2025 Round 3

ONE FOR THE JAPANESE, MAYBE?

2025, 2025 Round 3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The incessant nip and tuck between countrymen, Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA and Hafizh Syahrin of JDT RACING TEAM came to a roaring end when the former bagged a double-victory at Sepang International Circuit in the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category deserving of a double thumb-ups. With Round 3 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship being held at Mobility Resort Motegi, what would the odds be for the duo on a turf familiar to Japanese lad, Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES? Keito Abe may not be a stranger to the Asian scene and may have had a fair share of flair aboard a 600cc machine that awarded him with the rewarding title in All Japan Championship but inside the bubble of the ASB1000 race category, the brewing pressure is real for the debutante. What’s interesting though is his ability to adapt very quickly to the temperaments and expectations of the high-powered race category. With his recent performance that landed him on 4-3 over the weekend, the quiet yet robust personality is now positioned comfortably for his next move that could make all the difference. Currently raking it fifth on the overall chart, the Japanese holds the card for an upgrade into top three, potentially threatening the positions of the contenders glamming the top four, especially with his mileage on his home-ground circuit and with only a 15-point difference from the chart-topper. The question is, who does Keito have his eyes on in his attempt to eliminate the load of rivalry off his shoulders? Azroy may be a debutante himself but he is quick to strike whereas Nakarin of HONDA RACING THAILAND is calmly venomous in his moves. Hafizh and Zaqhwan of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA on the other hand may have showcased some struggling moments here and there but they definitely have grand experiences that keeps them armed for a season of battle. Commenting on the race, Keito Abe said, “Different circuit grounds come with different kind of challenge but for me, my home-ground is a symbol of power. Definitely, there is pressure that comes with the home-ground but it also is an added advantage for me since I have had a fair share of mileage on the circuit. But having said that, there are the other riders who are equally good, who have also had their run on the ground. Most importantly is for me to make the most of my experience and avoid making any mistakes.” “I am tuned towards grasping the characteristics of the machine and the team has not only been helpful but they are also very insightful. I am pretty confident with them considering the benchmark that they have stamped in the last few years and I know that they will ensure optimisation in the settings for the machine. With them, it is also my chance to become stronger, professionally. There are the likes of Nakarin, Zaqhwan and Hafizh who have also raced for a long time which means that they have enough experience to compete competitively. But I will come prepared and part of my training regime includes dirt training which enhances my strength and control towards the machine. The focus for this season is to achieve the championship title.”

ONE FOR THE JAPANESE, MAYBE? Read More »

TAMING THE WILD RIDE – WHO HAS IT?

2025, 2025 Round 3, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The pressure was pumped and the fight was furious but the duo of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, Md Helmi Azman and Khairul Idham Pawi danced the rhythm of power before taking the troop down with a 1-2 in Race 2 of the SuperSports 600cc on their home-ground. Despite their calibre and prowess, the road to stardom is long and windy especially with the likes of Indonesian, Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Thai, Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM in the picture, marking their territories from the top two spots. What’s it going to be like in Round 3 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mobility Resort Motegi? While records have it that Adenanta has a better hand at the game on Japanese soil, it is superficial to say that Helmi is not on par especially with his ability to stir up the battlefield and tackle the opponents. More so with the fact that he has been doing that for a long time in the SS600 race category. As motorcycle racing has it – one may be brilliant and robust in their manoeuvring but it all ends as planned only with a little luck on their side. Helmi definitely had his fair share of luck turning its back on him but that doesn’t add up to his capacities to compete competitively and while Motegi circuit may be an overwhelmingly challenging ground, Helmi is probably covering all bases to ensure a better outcome than before. Commenting on the upcoming race, Helmi said, “Adenanta is undoubtedly strong however, I would say that last year’s challenge for me was not so much from the opponent but predominantly due to the machine setting. I am quite positive that this time around will be better since we are better aware of certain aspects. We need to improvise further on the corners especially with the opponents having a better hand on the long-straights. We also need better speed especially on the exits to catch up with the competitors. But of course, it would be ideal if we have better speed on the long-straights too. Compared to last season, the competition is stronger now so we have to remain consistent to achieve our target every round. The championship title is still open for now therefore, it’s all about maximising the points and keeping up with the momentum in the coming races. Luck is one but more importantly, having the right mindset is crucial to stay focused. The racing scene is a cruel one – there are times when we smile and then the days when we are sad but the only thing left to do is stay focused and move along to the next game.” As for Khairul, Motegi circuit is not new and for Anupab, it’s quite the opposite. One thing that is common for both riders though is their ride on the circuit ground in ARRC which will be the first. It’s not a major issue for them though considering their exposure and experience on the world front that gives them the upper hand in understanding the nitty-gritty of racing. Although there may be a slight difference for Yamaha rider, Anupab who has been racing aboard a 1000cc prior to his entry this season in the SS600 race category, it could nevertheless serve as an added plus for him to accelerate further in his game. Since the season opener, the rider has checked out each race on the podium except for one when his machine failed. Anupab said, “I am 4-points away from the leader but the goal is to fine-tune my performance and work on areas where I am weak to keep up with the competitor. The goal is to be ahead of the leader in the coming two races. I have never raced in Motegi grounds but I have been working hard to learn from those who have raced there. Surely, there is nothing less than the best that I would do. For me, the current chart-topper is a young kid who rides very well and is equally strong in terms of competence which makes it a motivating factor for me to supersede the current expectations and outcome. The ARRC is a unique championship that provides a pedestal for the best of Asia and having said that, the competitive stride is inevitable. In the other classes as well, we can see that the riders are improving as they go. I have been riding aboard the 600cc machine on the world front for two years now and I think I have settled into racing well for now. I like the 600cc race category and for me, it doesn’t justify if I don’t make it champion this season! So, that’s the ultimate goal.”

