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HAFIZH STRUCK FIRST TO LEAD

2026, 2026 Round 3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News / webadmin webadmin

The Asia Superbike ASB1000 class delivered an thrilling start to Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, with just over half a second separating the top five riders after an intense day of combined practice. Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM emerged as the rider to beat, setting a blistering best lap of 1’49.752s in Practice 1 that remained unbeaten throughout the day. The Malaysian’s benchmark lap secured top spot in the combined standings and sent a clear message to his rivals ahead of qualifying. However, the battle at the front is far from settled. Home favourite Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES delivered a stunning late charge in Practice 3, clocking a 1’50.021s to finish second overall, just 0.269s behind Hafizh. Racing on familiar territory, Abe’s pace ensured the Japanese fans had plenty to cheer about and positioned him as a serious contender for pole position. The fight for supremacy intensified further with HONDA RACING THAILAND’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat ending the day third overall. Nakarin was the only rider to top Practice 2 and consistently featured among the frontrunners throughout all three sessions, underlining both his race-winning potential. Adding further intrigue was local wildcard Shota Ite of AKENO SPEED.UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJUMOTOR ASIA TEAM. The Japanese rider impressed from the opening session, finishing third in Practice 1 before maintaining his challenge throughout the day. His combined best of 1’50.166s placed him fourth overall, just 0.414s adrift of Hafizh and firmly in contention for a front-row start. Completing the top five was another Japanese star, Kohta Arakawa of Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing. Arakawa demonstrated remarkable consistency across all three sessions and remained within striking distance of the leading quartet, highlighting the strength of the local challenge at Motegi. The day’s fastest speed belonged to Hafizh, who reached an astonishing 286.472kph in Practice 3, emphasizing the incredible performance levels being achieved around the iconic Japanese circuit. Hafizh shared,“Syukur Alhamdulillah, we finished the day as the fastest overall, which is a very encouraging start to the weekend. The conditions in the morning were almost perfect, and we were able to set a very competitive lap time. In the afternoon, heavy rain arrived, so I only completed a few laps to better understand the bike’s behaviour in wet conditions. The positive thing is that we now have a solid wet setup and a clearer understanding of the areas that still need improvement. Later in the session, as the track began to dry, there were still some damp patches in several corners, so I focused on maintaining my rhythm and gathering as much information as possible. Unfortunately, we experienced a small electronics issue, which forced us to stop briefly. We managed to get back out on track and improve our lap time, but the same issue appeared again. The team is working hard to identify the cause, and hopefully we can resolve it before tomorrow. Overall, I am happy with our pace, and I hope we can have a smooth Qualifying session and prepare ourselves well for both Race 1 and Race 2.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (1’49.752s) 2. KEITO ABE – SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (1’50.021s) 3. NAKARIN ATIRATPHUVAPAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (1’50.100s) 4. SHOTA ITE – AKENO SPEED.UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJUMOTOR ASIA TEAM (1’50.166s) 5. KOHTA ARAKAWA – Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing (1’50.289s)

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ANUPAB OUTSHONE JAPANESE RIDER IN MOTEGI

