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KRITTAPAT CONQUERS CHAOTIC BATTLE

2026, 2026 Round 1, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 delivered edge-of-the-seat drama at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, as Race 1 of the AP250 class unfolded into a high-intensity showdown, with Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM emerging victorious after a race packed with incidents, lead changes, and last-lap heartbreak. The race began with a blistering start from Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, who immediately took control ahead of Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA. However, the order quickly shifted as Riichi Takahira of Tian yu Asia Racing MFZ and Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM surged into contention. Early drama struck as Muhd Jazzil Juraimi of TEAM ACR was forced to retire due to a technical issue. By Lap 2, the leading group intensified, with Rheza holding firm ahead of Fahmi, Candra, and Riichi, while Krittapat began working his way forward. Thailand’s Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND made a decisive move to the front, overtaking Rheza to seize the lead. Moments later, chaos unfolded as Riichi and Candra collided and crashed, followed shortly by Galang Hendra Pratama, dramatically reshaping the race. Lap 3 saw Panjaruch and Rheza locked in a fierce duel for the lead, swapping positions corner by corner. Krittapat settled into third, with Fahmi and Muh. Badly Ayatullah M of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM keeping close contact in a tightly packed front group. The momentum shifted again on Lap 4 as Krittapat surged into the lead ahead of Panjaruch and Rheza, showcasing strong pace and control. However, the relentless exchanges continued, and by Lap 6, the front group remained inseparable, with Fahmi, Badly, Panjaruch, and Rheza all taking turns at the front before Krittapat reclaimed the lead. On Lap 7, Badly made a bold move to take control, but Krittapat responded immediately, clocking the fastest lap of the race at 2’24.971s to stay firmly in contention as the race built towards a dramatic finale. The final lap delivered pure chaos. Krittapat briefly regained the lead, only for Panjaruch to strike back, with Rheza also forcing his way into second. Badly, who had been a key contender, crashed out, while Krittapat once again fought his way to the front. Fahmi moved into second with Rheza in third, setting up a tense final sector. In a heartbreaking twist, Fahmi crashed out at the final turn while pushing for victory, leaving the door wide open. Krittapat seized the moment and powered across the finish line in 19’32.842s to secure a hard-fought win. Gerry Salim of MsGlowForMen Racing Team capitalised to take second, just 0.269s behind at 19’33.111s, while Malaysia’s Md Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril claimed third at 19’33.171s, much to the delight of the home crowd. Krittapat said, “On the last lap, I knew what I had to do. I’m really thankful to my team for their support, and also to my family. This victory means a lot to me.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (19’32.842s) 2. GERRY SALIM – MsGlowForMen Racing Team (19’33.111s) 3. MD DANIAL SYAHMI AHMAD SHAHRIL – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM (19’33.171s) 4. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (19’33.237s) 5. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (19’33.439s)

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GUPITA STEALS SEPANG SHOWDOWN

