Access Plus Racing announced a two-bike entry in the Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK) series for 2023.

Its goal for the new season is to score a title hat trick using the lighter, smarter and faster 2023-spec Ducati Panigale V4 S.

The Panigale V4 S features the most significant evolution since the year of its launch with improvements that affect every aspect of the bike in terms of aerodynamics, engine, chassis and electronics.

Beefier powerplant

The most prominent change is the new 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine that, when fitted with an Akrapovič exhaust and using a new performance oil developed by Shell, delivers a maximum of 244 PS.

Revised gear ratios, a new dry clutch and an updated Engine Brake Control EVO 2 likewise aid its usability on track.

There are also new suspension components and an aerodynamic package that allow the 2023-spec Panigale V4 R to take on corners with even greater confidence.

In addition, changes were made to improve cooling and refine the Ducati Traction Control and Ride by Wire systems.

Three-in-a-row?

Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto will be gunning for the PSBK Overall and Expert Class titles for the third consecutive year, straddling a brand-new Panigale V4 R.

Ducati further enhanced its flagship superbike, making this iteration the closest-ever production model to a competition World SBK bike.

With a new #77 machine, Alberto is looking to beat his previous best of winning 10 out of the 12 races in 2021. He will also attempt to take back the Clark International Speedway track record that was only broken by Ducati factory Lorenzo Zanetti late last year.

His teammate will be Lawrence Macalinao, who has been signed up to race for Access Plus Racing again after an impressive debut season with the team. He claimed five wins and six podium finishes in total to end up 2nd in the PSBK Intermediate Class championship in 2022.

This year, he will also get a brand-new, #26 Ducati Panigale V4 S for his class title bid.

6 rounds

The six-round PSBK calendar kicks off on the 6th of May at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

It will then shuffle to and from the Clark International Speedway until the season finale on October 14, 2023.

Philippine Superbike Championship 2023 Calendar

• Round 1 – May 6-7 (Batangas Racing Circuit)
• Round 2 – June 3-4 (Batangas Racing Circuit)
• Round 3 – July 1-2 (Clark International Speedway)
• Round 4 – August 5-6 (Clark International Speedway)
• Round 5 – September 2-3 (Batangas Racing Circuit)
• Round 6 – October 14-15 (Clark International Speedway)

For more information and the latest on the team, follow Access Plus Racing and TJ Alberto on Facebook.

Good luck to Access Plus Racing this season!

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