Norizman sets the pace in Round Nine of expert category

PETALING JAYA: Norizman Ismail established himself as a firm contender for the expert title in Round Nine of the Petronas Sprinta AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championships after setting the early pace at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

The Harian Metro SCK rider clocked 1:16.740 which was the fastest time in yesterday’s free practice session. Petronas Sprinta Raceline’s Ahmad Fuad Baharuddin was second fastest posting a time of 1:16.841.

Shell Advance Maju’s Ahmad Fazli Sham, who had already secured the overall expert title this season, came in third fastest clocking 1.17.143.

However, Norizman revealed that with the overall expert title already decided, the focus of his team has been shifted to his team-mate Affendi Rosli who is competing in the novice category.

Staying on course: Norizman clocked 1:16.740 during yesterday’s free practice session.

“To a certain degree, my performance on race day will depend on luck because the team have no intention of changing my settings to suit the weather conditions,” said Norizman.

“But I am not disappointed and I fully support my team manager’s decision. It is right that we should be pouring our resources into helping Affendi claim the novice title,” said Norizman.

Affendi did not disappoint as he clocked the fastest time of 1:25.782 during the free practice session in the novice category yesterday. Ali Imran Dawood of Motul KMC YY Pang and Elly Idzliaikmal Ilias of Petronas Sprinta Ah Hong were second and third fastest clocking 1:26.098 and 1:26.496 respectively.

Today’s race will start with the qualifying session at 10.15am. Tickets priced at RM10 can be purchased at the ticket counter of the Sepang International Circuit.