TAMING THE WILD RIDE – WHO HAS IT? Read More »

STEAMING UP WITH RIVALRY

2025, 2025 Round 3, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

With a hat-trick to his name, Fadhillah Arbi of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM is probably out of reach for the time being with a 30-point advantage from the contender in line. Rising quickly to fame though is Md Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM who may not have clocked in victory just yet but could benefit from the RPM cut in the Asia Production 250cc race category of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the coming rounds. But first, he may have to outsmart the challenges of Round 3 at Mobility Resort Motegi and does he have what it takes? Izam may be new to the team and may have quietly defended his game from the lower end during the season opener however, the rider who has been racing from childhood years flaunted his other side on Sepang grounds when he finished podium twice over the weekend. Of course, the debate was weighted heavily on the home-ground prowess although it is arguable that Izam has also been recognised as a risk-taker with an aggressive riding style, necessary in keeping up with the competitive stride and making bold cuts at the right time. Could his leap up to the podium be the much-needed boost for bigger goals in the coming rounds? It is not as easy to predict as it may seem, more so with a number of strong contenders like Irfan of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM, Galang of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING and Krittapat of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM who are all equally ambitious in their endeavours to adorn the top spot. Will Izam be able to take the heat from the rivalry and strike off the equivalent? With four more rounds and eight races, the battle is just beginning for the racing troop and for Izam who currently sits fifth, it’s no longer a watch-and-learn phase but rather a strike-and-leap period. But surely, his first two podium-finish was all that was needed to keep his enthusiasm flowing throughout the season. Commenting on the race, Izam said, “The podium-finish at Sepang circuit was basically a small gift to my boss who has helped me achieve whatever I have achieved so far. Of course, it was also my home race which made the achievement really meaningful especially knowing that I had a better hand at it compared to the other riders from the other countries. For me, key to a greater outcome is consistency in terms of performance and continuous improvement that would enable me to compete competitively with those higher in the overall charts. It is not going to be easy considering the different considerations on different circuit grounds but I will definitely do my best to ensure that I progress throughout the season for the better.” “Motegi race will be my second time since 2016. I raced there last for the Asia Talent Cup and the track is definitely one that requires tactical moves. It is technical and at the same time, requires a high-speed machine on the long-straight. The team has done a great job so far with the machine and I have no problems so far riding aboard it. The Japan factory has also given use some expert views on strengthening the performance of the machine on Japan soil so, I think it would work out well for us this time around. While everything else is good, the entry list for me is something that I am pretty familiar with especially with the rivalry of those coming from different international experiences. The riders are very good which is a boost that keeps me going. For the coming round, I know it will be a tough bet but I am rooting for myself for a shot on the podium.”

STEAMING UP WITH RIVALRY Read More »

CATCHING UP BEGINS!

