2025 Round 4

TAPPING INTO FAMILIARITY

2025, 2025 Round 4, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

It was not a surprise when Hiroki Ono of Japan bagged a double-victory on home-soil in the recent TVS Asia One Make Championship races and it is definitely not new that he still graces the top spot. However, intriguing in the season’s updates are the competitive stride and the upgraded performances of duo Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia and Sartak Chavan of India who now share the same scores on the board. Which one of them would take lead in Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mandalika International Circuit? Last season, Hiroki lost his winning streak to Ramdan on the grounds of Mandalika when the Malaysian pulled a stunner in Race 2 to bag his first win for the season. Sartak on the other hand concluded the round third, twice after the massive tug of war among the trio. This season, while Hiroki maintains his superiority in the racing series with an advantage of 16 points, Ramdan and Sartak on the other hand have some scores to settle especially with the growing rivalry between them at 108 points each. Commenting on the race, Hiroki said, “Round 1 and Round 2 of this season was really but Round 3 on my home-ground was a fantastic race for me. It is definitely not an easy season but that is what that makes the race not just interesting but also a motivational factor for me. As long as my machine is in a good condition and with a perfect setup, I have the potential to win once again this season. So, I am actually not that worried. For Mandalika, I am gearing up as usual. The circuit layout comprises a long-straight so it’s one of the circuits that can easily pull in strong contention from the rivals. I will draw from my strengths however in braking to ensure that I am in a good space and position during the race. The ultimate goal is to make it championship, for two-consecutive years. To achieve that, I truly have to be focused, win and earn as many points as possible.” Ramdan said, “Last season was really wonderful for me and I have those memories, fresh in my mind. I will continue to do my best and try to emulate the strategies that worked best on the circuit ground, perhaps take another win along the way. The rivalry is as good as it gets which means, the challenges are going to be pretty much the same across the rounds. We have those among the front troop which are the ones to be mindful of as they know their strategies well. I usually don’t compare myself with the other riders but instead, compare my performance on a round-to-round basis to see where I can fix. I know that I have a good pace and I have always enjoyed riding on Mandalika ground. I also like the circuit layout as it is easy to tackle. My goal this season is surely to take the crowning victory but at the same time, it is about re-scaling the benchmarks and marking more wins.” Sartak on the other hand said, “This season comes with many experiences put into good use. I have implemented different riding styles and techniques which have been really effective especially when managing different circuit grounds with different kinds of challenges and layouts. Just 16 points to the leader and tied points for 2 or 3 position but I don’t want to put myself under any kind of pressure at the moment. I would like to think and work more in achieving the results rather than putting a fixed mark on a particular target. Mandalika is a great ground and my favourite part is the fast sectors of the track. The result in Thailand has really been the highlight this season for me and a motivational factor to push harder. So, I will go all out in the coming round and hope to score something more than the usual. Of course, the goal this season and every other season is to be a champion but again, it is not as easy as it sounds. So, keeping my fingers crossed!”

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NAZIRUL’S TAMIYA TIME-OUT

2025, 2025 Round 4, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

You’d think that after taming a 150cc race bike at breakneck speeds, Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM would spend his free time doing something calm like fishing or napping. But, no. Instead, he grabs a tiny car, sends it flying around a plastic track, and grins like a kid on his birthday. Welcome to Nazirul’s other race track, where the engines are small, but the fun is full-sized. “If I’ve got free time, I’ll be playing Tamiya,” Nazirul says with a laugh. “It’s my way of switching gears. And apart from that, I also attend Quran classes at the mosque. It’s a balance between fun and personal growth.” This isn’t a new obsession. Nazirul’s been into Tamiya since his school days, but his love for motorcycles took centre stage for years. “I’ve been into Tamiya since I was in school, but back then I was more focused on motorcycles. Now, with a bit more time outside my racing schedule, I get to relive that childhood passion,” he shared. So what’s the draw for a professional rider who already gets to experience speed and competition on the world stage? “Tamiya is still racing, just on a smaller scale,” Nazirul grins. “The excitement’s there, the competition’s there, but it’s different enough to feel fresh. Plus, I’ve learned so many new things about building and tuning them. It’s like engineering in miniature form.” For someone used to the intense, high-pressure atmosphere of championship racing, Tamiya offers a whole different kind of joy. “With Tamiya, it’s pure fun. No pressure, no expectations. Just racing for the joy of it. It’s my stress-buster!”

