As the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship enters the 2026 season, Herjun Atna Firdaus stands at the center of a new era for ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in the SS600 category. With former teammate Mohammad Adenanta Putra stepping up to ASB1000 and newly crowned AP250 Champion Fadillah Arbi Aditama joining him in SS600, Herjun faces a fresh mix of pressure, opportunity, and motivation.
Last season, Adenanta’s strong performances cemented Honda’s presence in the front group. This year, eyes naturally turn to Herjun, now one of the riders expected to carry forward Honda’s momentum in a highly competitive field.
But Herjun remains grounded and focused. “I don’t really think of it as ‘my moment’ or a bigger role. But what I can promise is that I will give my absolute best for the team. Every season is a chance to improve, and I want to grow step by step while making sure I contribute positively to ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in this category.”
With Arbi joining him, fresh from a dominant title-winning season in AP250, the internal dynamic at ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM takes on a new dimension. While some riders might feel pressured by a fast teammate stepping up, Herjun sees it differently.
“I don’t feel any pressure from having Arbi as my teammate. My focus is always on my own race. But seeing the impact Adenanta made last year, especially with such strong results, motivates me more than anything. It shows what is possible on the Honda. I still have so much to learn, and I want to keep improving so I can match that level.”
When asked how he plans to stay ahead of Arbi as the more experienced SS600 rider of the two, Herjun answers humbly but with determination. “Of course, I’ll try my best. Having a champion like Arbi beside me pushes me to be sharper. It’s a healthy motivation because we both want to lift the team. The goal is not just to race each other, but to raise the overall performance of Honda in SS600.”
Looking at the wider field, Herjun acknowledges the rising competition in 2026, with both seasoned contenders and emerging threats filling the entry list. “The field this year has many strong and experienced riders. I know the 2026 season won’t be easy at all. But I also know I have to believe in myself. Confidence is important. If I stay focused on improving every session and every race, I can fight for a strong position in the championship.”
To handle the growing competition, Herjun has worked closely with the team to ensure he is ready for the challenge technically, mentally, and physically.
“We’ve been working hard on getting the best setup to fight the Yamaha bikes because their acceleration was very strong last season. There are many areas I want to improve, and the team is supporting me a lot. This season, I want to show better performance than last year, and hopefully fight closer to the front.”
As the season opener at the Sepang International Circuit approaches, Herjun carries a blend of calm focus and renewed ambition. With leadership changes, new team dynamics, and increased responsibility, 2026 could become a defining year in his SS600 journey. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM believes in him. His fans believe in him. And now, it’s up to Herjun to show the next step of his growth.