2026, 2026 Round 3, Latest News, Supersports 600 / webadmin webadmin

A late-session charge from Thailand’s Anupab Sarmoon saw the Yamaha Thailand Racing Team rider snatch top honours in the SS600 combined practice standings as Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) 2026 happened at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan on Friday. Separated by just 0.202 seconds, Anupab set a blistering 1’53.882s in Practice 3 to leapfrog local favourite Hikari Okubo and Malaysian star Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of Hong Leong Yamaha Racing in one of the closest practice battles. The day began with Kasma setting the pace in Practice 1. Kasma laid down an early marker with a lap of 1’54.084s, leading a tightly packed field that featured Okubo, Anupab, Herjun Atna Firdaus and Khairul Idham Pawi all within a second of the benchmark time. The Malaysian also showcased impressive straight-line speed, reaching 248.848kph around the fast and flowing Motegi circuit. However, conditions changed in Practice 2 as weather changed to rain condition, forcing riders to adapt quickly. Anupab proved master of the wet conditions, topping the session with a commanding 2’11.207s while rivals struggled to match his pace. Thailand continued to shine with Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND securing second, while Md Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM and Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA also featured prominently. Track drying once again for Practice 3 saw the battle back into life. Home hero Okubo looked set to delight the Japanese fans after producing a stunning 1’53.952s. But Anupab responded with the fastest lap of the day, edging ahead by a mere 0.070s to secure the top spot in the combined standings. Kasma remained firmly in contention, finishing third overall and just 0.202s adrift of the benchmark, ensuring the fight for pole position remains wide open heading into qualifying. Behind the leading trio, Indonesia’s Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM continued his impressive form in fourth, while Khairul Idham Pawi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA rounded out the top five after consistently featuring among the frontrunners throughout all three sessions. Anupab said, “Today I felt really comfortable with the bike. We made some important changes, including fitting a new rear suspension and making further adjustments to the front suspension settings. In Practice 3, I was able to finish in P1, and I had a very good feeling with the bike throughout the session. We will review the data with the team, but at the moment we are planning to keep this setup for tomorrow. I expect the Japanese riders to be very strong and capable of maintaining a fast pace at their home circuit. My plan is to stay with the leading group, manage my race pace carefully, and then try to make my move in the closing stages. If everything goes according to plan, I hope to break away in the final laps and fight for the best possible result.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (1’53.882s) 2. HIKARI OKUBO – SANWA RACING TEAM (1’53.952s) 3. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (1’54.084s) 4. HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (1’54.631s) 5. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (1’54.699s)

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CANDRA HELD OFF JAPAN HERO

2026, 2026 Round 3, Asia Production 250, Latest News / webadmin webadmin

A mere 0.031s separated the two fastest riders in the AP250 class as Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 got underway at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, with Indonesia’s Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA narrowly emerging on top of combined practice session. Candra set the benchmark early in Practice 1 with a scorching lap of 2’07.639s, a time that ultimately remained unbeaten throughout the day. However, his grip on the top spot was far from comfortable as local challenger Riichi Takahira mounted a relentless attack in front of his home fans. Takahira responded in Practice 2 with a blistering 2’07.670s, falling just 0.031s short of displacing Candra from the summit. The Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ rider’s performance immediately ignited anticipation for what could become one of the defining rivalries of the Motegi weekend. The opening session belonged largely to the Indonesian contingent. Alongside Candra, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, and Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA secured places inside the top four, demonstrating the strength of Indonesian riders around the iconic Japanese venue. Fahmi also recorded one of the day’s standout top speeds at 192.513kph, the highest among the Practice 1 frontrunners. Yet as the sessions unfolded, the chasing pack began to close in. Irdan Ardiansyah delivered a strong performance for ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM to claim third overall with a lap of 2’08.200s, while experienced Japanese rider Hiroki Ono ensured local representation remained strong in fourth overall for HONDA RACING VIETNAM. The final practice session saw another shift in momentum. Fadhil topped Practice 3 ahead of Fahmi and fellow Japanese contender Ryuji Yokoe of TEAM TECH2 & SANWA RACING TEAM, proving that the battle for supremacy remains wide open despite Candra’s position atop the combined standings. What makes the AP250 field particularly intriguing heading into qualifying is the sheer depth of contenders. The combined top five were covered by less than eight-tenths of a second, while multiple riders took turns leading individual sessions throughout the day. Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, Ryuji, Musyavi and Fahmi all demonstrated race-winning pace at various points, suggesting that no single rider has yet established complete control. Candra stated, “Alhamdulillah, I was able to finish as the fastest rider today. This result is the reward for the hard work and dedication of both myself and my mechanics. We made several adjustments to the suspension and fine-tuned the engine setup, and thankfully everything worked very well. The bike felt great, and I was able to achieve a strong lap time. I am feeling confident and positive heading into Qualifying and the race tomorrow. Hopefully, I can continue this momentum and give my very best performance. Amin.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (2’07.639s) 2. RIICHI TAKAHIRA – TIANYU Asia Racing MFZ (2’07.670s) 3. IRDAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (2’08.200s) 4. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (2’08.314s) 5. FAHMI BASAM – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (2’08.374s)