2025, 2025 Round 3, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

It’s a “survival of the fittest” in the Underbone 150cc race category and while Husni Zainul of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 may not have had the opportunity to score a hat-trick just yet in the last two rounds, he definitely became worthy of the phrase when he bagged a 50-point flat in Round 2, adding his scores up to a staggering 88 points. With a 40-point difference from Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM who currently takes second on the overall charts, what would the odds be for the Indonesia in defending his title at Mobility Resort Motegi in Round 3 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship? Husni definitely has a leg up at the moment and the next race may not necessarily affect his game-plan however, trio, Fahmi, Akid Aziz of PITSBIKE SUPERFAST JRT RACING TEAM and Nazirul Izzat of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM has to up their performance a notch or two to secure a place in the book of champions. On record, Akid and Nazirul have great potential on Motegi’s well-crafted layout especially with the former bagging a win in Race 2 and the latter taking two shots on the podium last season. Akid said, “Motegi has always been my booster and last season’s performance was one that I will not forget. It was a result that spurred solid progress for me last season. So, yes, I feel even more prepared this time around despite the tough competition ahead. What’s important is coming in with a winner’s mindset and I do believe that I have what it takes to win again. Of course, we have a list of high-performing contenders and for now, Husni who has been in great form, undoubtedly, whom I know will go all out too. Motegi being a tough ground would be an added advantage if good strategies are in place especially on the last straight. I work with pressure well so when it gets tougher, I get going!” “With the data obtained from Sepang, we are building towards a better outcome but again, the long straight and the downhill through tight corners will definitely be a challenge. The setup ensures the bike is stable during braking and cornering. UB150 race category is unpredictable and full of action which makes it exciting and most importantly, it leaves no room for mistakes. For me, this race category is all about skill and race craft. The goal here is to come out strong, ideally a podium or a win. For the season though, I aim to stay consistent and be in contention for the championship title. Every point matter, so I have to be smart in making sure that every race counts.” Not so much for Fahmi who finished fourth in Race 1 and a “DNF” in Race 2. But the twist remains, its not just about the round-to-round basis but the overall competency that adds up to the game of thrones. In this case, Fahmi may be one with a competitive stride who could potentially challenge Husni further but it comes with a kick up on his side. Having said that though, the game is also such that one may never possibly expect the strike of a “DNF” or “DNS” as it was with Fahmi in Race 1 of Round 2 which added up to his zero-points. In the last two rounds, Fahmi took the podium twice at the second spot and while that may not have placed him on the limelight just yet, it could probably be a matter of time before the heat turns up for the duo on top. Commenting on the race, Fahmi said, “This year, the most challenging and pressuring thing for me lies in the question of how I would maintain my championship title. As was seen in the previous races, the question is one, strategy is another but whether or not I can live up to the expectations of defending the title is one that worries me. As we all know, the riders are all in top form, no doubt and everyone has the ability to make it to the podium. They are all highly experience. But even then, and along with that, the possibility of an unfortunate incident occurring even unto the best of the riders is always present. In other words, before the chequered flag, many things can happen.” “The race towards stardom has begun and, on my part, the preparations are focused on building a good physique and carving out the strategies that would work best. For Motegi, I will extract the needed experience from last year and apply it once again with a little modification to suit the challenges ahead. The team has also been working endlessly to ensure that the machine is in its optimised condition. We have the data from last season and will utilise it to ensure the performance is up to par with the needs of the circuit layout. In all, I will do my best for my team, my country and myself and if everything goes well, the goal is to make it champion once again.” Husni definitely has a leg up at the moment and the next race may not necessarily affect his game-plan however, trio, Fahmi, Akid Aziz of PITSBIKE SUPERFAST JRT RACING TEAM and Nazirul Izzat of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM has to up their performance a notch or two to secure a place in the book of champions. On record, Akid and Nazirul have great potential on Motegi’s well-crafted layout especially with the former bagging a win in Race 2 and the latter taking two shots on the podium last season. Akid said, “Motegi has always been my booster and last season’s performance was one that I will not forget. It was a result that spurred solid progress for me last season. So, yes, I feel even more prepared this time around despite the tough competition ahead. What’s important is

CATCHING UP BEGINS! Read More »

