Thailand’s Anupab Sarmoon returns to familiar ground at Chang International Circuit for Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026, determined to turn disappointment into momentum in the SS600 category.
Representing YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, Anupab enters the weekend with unfinished business, both from the opening round of the season and from the heartbreak of 2025, where he narrowly missed out on the championship despite finishing level on points with the eventual title winner.
His 2026 campaign began with promise at Sepang International Circuit, securing an impressive second-place finish in Race 1. However, Race 2 brought misfortune, as a crash derailed what could have been another strong result. Although he managed to remount and salvage four points, it was a costly setback in the early stages of the title fight.
Despite carrying a minor injury into Round 2, Anupab remains confident in his physical condition and ready to push.
“I’m feeling okay overall. I picked up a minor injury on my left shoulder, but it’s nothing that will hold me back. Physically, I’m in good shape, and mentally I feel ready to get back on the bike and fight again.”
Reflecting on the missed opportunity in Sepang International Circuit, Anupab does not hide his disappointment, but it has only strengthened his resolve.
“Of course I’m disappointed with the result in Race 2. Only coming away with four points is not what we were aiming for. But in racing, these things happen. What matters now is how I respond. I’m determined to come back stronger and fight even harder in this round.”
The crash itself, he explained, was a reminder of how quickly conditions can change at the highest level.
“From what I felt, the surface was a bit damp in that section, and it caught me out. It’s one of those moments you learn from. I’ve taken it positively, and I’m coming into this round with a much more focused and optimistic mindset.”
As the championship moves to Chang International Circuit, Anupab’s approach is no hesitation, only forward momentum.
“When I line up on the grid, there’s only one thing in my mind, to move forward as quickly as possible and fight with everything I have. I want to be aggressive, but also smart, and make every lap count.”
The return to Chang International Circuit also brings back memories of last season’s dramatic finale, where the title slipped away by the narrowest of margins. Yet for Anupab, that chapter has already been closed.
“Last year was difficult to accept, especially missing out on the championship like that. But that’s racing, anything can happen. I’ve learned to move on from it, and now my full focus is on this season. I’m here to give my best and fight for every opportunity.”
With motivation running high, home support behind him, and a point to prove, Anupab arrives in Chang International Circuit not just looking for results, but redemption.