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HUSNI STAMPED AUTHORITY IN MOTEGI

2026, 2026 Round 3, Latest News, Underbone 150 / webadmin webadmin

Husni Zainul Fuadzy ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 delivered a commanding performance in the UB150 class as Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 got underway at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, topping the combined practice standings despite dramatically changing weather conditions on Friday. Husni emerged as the rider to beat after setting a blistering lap time of 2’16.715s in Practice 1, a benchmark that remained untouched throughout the day. Even when rain arrived for the second session, Husni demonstrated impressive adaptability by once again finishing at the top of the timesheets with a lap of 2’22.426s, underlining both his pace and consistency heading into qualifying. The opening practice session saw riders take full advantage of dry conditions, with Husni immediately laying down a marker. However, the battle behind him was intense. Indonesia’s Dimas Juli Atmoko of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY secured second overall with a best lap of 2’18.228s, while local favourite Adytya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING delighted the Japanese crowd by placing third with a 2’18.721s effort. Less than seven-tenths of a second separated second to fourth positions, highlighting the competitiveness of the UB150 field. M. Syirat Sauki from YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM claimed fourth overall with a lap of 2’18.905s, while Dimas’ teammate Wahyu Aji Trilaksana completed the top five after recording 2’19.137s. The afternoon session brought an entirely different challenge as rain swept across Mobility Resort Motegi, forcing teams and riders to quickly adapt their setups and riding styles. Once again, Husni rose to the occasion, leading Adytya and Dimas in a Practice 2 session. The wet conditions also allowed YUZY ASIA TEAM riders to make their presence felt, with Shahrol Syazras Shahrol Yuzy and Ahmad Darwisy Ahmad Sahir finishing fourth and fifth respectively in Practice 2, demonstrating strong pace when grip levels became unpredictable. While Husni’s dominance across both sessions makes him the early favourite, the combined standings suggest the battle for pole position and race honours remains wide open. With Dimas, Adytya, Syirat and Wahyu all within striking distance, the UB150 class is shaping up for another thrilling showdown at Motegi. Husni commented, “Today was a very positive day for us in both Practice 1 and Practice 2, and the results have given us good confidence heading into Qualifying and Race 1 tomorrow. In Practice 1, Alhamdulillah, we immediately found a good setup using our first engine, which allowed us to be competitive from the start. Practice 2 was affected by rain, but despite the challenging conditions, we still managed to improve our best lap time today. I would like to thank the team for their hard work, and hopefully tomorrow I can deliver my best performance in both Qualifying and the race.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HUSNI ZAINUL FUADZY – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (2’16.715s) 2. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (2’18.228s) 3. ADYTYA FAUZI – JPNW SND FACTORY RACING (2’18.721s) 4. M. SYIRAT SAUKI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (2’18.905s) 5. WAHYU AJI TRILAKSANA – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (2’19.137s)

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UNITED EFFORT DRIVES MOTEGI PREPARATIONS FORWARD

2026, Latest News / webadmin webadmin

Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) would like to extend its sincere apologies to all teams, riders, partners, and stakeholders affected by the freight delays ahead of Round 3 of the 2026 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. Following the disruption caused by the recent typhoon in Japan, championship freight arrived at the port on Tuesday at 9:00pm. Through the tireless efforts of our logistics partner, the freight arrived at Mobility Resort Motegi on Thursday morning, allowing preparations for the race weekend to continue. To accommodate the revised preparation timeline, adjustments to the race weekend schedule have been made and communicated to all relevant parties. TWMR would like to express its sincere appreciation to Dunlop for extending operational working hours in support of the recovery effort, as well as to Mobility Resort Motegi for its cooperation and flexibility in making paddock facilities available on a 24-hour basis, if required. Special thanks must also go to all team personnel and crew members who will be working through the night to ensure their machines, equipment and operations are ready for the race weekend. We are grateful for the understanding, patience and support shown by all teams, riders, partners and stakeholders during this challenging situation. Through the collective efforts of everyone involved, we remain committed to delivering a successful Round 3 weekend at Mobility Resort Motegi and look forward to an exciting weekend of racing.

