Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand delivered a spectacular showdown in the AP250 Race 2, as Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM secured a hard-fought first AP250 victory on home soil after an electrifying final-lap battle with Noprutpong Bunprawes and newly crowned Overall Champion Fadillah Arbi Aditama.
The race began with Krittapat making a solid launch to take the early lead, with Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM immediately giving chase and applying pressure in the opening corners.
By Lap 2, Arbi overtook Krittapat, and the pair engaged in continuous position swaps as they built a one-second gap over the second group. Behind them, Noprutpong Bunprawes of HONDA RACING THAILAND initially held third, but later lost the spot to Davino Britani of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM.
On Lap 4, Arbi attempted to break away, but Krittapat stayed glued to his rear wheel. Further back, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA clocked the fastest lap of the race with a 1’51.683s, climbing steadily into sixth.
By Lap 5, the Arbi and Krittapat’s duel continued, while Noprutpong reclaimed third from Davino to lead the chase group.
In the final lap, the race erupted into a three-rider fight. Krittapat overtook Arbi, Noprutpong seized the moment and made his move past Arbi as well. Arbi rejoined the battle, turning the closing corners into an intense three-way sprint to the line.
But it was Krittapat Keankum who crossed first, taking a dramatic victory in 18’45.076s, followed closely by Noprutpong in 18’45.209s. Arbi completed the podium with 18’46.086s.
Krittapat said, “From the last lap onward, every turn reminded me why I was pushing. It’for my team, and for my family. And today, it all paid off. Winning my home race and claiming my first AP250 victory is an unforgettable moment. I’m so happy!”
Arbi, who secured the 2025 AP250 Championship, said “At the end of the race, I forgot to set the engine brake map. When I braked and the bike kept rolling forward, I realised my mistake. I hit the brake hard, the bike slid, and I knew I wouldn’t save it. Still, it was a good effort and a big lesson for me. Well done to Krittapat, he managed to beat me today. It was a fun race overall; we fought cleanly, strongly and in a world-championship style. Thank you to my team, my mechanics and everyone who supported me throughout the season. See you next year! The level this year was very high, all the riders and bikes improved a lot. I’m proud to take the championship in this category, and I’m excited to try the next category and fight for the title again.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18’45.076s)
2. NOPRUTPONG BUNPRAWES – HONDA RACING THAILAND (18’45.209s)
3. FADILLAH ARBI ADITAMA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’46.086s)
4. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (18’52.539s)
5. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (18’52.667s)
TOP 5 – OVERALL RIDER STANDINGS
1. FADILLAH ARBI ADITAMA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (212 points)
2. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (163 points)
3. MD IZAM IKMAL – VICTOR RACING TEAM (144 points)
4. MOHAMMAD MUROBBIL VITONI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (122 points)
5. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (121 points)
TOP 5 – OVERALL TEAM STANDINGS
1. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (277 points)
2. YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 (170 points)
3. YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (163 points)
4. YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (158 points)
5. VICTOR RACING TEAM (144 points)