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HAFIZH HELD OFF RIVALS

The premier ASB1000 category exploded into life on the opening day of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 as the region’s fastest riders traded blows in a breathtaking display of speed at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. After three intense practice sessions and countless lead changes on the timesheets, it was Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM who emerged on top, delivering a stunning late charge in Practice 3 to secure the fastest combined time of 1’35.742s. The Malaysian ace had steadily built momentum throughout the day before unleashing his strongest performance in the final session, finally breaking into the 1’35s barrier to take control of a fiercely contested field. Hafizh’s pace not only underlined his growing confidence aboard the superbike machinery, but also firmly established him as one of the riders to beat heading into qualifying and the races. However, the fight at the front remains incredibly tight. SAVITAR TEAM ASIA rider Rocco Sessler produced one of the standout performances of the day by storming into second overall with a brilliant 1’35.888s effort in Practice 3. The young rider continued to impress with his consistency and composure, ending the day just 0.146s behind Hafizh in what quickly became a thrilling battle for supremacy. IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA also demonstrated formidable pace throughout all three sessions. Azroy Hakeem Anuar climbed to third overall after clocking 1’35.997s in Practice 3, while teammate Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi, who had topped both Practice 1 and Practice 2 earlier in the day, eventually settled for fourth overall with a best time of 1’36.005s. Zaqhwan had initially set the benchmark in Practice 1 with a rapid 1’36.530s before improving further to 1’36.005s in Practice 2, consistently showcasing strong race pace and remarkable straight-line speed. Meanwhile, Azroy grabbed attention after recording the highest top speed of the day at a staggering 294.30km/h during Practice 3, highlighting the sheer intensity of the ASB1000 battle around the long straights. Completing the top five overall was Indonesia’s Andi Farid Izdihar of JDT RACING TEAM, who remained a constant threat throughout the day and finished with a best lap of 1’36.165s from Practice 2. The Indonesian rider consistently hovered near the top of the standings and added further depth to an already stacked front-running group. Earlier in the day, local hopes were lifted by Thailand’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, who briefly featured inside the top five in Practice 1 for HONDA RACING THAILAND, while Japan’s Keito Abe also impressed in Practice 2 by placing fourth for SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES. Hafizh stated, “Alhamdulillah, we completed Day 1 with a really positive feeling overall. We had a strong start from FP1 until FP3 and managed to work well through our programme together as a team. I had a small crash in FP1 while trying to understand the limit and push a bit harder. Sometimes these things happen in racing, but thankfully everything was okay and we managed to come back stronger afterwards. In the afternoon, we improved the feeling on the bike and completed two long runs, including one during the hottest part of the day, which was important for us to understand the bike and tyre performance better. So far, everything looks quite under control, but we’ll continue studying the data tonight and look for every area where we can still improve. Big thanks to the whole team because today’s result came from everyone’s hard work together. Hopefully tomorrow we can continue this momentum and make a strong start in qualifying.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (1’35.742s) 2. ROCCO SESSLER – SAVITAR TEAM ASIA (1’35.888s) 3. AZROY HAKEEM ANUAR – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (1’35.997s) 4. MUHAMMAD ZAQHWAN ZAIDI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (1’36.005s) 5. ANDI FARID IZDIHAR – JDT RACING TEAM (1’36.165s)

