Yates completed the 1.4-kilometre temporary track in 52.162 seconds, more than half a second quicker than Prince Navabhan Yugala, who lapped the circuit in 52.832 secs to secure second position.

Prince Navabhan edged drift champion Sutheerapong Somabutr, who will start in third position after clocking 52.893 secs.

Starting in fourth to sixth positions in the 30-strong field are Sakarin Tasanaviriyakul (53.692 secs), Rattavisit Srivichai (54.033 secs) and Alongkorn Yangyuen (54.230 secs). Alongkorn has just won the Honda Jazz One Make Race event in Pattaya two weeks ago.

Maitree Atthapreeyangkura (54.939 secs), Jinda Srisaensuchart (55.389 secs), Yuttachak Pittayavuthvinit (55.482 secs) and Suvit Srisaensuchart (55.508 secs) will start in seventh to 10th places on the grid.

Unfortunately for the remaining competitors, the qualifying session was marred by rainfall, which dramatically slowed down qualifying times. Earlier, Kinatcha Yenmanoch, daughter of former race-car driver Kirakiat Yenmanoch, crashed out during the practice session in the morning.

In the ladies category, Paleerat Panboonhom won the pole position with a lap time of 54.412 secs followed by Tippawan Phurayab, who clocked 54.895 secs.

Acharaporn Phanpanich (56.211 secs), Puchisa Kulnichkittikorn (56.524 secs) and actress Suphaksorn Chaimongkol (56.727 secs) were third to fifth respectively.

In Yaris One Make Race qualifying, Traithanit Chimtawan secured the pole with a time of 51.287 secs. Kittipong Kittipongpattana was second with a time of 51.505 secs while Apichai Phankongchuen was third with a 51.650-second lap time.

Amarin Nitiphon, another well-known celebrity, was fourth fastest with a time of 51.742 secs, and Krit Vasurat was fifth with a time of 51.959 secs.

The Nation

Chiang Mai