The opening race of the AP250 category at Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 delivered pure drama at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, as replacement rider Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM produced a sensational performance to snatch a remarkable victory in a race packed with twists, relentless overtakes and heartbreak for the home crowd.
Starting from the front row after qualifying second with a time of 1’51.323s, Hiroki entered Race 1 as one of the contenders, but few could have predicted the emotional story that would unfold under the scorching Buriram skies.
Polesitter Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM wasted no time asserting himself at the front, launching off the line perfectly to grab the holeshot in front of his home fans. Hot on his tail were fellow Thai rider Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND, Hiroki, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, and Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, forming an explosive leading pack from the very beginning.
The race quickly transformed into a fierce tactical battle. By Lap 2, Panjaruch had muscled his way into the lead, while Hiroki remained patient, stalking the frontrunners and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. With positions constantly changing, the front group proved impossible to break apart as every rider searched for an advantage.
Lap after lap, the tension intensified. Panjaruch fired in a blistering 1’51.945s on Lap 4 and later improved further with a scorching 1’51.348s on Lap 9, but outright speed alone was not enough to escape the relentless pressure from the chasing pack.
On Lap 5, the Japanese rider surged into the lead before a flurry of overtakes saw Krittapat and Panjaruch strike back. The battle became increasingly unpredictable as Rheza, Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Peerapong Luiboonpeng of ONE FOR ALL, and later Andi M. Fadly of Pro Power Antares MT Kawasaki joined the fight, turning the contest into an all-out war of nerves.
As the race entered its final lap, Hiroki held a slender advantage over Panjaruch, with Teeranai Tubtim of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, Rheza and Krittapat breathing down his neck.
Remaining calm under immense pressure, Hiroki held firm through the final corners to cross the line victorious in 18’48.695s, sealing a dream win in his first appearance as a replacement rider. Behind him, Rheza produced a brilliant late-race charge to snatch second place, just 0.114s behind, while Panjaruch completed the podium in front of the passionate Thai supporters.
Fahmi narrowly missed out on the rostrum in fourth, just 0.119s behind Panjaruch, while Krittapat endured late heartbreak to settle for fifth after leading much of the race.
Hiroki stated, “This was my first experience racing in the AP250 category, and honestly, it was an incredible experience for me. The race was very intense, and I really enjoyed battling closely with the other riders lap after lap. It was not easy at all. The competition was very tough and challenging. To finally finish in P1 makes me extremely happy and emotional because this result means so much to me, especially in my first AP250 race. This victory is not only for myself. I want to dedicate it to my team for all their hard work, belief, and support throughout this journey. I would also like to sincerely thank all the Japanese fans who have been supporting and cheering for me. Their encouragement gives me extra motivation, and I’m very grateful to share this special moment with them.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (18’48.695s)
2. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’48.809s)
3. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (18’49.500s)
4. FAHMI BASAM – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (18’49.619s)
5. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18’49.677s)