2026, 2026 Round 1, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 ignited the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, with a breathtaking Race 1 in the UB150 class, as Indonesia’s Gupita Kresna Wardhana of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 delivered a perfectly timed final-lap charge to snatch victory in one of the most fiercely contested races of the day. The race burst into life with John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team launching into the lead, ahead of teammate Rendi Odding, Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY, and April King Mascardo of RACETECH YAMAHA PHILIPPINES RACING TEAM. As expected in UB150 fashion, the order began to reshuffle almost immediately. By Lap 2, Shahrol Syazras Shahrol Yuzy of YUZY ASIA TEAM briefly took control before being displaced in a rapidly evolving lead group. Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM surged to the front, but was instantly put under pressure by Gupita, with the two riders trading positions in an intense early duel. Close behind, Dimas Juli Atmoko of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY and Ahmad Darwisy Ahmad Sahir of YUZY ASIA TEAM remained firmly in contention as the pack stayed tightly bunched. Lap 3 saw Nazirul hold the lead, but Gupita signalled his intent by clocking the fastest lap of 2’42.509s, continuing to pile pressure on the front. Adytya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING, Dimas, and John all maintained their positions within the leading group, with no rider able to break clear. The momentum shifted again on Lap 4 when John responded with a blistering 2’35.920s to lead the group, only for Nazirul to immediately capitalise on an opening to retake the position, with Rendi following closely behind as the race intensified. Heading into the final two laps, the battle reached boiling point. No fewer than five riders remained locked together, with Wahyu emerging at the front ahead of April, Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34, Fadli Rigani of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, and Dimas, as the leading pack prepared for a decisive final lap shootout. In a dramatic final lap, Wahyu and Dimas initially led the charge, but from the shadows, Gupita executed a masterful surge through the pack. Timing his move to perfection, he sliced through the field and powered out of the final corners to clinch victory in 15’50.980s. Dimas crossed the line just 0.002s behind in 15’50.982s, while Husni secured third place at 15’51.039s, completing a double podium for ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34. Wahyu and Rendi rounded out the top five after an all-out battle to the chequered flag. Gupita said, “I want to thank my parents, my wife, my children, and my team for supporting me until I could be on the podium today. During the race, I tried to stay safe at the back, but in the middle stages I began working my way forward. I believed I could reach the front group, and on the final lap I made my move and went for the win. I’m very grateful, and it’s even more special to share the podium with my teammate, Husni.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. GUPITA KRESNA WARDHANA – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (15’50.980s) 2. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (15’50.982s) 3. HUSNI ZAINUL FUADZY – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (15’51.039s) 4. WAHYU AJI TRILAKSANA – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (15’51.413s) 5. RENDI ODDING – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (15’51.443s)

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SARTHAK STRIKES BACK

2026, 2026 Round 1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 roared into life at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, as the TVS Racing International Championship delivered a breathtaking Race 1, with India’s Sarthak Chavan emerging victorious after a dramatic final-lap showdown. The race exploded into action with Pedrinho Matos from Portugal launching off the line in spectacular fashion, instantly breaking away from the pack. Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli gave chase in second, followed by compatriot Md Naqib Rifqi, while India’s Rakshith Shihari Dave and Sarthak slotted into the early top five. However, the race took an early twist as Pedrinho crashed out, along with India’s KY Ahamed, reshuffling the order. By Lap 2, Ramdan seized control at the front, with Naqib and Sarthak in close pursuit. Md Haziq Md Fairues joined the leading battle alongside Spain’s Luis Miguel, before the latter suffered a crash, further intensifying the fight at the front. Naqib attempted an aggressive move on Ramdan but the Malaysian responded calmly to reclaim the lead. The intensity ramped up on Lap 3 as Ramdan continued to lead ahead of Naqib and Haziq, while Sarthak dropped to fourth. Demonstrating strong pace, Haziq clocked the fastest lap of 2’23.459s, keeping the pressure firmly on the leaders. As the race entered Lap 5, a tight lead group had formed, featuring Ramdan, Naqib, Haziq, Sarthak, and South Africa’s Oratilwe Phiri, all separated by mere fractions as the battle for victory remained wide open. The final lap delivered pure drama. Naqib surged into the lead ahead of Ramdan and Haziq, but Sarthak carved his way through the pack with clinical precision. In a nail-biting sequence of overtakes, he went head-to-head with Naqib, while Ramdan and Haziq remained locked in contention just behind. Heading into the final corner, Haziq briefly took the lead but ran wide, opening the door for Sarthak to unleash a decisive run to the finish. The Indian rider powered across the line in 14’27.477s, securing a sensational victory. Ramdan followed just 0.044s behind in 14’27.521s, with Haziq completing the podium a further 0.058s adrift at 14’27.579s. Sarthak said, “I will try my best again tomorrow, but today I really enjoyed the race. After many races and many P2 finishes, I’m finally back to P1, so it feels really good. I didn’t have the best start, but I managed to stay with the leaders and keep up the pace. In the end, I was able to make the move and finish P1. Thank you to everyone for the support. Tomorrow, the target remains the same, it’s to win again. Hearing the national anthem of India today makes me very happy.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. SARTHAK CHAVAN – INDIA (14’27.477s) 2. MOHD RAMDAN ROSLI – MALAYSIA (14’27.521s) 3. MD HAZIQ MD FAIRUES – MALAYSIA (14’27.579s) 4. MD NAQIB RIFQI – MALAYSIA (14’27.949s) 5. ORATILWE PHIRI – SOUTH AFRICA (14’33.065s)