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ANUPAB STAMPED AUTHORITY

Home hero Anupab Sarmoon stamped his authority on the opening day of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 after delivering a commanding performance in the SS600cc category at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. The YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM rider emerged as the benchmark across all three practice sessions, steadily raising the pace each time he hit the track before eventually setting the fastest combined lap of 1’39.402s in Practice 3. More impressively, Anupab consistently looked in control around the fast and technical circuit, combining blistering corner speed with remarkable straight-line performance, reaching a top speed of 257.80km/h in Practice 2. While the Thai rider led the charge, the battle behind him was anything but settled. Indonesia’s Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM stayed firmly in contention throughout the day and closed the gap significantly in the final outing. Herjun posted a strong 1’39.568s in Practice 3, just 0.166s adrift of Anupab, signaling that the fight for pole position and race victory is far from over. Malaysia’s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin also reasserted himself as a serious contender after bouncing back strongly in Practice 3. The HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING rider improved his pace to 1’39.598s, ending the day third overall and only 0.196s behind the leader in an incredibly tight top three battle. Thailand’s Thanat Laoongplio ensured local riders remained firmly in the spotlight as the HONDA RACING THAILAND rider consistently featured among the front-runners in every session. Thanat wrapped up the day fourth overall with a best lap of 1’39.726s, further highlighting the growing strength of the Thai contingent on home soil. Not far behind was Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi from IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, who steadily built momentum throughout the sessions before climbing into the top five in Practice 3 with a time of 1’39.749s. Khairul looked increasingly comfortable as conditions evolved, adding another experienced challenger into an already stacked field. Earlier in Practice 1, the pace had already hinted at the intensity to come, with the top five separated by less than half a second. Anupab drew first blood with a 1’40.162s effort, narrowly edging Kasma and McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING, while Thanat and Muhammad Helmi Azman completed a fiercely contested top five. Anupab expressed, “We had a really positive day today and managed to perform well in all three practice sessions. Session by session, we kept improving the bike and understanding the track better, so that gives us a lot of confidence moving forward. Racing at home always brings a special feeling because we can feel the support from the local fans and everyone cheering for us. That motivation gives us extra energy and determination every time we go out on track. We know the expectations are high, but we are ready to give everything we have. Tomorrow will be another important challenge, and we will fight as hard as possible in qualifying and the race. We’ll continue pushing together as a team and hopefully make our home supporters proud with a strong result.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (1’39.402s) 2. HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (1’39.568s) 3. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (1’39.598s) 4. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (1’39.726s) 5. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (1’39.749s)

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HIROKI DELIVERED LATE CHARGE

Thailand’s home heroes and Asia’s rising stars delivered a captivating opening day in the AP250 category as the battle intensified during the combined practice sessions of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. While local favourite Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM looked set to dominate after topping both Practice 1 and Practice 2, it was Japan’s Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM who struck late in Practice 3 to emerge fastest overall with a blistering lap time of 1’51.793s. The AP250 category once again proved why it remains one of the fiercest battlegrounds in Asian motorcycle racing, with lap times separated by mere fractions as riders continuously traded positions across the three sessions. Krittapat, who arrived in Buriram carrying immense momentum after a perfect double victory in Round 1 at Sepang International Circuit, immediately established himself as the rider to beat on home soil. The Thai ace set the pace in Practice 1 with a late flying lap of 1’52.421s on Lap 10 out of 10 laps, narrowly edging Indonesia’s Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM by just 0.066 seconds. The momentum continued in Practice 2 as Krittapat lowered the benchmark further to 1’52.116s, once again showcasing impressive consistency and composure under pressure. However, the chasing pack was never far behind. Japan’s Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ came within touching distance after posting 1’52.142s, while Thailand’s Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND reinforced the strength of the home contingent in third with 1’52.169s. Peerapong Luiboonpeng of ONE FOR ALL and Irfan completed an ultra-competitive top five, all separated by less than four-tenths of a second. Just when it appeared Krittapat had control of the combined standings, Hiroki Ono delivered a statement performance in Practice 3. The experienced Japanese rider unleashed a stunning 1’51.793s on Lap 10 out of 11 laps, becoming the only rider to break into the 1’51 bracket across the day. The late surge not only propelled Hiroki to the top of the combined standings, but also sent a strong warning to his rivals ahead of qualifying and the races to come. Behind Hiroki, Krittapat settled for second ahead of Riichi Takahira, Irfan Ardiansyah and Panjaruch Chitwirulchat. Hiroki shared, “From FP1 until FP3, we kept trying different settings on the bike because I wanted to find the best feeling and improve my confidence on track. At the beginning it was not easy, but session by session we continued making adjustments and working hard together as a team. Finally, in FP3, I started to feel much more comfortable with the bike and everything came together really well. I could push harder with more confidence, and that helped me become the fastest rider today. I feel very happy and grateful because all the effort from the team paid off. But this is only the first step. The competition is still very close, so we need to continue working hard and stay focused for tomorrow’s qualifying. Hopefully, we can keep this momentum and achieve an even better result tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (1’51.793s) 2. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (1’52.116s) 3. RIICHI TAKAHIRA – Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ (1’52.142s) 4. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (1’52.161s) 5. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (1’52.169s)

