The AP250 category delivered an eventful Race 2 today at the Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia for Round 4 of the LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026. Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM navigated through intense battles to secure a brilliant home victory.
The race began with immediate disruption. Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM took the early lead but slid out at Turn 1. This allowed Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM to take charge, followed closely by Gerry Salim of MsGlowForMen Racing Team and Riichi Takahira of Tian yu Asia Racing MFZ. By Lap 2, Irfan made his move to take the lead, overtaking Hiroki, while Andi M. Fadly of Pro Power Antares MT Kawasaki settled into fifth position.
The middle sector of the race saw fierce competition and constantly shifting positions. On Lap 3, Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA set a fast pace of 1’47.367s to move into third behind Gerry. The pace quickened further on Lap 5 when Aldiaz Aqsal Ismaya of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA clocked a 1’47.092s. On Lap 6, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM briefly took the lead before crashing a lap later. Hiroki also suffered a crash, removing another front-runner from contention.
In closing stages, Riichi assumed the lead. Irfan responded on Lap 8 with the fastest lap of the race at 1’46.919s. On final lap, Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM was leading the pack when Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA attempted an inside pass. The two collided and crashed out. With Krittapat, Hiroki, and Rheza all failing to finish, and Candra finishing down in P18, the top four riders in the championship standings lost valuable points.
Irfan claimed victory after crossing the line first at 18’00.799s. Riichi claimed his first career podium finish in second place at 18’01.193s, while Fadhil secured third at 18’01.350s.
Irfan stated, “That was an incredibly tough and physically demanding race right from the very first corner. The wind out on the circuit was exceptionally strong today, which made it extremely difficult to find a consistent rhythm, hit our braking markers, and manage the overall race pace. The conditions were so unpredictable, I had to stay patient and ride a highly tactical race.”
“My primary focus was simply to protect my track position, stay safely within the leading group, and conserve my energy and tyres for a final, decisive attack. I targeted the last lap to make my ultimate move, and to be able to execute that strategy perfectly and bring home the win is just an unbelievable feeling. The tension in those final corners was immense, but I managed to keep my focus intact.”
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible team for giving me a winning bike, as well as my family and everyone who has continually supported me. Finally, standing on the top step of the podium at a home race is a feeling like absolutely no other. To achieve this victory here at Mandalika, hearing the cheers from the passionate Indonesian fans, makes this one of the most special and emotional moments.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’00.799s)
2. RIICHI TAKAHIRA – Tian yu Asia Racing MFZ (18’01.193s)
3. MUHAMMAD FADHIL MUSYAVI – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (18’01.350s)
4. NGUYEN HUU TRI – YUZY ASIA TEAM (18’01.748s)
5. MUH. BADLY AYATULLAH M – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’01.981s)