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HELMI TARGETS BIG STEP IN JAPAN

2026, 2026 Round 3 / webadmin webadmin

Malaysia’s Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA heads into Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, carrying not only momentum, but also unfinished business. Sitting third in the overall standings after two rounds, Helmi has emerged as a title contender this season following a strong and emotional start, with a commanding Race 1 victory and a Race 2 podium at Round 1, followed by a more challenging Round 2 where he scored P6 and P10 finishes. The contrast reflects the intensity of the championship, where consistency is as valuable as outright speed. Despite the ups and downs, Helmi remains grounded in his approach, viewing his current position as both progress and motivation. “I’m quite satisfied with how we’ve started the season. Being third in the championship after two rounds gives us a good foundation, but I know there’s still a lot of work to do. We’ve shown strong and consistent pace, and scoring important points early in the season is crucial in a long championship like this.” He added that while every rider dreams of leading the standings, his focus remains firmly on process rather than pressure. “Of course, every rider wants to be leading the championship, but I believe we are in a solid position that keeps us in the title fight,” he said. As the paddock returns to Mobility Resort Motegi, the circuit that has tested Helmi since its introduction to the ARRC calendar in season 2024, the Malaysian rider knows this weekend carries both history and opportunity. His past results at the Japanese venue have been steady, however, not standout, with the record of P4 and P5 in 2024, followed by a more difficult P7 and P14 in 2025. Those experiences, however, have shaped his understanding of the circuit’s demands. “Mobility Resort Motegi is a very unique track with technical sections that require a very specific setup and riding style. In previous years, we struggled a bit to find the perfect balance between corner entry and acceleration, but we’ve worked hard to improve those areas.” He continued, “Motegi teaches you patience. Even a small mistake can cost a lot of time, and the competition is always extremely close. Every visit there has been a learning process for me.” Now, with a stronger package and improved race execution, Helmi believes 2026 could mark a turning point. “I feel my race management has improved a lot, especially in controlling tyre performance and adapting my riding during different phases of the race. The bike has also developed, and I feel we are in a much better position compared to previous seasons.” With confidence growing from a competitive start to the year, Helmi is quietly optimistic about his chances in Japan. “We’ve shown we can fight at the front this season. Motegi will definitely be a different challenge, but I believe in my machine and in the team. The key is to stay focused and execute everything step by step, and if we do that, we can be in the fight where it matters most.”

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AIKI CHASES HONDA BREAKTHROUGH