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HAFIZH STAMPS AUTHORITY

2026, 2026 Round 1, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The opening round of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 continued to deliver high-intensity action today at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, where reigning 2025 ASB1000 Champion Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM asserted his authority by topping the combined practice times in the premier class. Hafizh immediately stamped his presence in Practice 1 with a strong lap of 2’06.365s, edging out Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, who posted 2’06.799s. His teammate Andi Farid Izdihar followed closely in third with 2’06.818s, while Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA and Australia’s Lachlan Epis of SWIFT GROW RACING TEAM completed the top five in a tightly packed opening session. In Practice 2, Hafizh elevated his performance further, lowering his benchmark to 2’05.693s to maintain control at the top of the timesheets. Zaqhwan responded strongly to secure second with 2’05.903s, while Andi held steady in third at 2’05.972s. Japan’s Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES impressed in fourth, followed by Rocco Sessler of SAVITAR TEAM ASIA, both demonstrating competitive race pace as the field tightened. Practice 3 saw Hafizh deliver his most decisive performance of the day. The experienced Malaysian rider pushed even further, setting a blistering 2’05.549s, the fastest lap across all sessions. Keito continued his upward momentum with 2’06.194s, while Zaqhwan remained consistent in third at 2’06.361s. Lachlan Epis returned to the top-five fight in fourth, ahead of Andi Farid Izdihar, who rounded out the session in fifth. With all three sessions combined, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah emerged as the undisputed fastest rider of the day, reaffirming his status as the benchmark in the ASB1000 category and signaling strong intent to defend his crown. Hafizh said, “So far, everything has gone well. As a team, we did a really good job session by session, from FP1 to FP3, showing an amazing pace in the final session of the day. We will now look into our data and see where we can improve further. At the moment, we are very satisfied with our overall performance as a team.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (2’05.549s) 2. MUHAMMAD ZAQHWAN ZAIDI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’05.903s) 3. ANDI FARID IZDIHAR – JDT RACING TEAM (2’05.972s) 4. KEITO ABE – SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (2’06.194s) 5. ROCCO SESSLER – SAVITAR TEAM ASIA (2’06.417s)

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KASMA FIRES EARLY WARNING

2026, 2026 Round 1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 officially came alive today at the Sepang International Circuit, where Malaysia’s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING delivered a powerful statement by topping the SS600 combined practice times. Kasma wasted no time asserting his presence in Practice 1, where he set the pace with a rapid 2’10.523s, putting him 0.365 seconds ahead of Khairul Idham Pawi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, who posted 2’10.888s. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM held third with 2’11.098s, while Muhammad Helmi Azman and Thailand’s Anupab Sarmoon completed the top five in a closely matched opening session. Practice 2 saw Khairul respond with a strong lap of 2’10.834s, placing him at the top of the session, ahead of Kasma, who registered 2’11.042s. Helmi maintained his upward trajectory in third with 2’11.293s, followed by Herjun and Anupab, both displaying consistent and competitive form as the temperatures rose on track. But it was Practice 3 where Kasma delivered his strongest punch of the day. He clocked a blistering 2’10.498s, the fastest time across all sessions. Khairul kept the pressure on with 2’10.794s, and Helmi made it another strong outing for the Malaysian contingent with his 2’11.183s lap. Herjun remained steady in fourth, and Fadillah Arbi Aditama made his way into the top five with a 2’11.732s run. With all sessions results combined, Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin emerged firmly as the fastest rider of the day, an important morale boost as he returns to his home circuit with high expectations. Kasma stated, “Everything went well today. The practice sessions were positive and we managed to set good lap times, although it is still not quite as strong as last year. We still need to make some adjustments to the setup. I hope tomorrow in Qualifying we can improve further and achieve a better lap time. I will stay positive, and I hope to secure a front-row position, insyaallah everything will go well.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (2’10.498s) 2. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’10.794s) 3. HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (2’11.098s) 4. MUHAMMAD HELMI AZMAN – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’11.152s) 5. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (2’11.257s)

