Round 2 of the 2026 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Chang International Circuit delivered a thrilling race as Thailand’s own Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM stormed to an emphatic victory in Race 2 of the AP250 category, sending the home crowd into celebration with a commanding performance on home soil.
From the moment the lights went out, Krittapat looked untouchable. The Thai rider launched brilliantly off the line to grab the holeshot, immediately placing himself ahead of Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM and Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM. Behind them, Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND slotted into fourth, with Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM close behind in fifth as the front group charged into an early battle.
By Lap 2, Krittapat continued to dictate the pace at the front, but pressure mounted from Hiroki and Fahmi while Rheza and Panjaruch remained firmly in contention. Drama struck early when Hiroki was handed a Long Lap Penalty, reshuffling the fight behind the leader.
As the race settled into rhythm, Krittapat refused to blink. Lap 3 saw Rheza begin his charge while Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ fired in the fastest lap of the race at 1’50.922s to move himself into podium contention. Yet, even as positions shifted behind him, Krittapat stayed calm and clinical at the front.
By Lap 5, the race began to tilt decisively in favour of the Thai rider. While the chasing pack involving Teeranai Tubtim, Panjaruch, Riichi and Rheza traded places relentlessly, Krittapat quietly stretched his advantage to 1.572s. A lap later, the gap grew further to 2.108s, with the home hero steadily disappearing into the distance.
The fight for the podium intensified in the closing laps as Panjaruch fought to keep his position while Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM surged from fifth into podium contention. Hiroki, despite his earlier penalty, clawed his way back into the top group, while Muhammad Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA ASIA TEAM also joined the mix.
But at the front, Krittapat was in a race of his own. Entering the final lap, the Thai rider had built a massive 4.723s advantage, leaving the chasing riders to battle among themselves. Roared on by passionate home fans, Krittapat crossed the chequered flag first in a dominant time of 18’41.804s, sealing a memorable home victory. Fellow Thai rider Panjaruch secured second place at 18’46.498s, while Indonesia’s Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA completed the podium in third at 18’48.366s.
Krittapat said, “First of all, I would like to sincerely thank my team for all their hard work and dedication in preparing both me and the bike. Everyone gave their maximum effort, and without them, today’s result would not have been possible. I would also like to express my appreciation to my boss, sponsors, and family for always believing in me and continuing to support me through every challenge. Their encouragement means everything to me.
For today’s race, I’m happy that I was able to give my best and achieve a positive result. Of course, there are still areas where we can improve, and this gives us more motivation to keep working harder. Now, my focus shifts to the next race in Japan, where I hope we can continue improving, stay competitive, and fight for an even stronger result.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18’41.804s)
2. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND(18’46.498s)
3. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (18’48.366s)
4. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’48.536s)
5. TEERANAI TUBTIM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18:48.536s)