2026, 2026 Round 3 / webadmin webadmin

Few changes in motorcycle racing demand as much patience and adaptability as switching manufacturers. For Aiki Iyoshi of TEAM SDG WITH HARC-PRO, the 2026 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship season has brought exactly that challenge. After spending previous seasons aboard Kawasaki machinery, the Japanese rider made the significant decision to switch to Honda for his AP250 campaign. While the move offered exciting new possibilities, it also required Aiki to start a new learning process, adapting his riding style and understanding a machine with characteristics vastly different from what he had become accustomed to. As the championship prepares for Round 3 at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, Aiki arrives at his home round encouraged by the progress made during the opening two rounds and optimistic about what lies ahead. The transition, however, has been far from straightforward. “I’ve switched from Kawasaki to Honda, and the process has involved learning many new things. We are still exploring different setup directions and trying to better understand how to unlock the full potential of the motorcycle. There is still a lot to learn, but the important thing is that we are moving in a positive direction. Every session gives us new information, and I can feel that we are making steady progress.” Despite the challenges, Aiki believes the Honda package has already revealed promising characteristics that could become major strengths as the season progresses. “Looking back at the first two rounds, I am reasonably satisfied with the progress we have made, although there is still much more to come. The Honda is very light and easy to handle, which gives me confidence in many areas of the circuit. Of course, every machine has its strengths and weaknesses, and there are still aspects we need to improve. But I believe both the bike and I will continue to develop from the next race onward.” Having spent years racing Kawasaki machinery, Aiki has quickly noticed that the Honda demands a different approach. “The strengths of the Honda are completely different from the Kawasaki. The bike has very good torque and its lightweight nature helps in changing direction and managing the motorcycle during races. At the same time, there are areas where we still need to improve stability. If we can maximize the strengths while continuing to improve the weaker areas, I believe the results will naturally follow.” While the adaptation process remains ongoing, Aiki is excited by the potential that still remains untapped. “I do not think I am yet able to fully unleash my potential with this motorcycle. There are still things I am learning every time I ride. But that is also what makes this challenge exciting. I strongly believe there is much more performance to come, and I am looking forward to discovering it together with the team.” Building confidence with a completely new machine while racing against competitors who already have years of experience on their packages can be difficult. Yet Aiki’s confidence continues to grow with every round. “To be honest, I had significant anxiety at the beginning of the season because everything was new. But the team has been working incredibly hard and approaching every challenge with a positive attitude. Seeing that effort motivates me even more. Their commitment gives me confidence, and I want to repay that hard work with strong results.” The timing of Round 3 could hardly be better. For Aiki, Mobility Resort Motegi represents not only another championship opportunity but also the chance to compete on home soil in front of Japanese fans. “There will be several improvements to the motorcycle for Motegi, which makes me very excited for this round. At the same time, I am putting extra focus on my physical preparation because I want to arrive in the best possible condition. Racing at home is always special, and I want to make the most of the opportunity.” Mobility Resort Motegi could also provide an important indication of just how far the Honda project has progressed. With greater familiarity on the machine, planned updates to the package and the advantage of racing at a circuit he knows well, Aiki believes the weekend could become a turning point in his season. “I believe I can achieve a strong result at Motegi. This race is very important because a good performance here would give me a lot of confidence heading into the second half of the season. It would show that all the hard work from the opening rounds is starting to pay off.”

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ADYTYA EYES MOTEGI BREAKTHROUGH

2026, 2026 Round 3, Latest News / webadmin webadmin

As the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 heads to Japan for Round 3 at Mobility Resort Motegi, Adytya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING arrives with quiet confidence and the objective to challenge at the front and mount a serious charge against the championship’s strongest contenders. Now in his second season aboard the Honda machinery, Adytya believes familiarity with the bike has provided the team with a solid foundation heading into one of the most technically demanding circuits on the calendar. Unlike previous years where adaptation played a bigger role, preparation this time centres heavily on race execution and strategy. “For Mobility Resort Motegi, we already have a lot of useful data from previous races, and we are using the same bike package this season. That gives us more confidence because we understand the machine much better now,” explained Adytya. “At this stage, I believe strategy will play the biggest role in determining the result.” Having previously stood on the podium at Mobility Resort Motegi, Adytya enters the weekend carrying encouraging momentum from past campaigns at the Japan circuit. During Round 3 of the 2024 season, the Indonesian rider delivered a strong performance to finish second in Race 2, demonstrating his ability to challenge among the frontrunners at one of the championship’s most technically demanding venues. He followed that result with another podium finish in Round 3 of the 2025 season, claiming third place in Race 1 and further strengthening his confidence at the circuit. Those podium finishes have provided Adytya with valuable experience and a deeper understanding of what it takes to stay competitive at Mobility Resort Motegi. With improved familiarity aboard the Honda machinery in his second season, the Indonesian rider believes consistency, race management and strategy will be key to turning past podium success into an even stronger result this weekend. Still, the challenge ahead remains formidable, particularly against current championship leader Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34, a rider Adytya believes excels in the closing moments of races. “Husni is always very strong, especially on the final lap where he often finds a way to come through at exactly the right moment,” Adytya shared. “To finish strongly in Motegi, we need to carefully understand his racing pattern and prepare the best possible strategy. Racing against a rider like him means every move matters, especially when the fight goes down to the final lap.” Describing Mobility Resort Motegi as a circuit with similarities to several tracks in Indonesia, Adytya explained that major setup changes may not be necessary. Instead, the focus will be on perfecting race details, particularly the final corner, which he believes could decide the outcome. “The track is more or less similar to circuits in Indonesia, so we do not expect major setup changes,” he said. “The last corner is the most critical part. If you can exit well, get a strong slipstream and position yourself perfectly, it can make all the difference in being the first rider across the finish line.”

