The Malaysian goes directly into Q2 as newcomers, Phuettisan, Mitani and Odaki find positives ahead of the opening round at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
The Junior Talent Team has a fresh-faced roster for 2024 with Danial Shahril and Arbi Aditama returning to spearhead the charge in the 2024 FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship. Unfortunately, the Indonesian will miss the opening round through injury and we continue to wish him well in his recovery. The team is joined by newcomers Jakkreephat Phuettisan and Amon Odaki, with Zen Mitani wildcarding for the Motor Valley and Emilia Romagna round.
The Malaysian, Danial Shahril put in a strong performance to put the #57 bike P15 on the grid, only 1.3 seconds off pole position. The mood was high after Shahril had gone directly through into Q2 following a strong practice session and the Asia Talent Team rider has given himself a strong chance of points ahead of both races tomorrow.
Rookie Phuettisan has been steadily improving throughout the weekend, claiming P23 on the grid ahead of his debut JuniorGP™ race. The Thai rider has had to contest with some less-than-perfect weather while learning the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. However, the #20 will be aiming for a good result, gaining even more experience with a chance of two bites at the cherry in Misano.
Wildcard Mitani joins the JTT squad for this weekend on board the Asia Talent Team machine and the Japanese rider put the #31 on the eighth row of the grid, just one position behind Phuettisan. Getting to grips with a new circuit, Mitani made improvements as the weekend progressed and will be looking to push forward in the JuniorGP double-header.
Odaki goes from the 10th row for Sunday’s two races. The Japanese rookie found the going tougher than his counterparts but put in a fine performance on a weekend where track time and bike acclimatisation will be key going forward.
The opening round of the 2024 FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship season gets underway tomorrow at 11:00 (UCT +2) with the Junior Talent Team looking forward to a positive start.
