KUALA LUMPUR: Japan's Yuki Takahashi clinched his third win of the season in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship SuperSports 600cc series after emerging victorious in race one in Thailand today.
Starting from pole, the Musashi Boon Siew Honda Racing rider fended off Thailand's Ratthapong Wilairot (AP Honda Racing Thailand) and compatriot Tomoyoshi Koyama (T.Pro Yuzy Honda NTS) in the opening lap before pulling away from the pack.
He completed the 16-lap race comfortably in 26 minutes 43.824 seconds. Ratthapong finished second on 26:50.395s while Koyama completed the podium, clocking 26:53.201s.
Yuki said he felt confident he was capable of winning the race. Thailand is the fourth round of the competition.
"I had a good feeling with the bike and I’m glad it continued today through the qualifying and race," said Yuki.
"I had to battle Ratthapong and Koyama in the beginning but once ahead I just concentrated on opening a gap.
"I am happy to win here and have to thank the team for preparing a competitive bike."
The former Moto2 rider added that he is expecting Ratthapong and Koyama to push harder in race two tomorrow.