The two-day Sepang Test sees two rookies mix it up in a top ten of more familiar faces
The start of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup is now just around the corner as the season kicks off from the 18th to the 20th of August alongside Malaysian Superbike, and the two-day pre-season test at the very same Sepang International Circuit certainly provided an interesting preview of the year ahead.
As could have been expected, last year’s runner up Shinya Ezawa began the season strong and topped the combined timesheets at the test as he gears up for another assault on the crown. Also to be expected was a strong showing from Indonesian Veda Pratama, third overall last season, and he ended the test in second ahead of 2022 race winner Amon Odaki.
Fourth place goes to a rookie, however, with Japanese newcomer Ryota Ogiwara taking P4 overall thanks to a lap that saw him top of the pile on Day 1. Compatriot and fellow rookie Zen Mitani locks out the top five too, with the duo the only two debutants in the top ten at the test.
Indonesian Reykat Fadilah and Malaysian Farres Putra are next up, ahead of Qatari rider Hamad al-Sahouti, Thailand’s Jakkreephat Phuettisan and Malaysian rider Farish Hafiy completing the top ten.
With some wet sessions on both days but good dry track time too, preparations are now complete for the class of 2023 – and they go racing in less than a week! Tune in for Round 1 from the 18th to the 20th of August as the ATC gets in gear!