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KRITTAPAT HEADS TIMESHEETS

2026, 2026 Round 1, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 kicked off today at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, where Thailand’s very own Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM delivered a commanding performance to finish fastest in the AP250 combined practice sessions. The opening session immediately showcased strong pace across the field, but it was Krittapat who led the way with a solid 2’24.786s, placing him at the top of Practice 1. Behind him, the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM duo of Muh. Badly Ayatullah M and Rheza Danica Ahrens posted 2’25.406s and 2’25.512s respectively, while Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA and Aiki Iyoshi of TEAM SDG WITH HARC-PRO rounded out the top five in a tightly matched session. In Practice 2, Krittapat maintained his sharp form with another strong lap at 2’25.005s, keeping his position at the top of the standings. Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM closed in with 2’25.191s, while Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA posted a competitive 2’25.586s to remain among the lead group. Md Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM and Spain’s Unai Calatayud Pascual of Pro Power Antares MT Kawasaki completed the top five. But it was during Practice 3 that Krittapat delivered his strongest statement of the day. The Thai rider unleashed a blistering lap of 2’24.292s, the fastest of all three sessions, showcasing both refinement in setup and growing confidence heading into Qualifying. Fahmi remained close behind with 2’24.465s, followed by Rheza with 2’24.545s, while Galang and Aldiaz Aqsal Ismaya ensured the YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA squad placed both riders inside the session’s top five. With combined times taken from all sessions, Krittapat Keankum emerged as the fastest rider overall, marking a strong start to his 2026 AP250 campaign. Fahmi secured second, with Rheza completing the top three for the day. Krittapat expressed, “Today we finished P1 and kept everything consistent. We tried a new setup, explored new racing lines, and tested some techniques, and everything felt very good. I will do my best in tomorrow’s Race 1.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (2’24.292s) 2. FAHMI BASAM – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (2’24.465s) 3. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (2’24.545s) 4. GALANG HENDRA PRATAMA – YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA (2’24.751s) 5. ALDIAZ AQSAL ISMAYA – YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA (2’24.791s)

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DIMAS STRIKES FIRST

2026, 2026 Round 1, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 ignited at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, where the UB150 class delivered its trademark intensity. Emerging strongest from the combined practice sessions was Dimas Juli Atmoko of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY, who stamped his authority with a late-session surge to top the timing sheets. The Practice 1 hinted at the fierce battle to come. Rendi Odding of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team set the early benchmark with a fastest lap of 2’34.106s, edging out Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY by 0.004 seconds. Rendi, who has just stepped up to the UB150 class this season, wasted no time making an impact as he delivered such an impressive opening-session performance. Dimas followed closely in third with 2’34.280s, with 0.174s off the early leader, while the remainder of the top five, Fadli Rigani of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM and Md Silmi Helsinky of ONE FOR ALL remained tightly packed within the same second. When Practice 2 began, Dimas elevated the tempo in spectacular fashion. Finding new momentum and confidence on the hot asphalt, he fired in a stunning 2’33.692s, the only rider to dip below the 2’34 mark throughout the day. Nazirul Izzat Muhammad Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM secured second with 2’34.261s, while Shahrol Syazras Shahrol Yuzy of YUZY ASIA TEAM consistently kept himself in contention with a 2’34.316s lap. With times combined from both sessions, Dimas’s blistering Practice 2 performance placed him on top overall. Rendi held on to second with his Practice 1 time, while Wahyu secured third, ensuring two HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY riders inside the top three. Nazirul and Fadli completed the top five in a fiercely tight opening day. Dimas said, “From Practice 1, I focused on the engine setup and, alhamdulillah, I managed to secure P3 with a time around 2’34.200s. In Practice 2, I tested a different sprocket, and it felt better overall, although I experienced a bit of a power drop. Still, it was a positive session because I ended up as the fastest in Practice 2. For tomorrow, I’ll continue using the setup from FP2, and I hope that Qualifying, Superpole, and Race 1 will go smoothly. Hopefully, we can achieve the best possible setup.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (2’33.692s) 2. RENDI ODDING – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (2’34.106s) 3. WAHYU AJI TRILAKSANA – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (2’34.110s) 4. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHAMMAD BAHAUDDIN – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM (2’34.261s) 5. FADLI RIGANI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (2’34.281s)