LUIS GEARS UP FOR MOTEGI

2025, 2025 Round 3, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

It was a one-up for the Spaniard in TVS Asia One Make Championship when he seized the moment at the right time to bag a win in Race 2 at Sepang, sparking a dramatic rivalry between Malaysian, Ramdan Rosli who was expected to pocket a double win on home-soil and defending champion, Hiroki Ono of Japan who was all about calling the shots in the game. With his first victory in hand, can Luis Miguel take the winning momentum up a notch and fight home-boy at Mobility Resort Motegi in Round 3 of IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship? Luis may be a debutante but he was definitely quick to learn the ropes and unexpectedly, in the midst of rivalry and chaos among the top three contenders in Round 1, he bagged his first podium in Race 1. Although he succumbed to a “DNF” in Race 2, the Spanish rider, known to quietly strike from the back, pulled himself back up and juggled his cards carefully to score fourth in Race 1 of Round 2 before pulling a stunner in Race 2 to close the deal. Consequently, he sits at the fourth spot in the overall charts, 14 points shy from penetrating the top-three goal. But the journey to stardom is a long, windy road and with the top three contenders having experience as an added advantage on the upcoming circuit ground, it’s hard to say if Luis could match up to the rivalry. For Hiroki, it’s his playground that he is extremely well-versed with unless there is an encounter with a troubled machine. Ramdan on the other hand was not bad himself when he bagged a 3-3 last season on the circuit ground. Perhaps, a more realistic approach would be to tackle his closest opponent, Sartak who took sixth in Race 1 before going down with a “DNF” in Race 2. Commenting on the race, Luis said, “It was nothing to do with luck for me. Throughout the race, I have been studying the riders, the moves as well as their strengths and weaknesses. They began faltering towards the last lap and that was an open goal for me. I charged ahead where I knew I had the upper-hand in terms of speed and made it. The coming round will be a new experience for me. I’ve never raced there but I kind of like how it is. I also know that the rivalry will be strong on the circuit ground and one that we all have to be careful with is Hiroki since it’s him home-ground.” “I have trained on various machines but adapting to TVS Apache RR310 has been easy. I was able to do it pretty quickly. This also worked well with the different circuits. That’s one thing I would take credit for, in terms of adapting. But of course, the machine itself gives me a good feeling. It is a very good machine and compared to the bikes I’ve raced on previously, TVS Apache is much bigger. So, it’s a good experience for me, overall. At the moment, I am not too worried about the overall standings but my goal is to remain focused and being able to finish the race in a good position. I would like to avoid making any mistakes, preferably.”

LUIS GEARS UP FOR MOTEGI Read More »

AIKI’S QUEST FOR FIRST VICTORY ON HOME SOIL

2025, 2025 Round 3, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Aiki Iyoshi’s 2025 season in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship has been a testament to resilience, grit, and passion. Despite a challenging start, where the podium has been just out of reach, the Japanese rider has one thing in mind for the upcoming Round 3 at Mobility Resort Motegi, it’s redemption. Racing at home brings a unique energy, and Aiki knows Motegi is his opportunity to prove his true potential. The competition in the AP250 category is fierce, with the likes of Yamaha and Honda setting the pace, but that only fuels his desire to rise above. Though the road ahead won’t be easy, Aiki is more determined than ever. His goal isn’t just to compete, but to conquer. “Preparations are progressing well. The training is going smoothly, and I’m feeling good. We’ve put in the work, and now it’s about staying mentally and physically sharp when the race day arrives.” After two rounds of intense competition, Aiki has given his all in every session, even though the results haven’t yet reflected his potential. “I gave my all in the current situation,” he shared, acknowledging the struggles he’s faced but also the determination to push forward. As he prepares to race on his home soil, Aiki’s emotions are a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Of course, I’m looking forward to it. It’s the course I ran for the first time last year, and while it’s always special to race at home, I know it’s not going to be easy. Motegi is a tough course, especially for a four-cylinder bike like mine. It’s stop-and-go, and that means every corner, every braking point, will be critical.” Still, Aiki’s passion for racing keeps him motivated, even in the face of tough competition. When asked about his biggest rival, Aiki didn’t hesitate: “I want to compete for the top spot again with my current teammate, Andi Muhammad Fadly. He is my number one rival and someone I respect. We’ve been pushing each other to get better, and that’s what makes us both stronger. But right now, everyone on the track is a rival. In this championship, there’s no room to relax, no one to underestimate.” Despite the challenges ahead, Aiki remains hopeful about his chances. “I think the race at Motegi will be tougher than the first round,” he said, acknowledging the reality of the competition. “YAMAHA and HONDA are too fast right now, and the course doesn’t favor us. Unless the regulations are reviewed, it will be tough to overcome them. But I’m not giving up. I won’t back down, because the fight for the win is what drives me.” Looking at the bigger picture, Aiki knows his ultimate goal is to become the ARRC champion. “First, I want to win the championship in ARRC,” he said with conviction. “I’ll think about the next steps when the time comes, but for now, my focus is on getting that first win and proving that I belong at the top.”