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HUSNI LED TIGHT FIGHT

The UB150 category roared to life at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand as the opening day of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 delivered a fiercely contested combined practice session, with reigning champion Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 once again stamping his authority on the field. Husni carried the momentum from his strong start to the season into Chang International Circuit by setting the fastest overall time of 2’00.929s during Practice 1. The Indonesian rider laid down the benchmark on Lap 6 out of seven laps, reaching a top speed of 164.10 km/h. Already leading the championship standings after his victory in Race 2 during the opening round at Sepang International Circuit, Husni’s early pace in Buriram immediately sent a strong message to the rest of the UB150 field. However, the fight at the front is proving tighter than ever. Malaysia’s Muhammad Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM emerged as Husni’s closest challenger after topping Practice 2 with a blistering 2’01.045s. More impressively, Adib also recorded the highest top speed of the day at 173.9 km/h, underlining the growing threat from the Malaysian squad heading into qualifying and race day. His teammate, Nazirul Izzat Muhammad Bahauddin, maintained strong consistency across both sessions to secure third overall with a best lap of 2’01.272s, while Indonesia’s Dimas Juli Atmoko from HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY continued to show competitive form in fourth overall after consistently running inside the top group throughout the day. Completing the top five was Rendi Odding of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team, whose late-session pace in Practice 1 secured him a combined best of 2’01.535s. The opening day also highlighted just how unpredictable the UB150 category could become this weekend, with lap times separated by fractions of a second and several riders demonstrating the ability to challenge for the front positions. Gupita Kresna Wardhana of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 and Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY also impressed during Practice 2, adding further depth to an increasingly competitive grid. Husni said, “Alhamdulillah, I showed a very positive performance in both FP1 and FP2 today. We are truly grateful because the results were quite encouraging and gave the team a much needed confidence boost heading into tomorrow. I worked extremely hard throughout the sessions, stayed focused, and managed to deliver strong pace consistently on track. Today’s performance is an important foundation for tomorrow’s qualifying session and the race. Of course, there is still work to do, but seeing the progress makes us very proud and hopeful. We sincerely pray that we can maintain this momentum, stay consistent under pressure, and continue fighting at the front until the race tomorrow. Hopefully, all the hard work from the team will pay off with another strong result.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HUSNI ZAINUL FUADZY – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (2’00.929s) 2. MUHAMMAD ADIB ARSYAD MOHD HISAM – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM (2’01.045s) 3. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHAMMAD BAHAUDDIN – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM (2’01.272s) 4. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (2’01.431s) 5. RENDI ODDING – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (2’01.535s)

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RAMDAN EMERGED ON TOP

The battle in the TVS Racing International Championship category intensified on the opening day of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026, as riders from across the globe delivered a fiercely competitive combined practice session at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. After splitting victories during the opening round at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli and India’s Sarthak Chavan once again emerged as the centre of attention in Buriram, but this time, the margin between them was almost impossible to separate. Representing Malaysia, Ramdan surged to the top of the combined standings with a stunning lap of 1’50.802s during Practice 2, narrowly edging Sarthak by just 0.063s in what is already shaping up to be another explosive chapter in their growing rivalry. The Malaysian rider showed impressive consistency throughout the session, setting his fastest lap on Lap 6 out of 10 while reaching a top speed of 199.30km/h. More importantly, Ramdan’s late session pace immediately established him as one of the key favourites heading into qualifying and race day. However, Sarthak was never far behind. The Indian rider, who claimed victory in Race 1 during Round 1 before finishing second in Race 2, continued to demonstrate why he remains one of the strongest title contenders this season. Clocking a best lap of 1’50.865s in Practice 2, Sarthak also matched the highest top speed of the day at 202.60km/h, underlining both his straight-line speed and growing confidence around the Chang International Circuit. Behind the leading duo, Spain’s Luis Miguel made a strong statement during Practice 1 by topping the session with a rapid 1’50.875s, placing him third overall in the combined standings. The Spaniard consistently looked aggressive throughout the day and remains firmly in contention as the gap to the front continues to shrink. South Africa’s Oratilwe Phiri added further intensity to the battle after ending fourth overall with a best time of 1’50.933s, while Colombia’s Jhon A Lopez C completed the top five with a 1’50.999s lap, becoming the fifth rider to break into the highly competitive 1’50 bracket. What made the opening day even more compelling was the sheer closeness of the field. The top five riders were separated by less than two-tenths of a second, highlighting just how unpredictable the TVS Racing International Championship category could become as the weekend progresses. Ramdan said, “I’m still trying to find the best setup for the bike at the moment. Right now, I feel like I still can’t ride at 100 percent or fully show my true pace yet. There are still a few areas where I’m struggling to feel completely comfortable and confident on the bike. But despite that, every time I go out on the track, the feeling keeps getting better little by little. We are making progress step by step, and that gives me some confidence moving forward. Still, honestly, it’s not enough for me yet because I know I can do more and perform better. For tomorrow’s qualifying and Race 1, we plan to make some changes to the setup so I can feel more comfortable on the bike and ride more naturally. Hopefully, those adjustments will help me unlock more pace and allow me to fight stronger tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. MOHD RAMDAN ROSLI – MALAYSIA (1’50.802s) 2. SARTHAK CHAVAN – INDIA (1’50.865s) 3. LUIS MIGUEL – SPAIN (1’50.875s) 4. ORATILWE PHIRI – SOUTH AFRICA (1’50.933s) 5. JHON A LOPEZ C – COLOMBIA (1’50.999s)