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LUIS SETS BENCHMARK

2026, 2026 Round 1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 kicked off today at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, with the TVS Racing International Championship riders taking to the track for their first official outing of the season. Setting the benchmark in the combined practice results was Luis Miguel of Spain, who delivered an exceptional performance to close the day as the fastest rider overall. The opening practice session immediately showcased Miguel’s intent. The Spaniard topped the timesheets with a strong lap of 2’22.519s, edging out Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli, who clocked 2’22.764s, 0.245 seconds behind. Portugal’s Pedrinho Matos followed closely in third with 2’22.951s, while Chiranth Vishwanath from India and Malaysia’s Md Naqib Rifqi rounded off the top five in a tightly contested session. Practice 2 saw a shift in momentum as Malaysian rider Md Haziq Md Fairues stormed to the top with a 2’22.911s lap. Ramdan maintained strong consistency to place second at 2’23.066s, while Naqib improved his pace significantly with 2’23.150s to secure third. India’s Sarthak Chavan and Pedrinho continued to keep pressure on the front runners, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. As the combined results were tallied, Luis Miguel emerged as the rider to beat. His fastest overall time of 2’22.068s, positioned him comfortably atop the day’s standings. Malaysia’s Ramdan secured second, while Haziq’s strong Practice 2 run promoted him to third. Pedrinho and Chiranth completed the top five, signalling a highly competitive field heading into race day. Luis Miguel shared, Today was quite challenging. With the new bike geometry, I’m still adapting, and I faced some suspension issues that caused a lot of chatter. But it’s all part of the learning process. I’m confident I can improve tomorrow, and I’ll give it everything I have.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. LUIS MIGUEL – SPAIN (2’22.068s) 2. MOHD RAMDAN ROSLI – MALAYSIA (2’22.519s) 3. MD HAZIQ MD FAIRUES – MALAYSIA (2’22.764s) 4. PEDRINHO MATOS – PORTUGAL (2’22.911s) 5. CHIRANTH VISHWANATH – INDIA (2’22.951s)

