the bike and rider, which should keep us on our toes during the races,” Alberto said.

The rider has progressed on his first year in the ARRC and has consistently finished in the top 10, with the best being a sixth-place finish in the series’ Malaysia round, according to Access Plus Racing, which noted Alberto is in 10th position in the championship board leading to the Suzuka leg.

The team said Serrapica has “encountered teething issues” and had to adjust his riding style to suit the Panigale V4R. But the rider was able to score points in Australia and Thailand, allowing him to place 12th in the standings.