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NAKARIN TARGETS BOUNCE-BACK AFTER TOUGH START

Nakarin Atiratphuvapat returns to Chang International Circuit for Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 with one objective, to reset his campaign and reignite his fight in the ASB1000 category. Representing HONDA RACING THAILAND, Nakarin arrives on home soil looking to put behind a challenging opening round at Sepang International Circuit, where circumstances beyond his control left him playing catch-up from the outset. A delayed arrival of machinery meant Nakarin missed crucial official testing time, leaving the team with limited opportunity to fine-tune their setup ahead of the race weekend. The impact was evident, as he managed sixth place in Race 1 before a crash in Race 2 saw him rejoin the race and salvage only three points, ending the round ninth overall. “Round 1 in Sepang was quite difficult for me. We didn’t get the setup where we wanted it to be, and adapting to the track conditions was not easy. Missing a day of testing also put us one step behind the others from the beginning. Finishing ninth is definitely not the result we were aiming for, but at the same time, we learned a lot. Now it’s about using that data and coming back stronger.” The return to Buriram, however, offers a very different outlook. It is a circuit where Nakarin has delivered before, including a memorable Race 2 victory in last season’s finale, even though he ultimately fell just three points short of the 2025 championship title. This time, he is determined to make full use of his home advantage. “Racing at home is always something special for me. I know this track well, and I’ve had strong results here in the past. The plan is to maximise that advantage, especially in qualifying. If we can start from the front, it gives us a real opportunity to control the race. But at the same time, the level of competition this year is very high, so I won’t underestimate anyone.” Rather than feeling the weight of expectation, Nakarin views his home round as a chance to reset and prove his true pace. “I see this more as an opportunity than pressure. Of course, racing in front of home fans comes with expectations, but I try to turn that into motivation. The support here gives me extra energy, and it makes me even more hungry to fight for the win.” Buriram’s demanding conditions will also play a crucial role across the weekend, with high temperatures and unpredictable weather. “The weather here is always tough. It’s very hot and physically demanding, and recently there’s been some rain as well. I’ve been focusing a lot on my fitness, adapting to the heat, and making sure I stay well hydrated. Overall, I think we are well prepared to handle whatever conditions come our way.” With the ASB1000 field proving to be more competitive than ever, Nakarin remains realistic, but quietly confident in his ability to fight back. “The level this season is very high, and every rider is strong. But I believe we have the potential to be in the front group. The goal is to improve step by step, stay consistent, and fight for podiums in every round.” After a difficult start, Chang International Circuit now represents more than just another race weekend for Nakarin. It is a chance to turn momentum, reclaim confidence, and remind the field exactly what he is capable of on home ground.

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ANUPAB HUNTS REDEMPTION AT HOME

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.

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BACK-TO-BACK 50 FOR KRITTAPAT?

Thailand’s rising force in the AP250 category, Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, arrives at Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 with momentum firmly on his side, and expectations even higher. Set to compete on home soil at Chang International Circuit, Krittapat carries the confidence of a flawless opening round at Sepang International Circuit, where he dominated proceedings with back-to-back victories to secure a maximum 50 points. It was a statement performance from the Thai rider, who narrowly missed out on the 2025 title after finishing second overall. Now, returning to a circuit where he has consistently shown strong pace, Krittapat is determined to build on that early advantage. “Chang has always been a circuit where I feel strong and comfortable, but I know there are still areas I need to improve. I want to be sharper, especially in maintaining consistency lap by lap and managing tyre performance towards the end of the race. That’s where the real difference can be made.” Despite his dominant start, the 50-point haul from Round 1 is not something Krittapat sees as a cushion, but rather a foundation. “It’s a solid start, but I’m not here to settle. Racing at home, the goal is always to maximise every opportunity. Another strong result is definitely what I’m aiming for.” While names like Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND and Peerapong Luiboonpeng of ONE FOR ALL are expected to mount a strong challenge on home ground, Krittapat is wary of focusing too narrowly on specific rivals in a category known for its depth. “They are both very competitive riders, no doubt. But in AP250, you can’t focus on just two riders. There are many who are capable of fighting at the front, so for me, the priority is to stay focused on my own performance.” Adding another layer of complexity to the weekend is the notoriously demanding Buriram climate, a factor that could test both rider and the machine. “The weather here can be really tough. It’s hot, unpredictable, and physically demanding. Preparation is key. Hydration, fitness, and staying mentally locked in no matter the conditions will be crucial.” Should the races come down to a final-lap showdown, Krittapat believes he has the composure and racecraft to deliver under pressure. “Last-lap battles are where racing truly comes alive. I trust my instincts and decision-making in those moments. It’s about staying calm, choosing the right opportunity, and committing when it matters most.” Racing in front of a home crowd brings both expectation and inspiration, something Krittapat embraces fully. “It definitely brings both motivation and pressure, but I see pressure as a privilege. The support from the fans gives me extra energy, and it pushes me to perform at my best. I’m ready to give everything, just like I did in Round 1.”

