Image: Supplied.

Yamaha Racing Team ASEAN’s Broc Parkes admits the Chang International Circuit in Thailand was tougher than anticipated after contesting round three of the 2019 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) over the weekend.

The Australian initially struggled to find a suitable set-up with his YFZ-R1, however was able to find an adequate feeling for the two encounters, completing the round with a 4-2 results sheet, enabling him to retain the ASB1000 championship lead with an eight-point advantage.

“It was my first time to ride at this track,” said Parkes. “I thought it would be pretty easy, but to be honest it was tougher than I thought. Our bike wasn’t so competitive until we got all the settings right. Step by step we improved our times until I could get close to the top three in qualifying.

“I did my best in the race, but I didn’t have enough pace to compete with the front three and I finished fourth. There isn’t one specific thing I can say was bad, just a combination of things that meant I didn’t have the pace. We have an eye on the changes we need to make, so we’ll do that and aim for better pace.”

Compatriot Bryan Staring, who made his second ARRC guest appearance filling in for Thitipong Warokorn at Kawasaki Thailand Racing Team, wound up with a 7-7 scorecard.