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ORATILWE’S ROAD TO RECOGNITION

Uncategorized / webadmin webadmin

Just six months ago, Oratilwe Phiri’s introduction to the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship was one he would rather forget. Entering Round 6 of the 2025 season at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, as a wildcard rider, the young South African endured a difficult weekend that ended with crashes in both Race 1 and Race 2, leaving him without a finish and without points. Yet those painful moments would ultimately become the foundation of an impressive turnaround. Returning to the championship in 2026 as a full-season rider with TVS Racing International Championship, Oratilwe has quickly emerged as one of the surprise contenders of the season. After two rounds, Oratilwe sits third in the overall championship standings, a remarkable achievement for a rider who was still learning the demands of ARRC competition just months earlier. Looking back on his challenging debut, Oratilwe believes the lessons learned in Buriram have played a significant role in shaping his approach this season. “The biggest lesson I learned from my debut was that I did not need to rush to get up to pace and that I should not let pressure affect me. At the time, I was putting a lot of pressure on myself because I wanted to prove that I belonged here. Looking back now, those crashes taught me the importance of staying patient, trusting the process and allowing my speed to come naturally. It was a difficult weekend, but it helped me become a better rider.” The transition from racing in South Africa to one of Asia’s most competitive motorcycle championships has brought challenges both on and off the track. From adapting to unfamiliar circuits and racing environments to managing a demanding international travel schedule, every aspect of his career has required adjustment. “The biggest changes have been the amount of travelling and the level of preparation required away from the circuit. I spend much more time flying and training than I did before. It has taken some getting used to, but it has also helped me become more disciplined and professional in everything I do.” One of the highlights of his season so far came at Buriram, Thailand, during Round 2, where he secured an impressive third place finish in Race 1. While the result caught many by surprise, Oratilwe believes his wildcard experience at the Chang International Circuit played an important role in helping him achieve that breakthrough result. “To be honest, I did not expect to be this competitive so early in my first full season, but that did not stop me from giving everything I had. I firmly believe that the wildcard experience helped me because I came into the race already knowing the layout of the circuit and understanding what to expect. Even though the results last year were disappointing, the experience itself was extremely valuable.” His strong start has naturally increased both confidence and ambition. “At the beginning of the season, my goal was mainly to learn, improve and gain experience. Now, with the confidence and pace I have found, my goals have changed slightly. I genuinely believe I can fight to finish inside the top three of the championship by the end of the season, and that is something I am working towards every day.” For Oratilwe, the journey carries significance far beyond championship points and podium finishes. “To me, it means a lot. It shows that all the hard work, sacrifices and effort are paying off. When people start recognizing what you are doing and believing in your potential, it gives you even more motivation to keep pushing forward and improving.” His growing confidence has also been supported by a stronger sense of belonging within the TVS Racing setup. “I am much more comfortable than I was at the beginning of the season. I am starting to feel at home with the team and the other riders. That comfort level allows me to focus more on my riding and continue building confidence every time I get on the bike.” The next challenge comes at Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan, where Oratilwe will race for the first time in ARRC competition. Despite his impressive start to the season, the South African remains grounded about the task ahead. “I am going into this race without setting my expectations too high. Motegi is a new circuit for me, so the priority is to learn quickly, adapt as fast as possible and collect as many points as I can throughout the weekend. If I can achieve a top five finish overall, I believe it will be another positive step forward in this season.”

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