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CAN HUSNI STAY AHEAD?

  Indonesian rider Husni Zainul Fuadzy has begun his 2026 campaign in the UB150 category of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship with the same authority that carried him to the 2025 overall championship title. Representing ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34, Husni enters Round 2 at Chang International Circuit as the current championship leader after a strong opening round at Sepang International Circuit, where he secured third place in Race 1 before bouncing back with a victory in Race 2 to collect 41 crucial points. Despite carrying the pressure of being the defending champion, Husni remains composed and focused, insisting that his mindset has not changed even with the target on his back. “Alhamdulillah, Round 1 was a very good result for me and the team. For me, there is no pressure. I will continue to fight until the final round to defend my championship. Every race is important, and I just want to stay consistent and keep pushing forward.” As the man to beat in UB150 this season, Husni acknowledges that defending the title is already proving to be a tougher challenge than winning it. “The biggest challenge right now is defending the championship. Everyone is pushing harder this year, so I know I cannot relax even for a moment.” The UB150 category has also seen increased intensity this season, with changes in regulations adding another layer of unpredictability to the competition. “The competition in UB150 this year is very tight. The regulation changes have quite a big impact on the bike, so every team has had to adapt. That makes the racing even closer and more challenging.” For Husni, nothing comes easy at the top level. That is the reality of defending a championship. “It is definitely very difficult to defend the title. But my team and I will continue to fight in every round. We are not here just to participate. We are here to defend the championship.” While results remain his priority, Husni continues to focus on refining himself as a rider, round by round. “In every race, I always learn something new and sharpen my instincts. That is how I keep improving, step by step, session by session, and round by round.” Heading into Round 2, Husni also credits his team for ensuring he arrives fully prepared for another demanding weekend. “My team has prepared everything very well for Round 2. Now it’s up to me to execute on track. Hopefully we can achieve another strong result this weekend.”

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SARTHAK STEPS UP TITLE CHARGE

The battle in the TVS Racing International Championship category is already heating up after just one round of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026, with India’s young star Sarthak Chavan emerging as one of the key contenders heading into Round 2 at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. Sarthak delivered a standout performance at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, claiming victory in Race 1 before securing a solid second-place finish in Race 2. However, consistency from Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli means both riders now head into Chang International Circuit, Buriram tied on points. Despite the early narrative pointing towards a two-way title fight, Sarthak believes the championship picture is far from settled. “It might look like a battle between two riders right now, but honestly, the championship feels even more competitive this year. There are several riders who showed strong potential in Round 1, and I believe more names will come into the fight as the season progresses. It’s still too early to define the championship.” While the standings remain tight, Sarthak insists pressure is not part of his mindset, at least not yet. “At the moment, I don’t feel any pressure. I’m really happy with my performance in Malaysia. It was probably my best weekend at Sepang International Circuit so far. Now we move to Thailand, which is a track where I feel very strong. My focus is to stay sharp and keep working on the areas that matter.” That confidence could prove crucial as the championship heads to Buriram, a circuit where Sarthak has historically thrived. “It would be very clear that I want to fight for both race wins this weekend. It’s important to build a strong lead early in the championship, and coming into Thailand, I have a very positive feeling. This is one of the tracks where I’ve had multiple wins and podiums, so my confidence is high.” Sarthak’s belief is further reinforced by how well his riding style aligns with the demands of the Chang International circuit. “Yes, I feel 100% comfortable here. Sepang and Buriram require very different approaches, but my riding style suits Buriram really well. I feel natural on this track, and that gives me an extra boost heading into the weekend.” With momentum on his side and confidence building, the young Indian rider is not shying away from making his intentions clear to the rest of the field. “This year, I’m going to give everything I have to become champion. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my career, I’m enjoying my riding more than ever, and I’m ready for whatever comes.”

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