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KEITO, EYES ON HIMSELF

2026, 2026 Round 1, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

After a stellar 2025 campaign that saw him finish third overall in the fiercely competitive ASB1000 category, Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES is back for the 2026 season with a hunger to climb even higher. Riding in one of the toughest fields in Asia, Keito has emerged not just as a talented rider but as a thoughtful competitor, one who blends skill, discipline, and a healthy dose of humor on and off the track. Reflecting on last year, Keito emphasizes the foundation behind his success. “Looking back at 2025, what I felt was most important was teamwork. The bike is just one part. It’s the people around you, the engineers, the mechanics, the strategists, everyone plays a role. Last season taught me to communicate more, to understand the bike better, and to push myself while trusting my team. Without them, none of the podiums would have been possible.” With riders like Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND, Andi Farid Izdihar and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM in the field, Keito knows the competition will be intense. “Asia is full of very strong riders. But my team was the 2024 champion, and this is our second season together. I want to make an even better bike, and we are working hard on communication – between me and the engineers, and me and the bike. That connection is what will help me fight at the front.” The season opener at Sepang International Circuit promises high-octane action, but Keito keeps a grounded, and playful perspective on the season ahead. “Can I imagine how the season will end? Honestly, I can’t imagine at all! Hahaha! But that’s the fun side of the racing. It’s unpredictable. My goal is to improve every race, push hard, and see where we land at the end of the year.” The entry of Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM into ASB1000 adds another layer of excitement. Keito is full of respect for his fellow Honda rider. “He is a very strong rider, and I really respect him. It will be exciting to see how we push each other. Healthy competition like this makes me sharper, and it’s fun for everyone watching too.” Off-season preparations have been intense, reflecting Keito’s commitment to growth. “I tried a lot of things. Physical training, riding training, technical work with the team… Really, a lot,” he explains. “The off-season was a chance to discover things about myself, the bike, and how to ride smarter. Every session taught me something new, and I feel more ready than ever to battle at the front.” With confidence in his team, an upgraded bike, and a renewed mindset, Keito steps into 2026 ready to challenge the top riders of ASB1000. “Every season is a new story. I just want to push myself, enjoy the ride, and leave everything on the track. Hopefully, we can climb higher than last year. But if not, at least I can say I tried everything.”

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HERJUN TAKES ON 2026

2026, 2026 Round 1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

As the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship enters the 2026 season, Herjun Atna Firdaus stands at the center of a new era for ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in the SS600 category. With former teammate Mohammad Adenanta Putra stepping up to ASB1000 and newly crowned AP250 Champion Fadillah Arbi Aditama joining him in SS600, Herjun faces a fresh mix of pressure, opportunity, and motivation. Last season, Adenanta’s strong performances cemented Honda’s presence in the front group. This year, eyes naturally turn to Herjun, now one of the riders expected to carry forward Honda’s momentum in a highly competitive field. But Herjun remains grounded and focused. “I don’t really think of it as ‘my moment’ or a bigger role. But what I can promise is that I will give my absolute best for the team. Every season is a chance to improve, and I want to grow step by step while making sure I contribute positively to ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in this category.” With Arbi joining him, fresh from a dominant title-winning season in AP250, the internal dynamic at ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM takes on a new dimension. While some riders might feel pressured by a fast teammate stepping up, Herjun sees it differently. “I don’t feel any pressure from having Arbi as my teammate. My focus is always on my own race. But seeing the impact Adenanta made last year, especially with such strong results, motivates me more than anything. It shows what is possible on the Honda. I still have so much to learn, and I want to keep improving so I can match that level.” When asked how he plans to stay ahead of Arbi as the more experienced SS600 rider of the two, Herjun answers humbly but with determination. “Of course, I’ll try my best. Having a champion like Arbi beside me pushes me to be sharper. It’s a healthy motivation because we both want to lift the team. The goal is not just to race each other, but to raise the overall performance of Honda in SS600.” Looking at the wider field, Herjun acknowledges the rising competition in 2026, with both seasoned contenders and emerging threats filling the entry list. “The field this year has many strong and experienced riders. I know the 2026 season won’t be easy at all. But I also know I have to believe in myself. Confidence is important. If I stay focused on improving every session and every race, I can fight for a strong position in the championship.” To handle the growing competition, Herjun has worked closely with the team to ensure he is ready for the challenge technically, mentally, and physically. “We’ve been working hard on getting the best setup to fight the Yamaha bikes because their acceleration was very strong last season. There are many areas I want to improve, and the team is supporting me a lot. This season, I want to show better performance than last year, and hopefully fight closer to the front.” As the season opener at the Sepang International Circuit approaches, Herjun carries a blend of calm focus and renewed ambition. With leadership changes, new team dynamics, and increased responsibility, 2026 could become a defining year in his SS600 journey. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM believes in him. His fans believe in him. And now, it’s up to Herjun to show the next step of his growth.

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