AIKI’S QUEST FOR FIRST VICTORY ON HOME SOIL Read More »

ARBI & MIN JAE: THE RIDERS’ EXCHANGE YOU DIDN’T EXPECT

2025, 2025 Round 3, Latest News /

Who says riders only meet on the track? Two young stars from the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship decided to hit the brakes just a little, and took their training on a joyride across borders. Fadillah Arbi Pratama, the rising Indonesian talent from the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in AP250 category, and Kim Min Jae from Korea in TVS ASIA One Make Championship teamed up for a unique exchange that blended serious training with plenty of laughs, local food, and even a scooter or two. It all began in Spain, where the two riders were part of the Junior Talent Team. Living under the same roof, managed by the same team, and coached side by side, their bond grew beyond teammates, they became friends. “That’s when we came up with the idea,” Arbi shared. “We thought, why not train together in each other’s countries?” And just like that, the plan was born: Indonesia first, then Korea. The goal? Push each other to improve, and maybe learn a few unexpected things along the way. For Min Jae, training in Indonesia was like stepping into another world. “It was a great experience. Just following Arbi helped me learn so much. He showed me my weak points and how to fix them.” One surprising discovery? The art of sliding the rear tire. “In Indonesia, a lot of riders use the rear brake to slide into turns, especially on karting tracks. I tried it right away, and it really worked!” But the biggest challenge came when the skies opened up. “Riding in the rain was really hard at first,” Min Jae admitted. “They use dry tires even when it’s wet, and ride like there’s no rain at all! I couldn’t understand it, but by following Arbi’s line, I learned how to control the bike better.” The passion of Indonesian riders also left a strong impression. “In Korea, we have good bikes and nice tracks, but I didn’t see many riders pushing to the limit. In Indonesia, everyone rides like their life depends on it. Even the kids! And the coaches are real racing experts, not just instructors for street riders.” Min Jae also couldn’t believe where Indonesians managed to train. “They even practice in parking lots! In Korea, if you do that, you might end up at the police station!” He adjusted his riding posture on Arbi’s advice, and while he didn’t copy every technique, he paid close attention to Arbi’s tips. “If he said something was good, I did my best to do it, even when it wasn’t easy.” Back in Korea, it was Arbi’s turn to be the guest and he was more than ready to learn. “It was a great experience for me too,” he said. “I was happy to share my ideas with Min Jae, and I learned a lot in return.” What stood out for Arbi was the emphasis on physical fitness. “Korean riders run a lot during training, and now I’m mixing that with gym and cycling here in Indonesia.” He was also impressed by Korea’s modern facilities. “Everything is so well-organized, the karting tracks, the training equipment, the bikes, it’s all top-notch.” But it wasn’t just about the shiny facilities. “The riders were really friendly and so competitive. That energy made me feel happy to be there.” Of course, training wasn’t the only thing on the menu. Arbi’s eyes lit up when asked about his favorite Korean experience: “Hands down to the Korean BBQ and Tteok-bokki(rice cakes)!” he laughed. While for Min Jae, the highlights included riding scooters around the city and enjoying the cheap, delicious fruit, something he says is a rare treat back home. So what can each country learn from the other? Arbi believes Indonesia could benefit from Korea’s infrastructure, while Min Jae hopes to see more Korean kids getting into racing earlier, with the same fiery passion he saw in Indonesia. “We need more young riders who start fast and train hard,” he said. At the end of the day, this wasn’t just about mastering corners or finding better lap times. It was about friendship, curiosity, and pushing each other to grow, on and off the track. With two helmets, two countries, and one big shared dream, Arbi and Min Jae proved that racing doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes, it can just be seriously fun.

ARBI & MIN JAE: THE RIDERS’ EXCHANGE YOU DIDN’T EXPECT Read More »