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SOICHIRO RECONNECTS WITH THE CRAFT

2025, 2025 Round 4, Latest News /

The summer breeze swept through the pine-lined slopes of Mobility Resort Motegi, carrying with it a familiar and exciting presence. Soichiro Minamimoto is back on the ARRC grid as a wildcard, ready to add on to the heated rivalries where it all began. It’s the kind of spirit we’ve all been waiting for, and the stage is set for an exciting return! This time, the stakes are different. Once a front-runner in the ARRC’s premier ASB1000 class, Soichiro returns not to chase a title but to reconnect with his craft. HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING may have withdrawn from the ASB1000 grid this season, but for one round he is back to showcase his wit and grit on home soil. “I’m very sad that the team withdrew from ASB1000 this year,” Minamimoto said. “So I’ve shifted my focus to the MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship Series ST600. Next month, the All Japan will be held at Motegi, so I decided to participate in the SS600.” His wildcard entry serves as a recalibration and a chance to reevaluate his prowess. It is a test not just of machinery but of self. And there is no better place for that than Mobility Resort Motegi, a circuit carved into his racing identity where every corner holds memory and meaning. “I’m happy to be back in ARRC again. The purpose of this race is to review my 600cc riding in preparation for next month’s All Japan.” In the SS600 class, Minamimoto finds familiar rivals: Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, Anupab Sarmoon, and Muhammad Helmi Azman, riders he once fought alongside in a title chase. But this time, the approach is different: no pressure, just a pure fun return to racing. “I have some good rivals. I’m looking forward to racing with them purely for the fun of it,” he said, before adding with conviction, “Of course, I’ll be aiming to win.”

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HAFIZH STOOD OUT AT MOTEGI

2025, 2025 Round 4, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

HAFIZH STOOD OUT AT MOTEGIRound 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship was held today at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, where Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM delivered a commanding performance to top the ASB1000 combined practice standings. Hafizh set the tone in Practice 1, blazing through with a 1’50.838s lap. Japanese wild card Sho Nishimura of JAPAN POSTHonda Racing impressed with 1’51.270s, while Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA posted a 1’51.609s to slot into third. Practice 2 brought challenges as rain left the track damp but drying. In the mixed conditions, Lachlan Epis rose to the occasion, leading the session with a 2’01.765s. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND recorded 2’02.013s for second, with Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of A1 ENERGY BMW RACING TEAM placing third at 2’02.991s. In the final session, Hafizh once again showcased his pace, clocking 1’50.913s to remain on top. Apiwath Wongthananon of A1 ENERGY BMW RACING TEAM surged to second with a 1’50.989s, and Zaqhwan stayed consistent with a 1’51.042s. Thanks to his speed and control in both dry and mixed conditions, Hafizh emerged as the day’s fastest overall. Apiwath and Zaqhwan completed the top three, promising a thrilling showdown in tomorrow’s qualifying. Hafizh commented, “Thankfully, I was the fastest in Practice 1 and Practice 3. In Practice 2, the weather was drizzling, so we chose not to go out and take unnecessary risks. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with how the team has worked since Day 1. Of course, we’re not perfect yet—there are still a few sectors where we can improve. I believe tomorrow will bring new opportunities, hopefully with good weather. I’ll aim for a strong qualifying result and be fully prepared for the race.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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HELMI IN FULL CONTROL

2025, 2025 Round 4, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship got underway today at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, where Malaysia’s Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA asserted his dominance as the fastest rider in the SS600 combined practice sessions. Helmi made an early impact in Practice 1, setting the pace with a 1’54.825s lap. Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA was close behind at 1’54.844s, while Helmi’s teammate, Khairul Idham Pawi, clocked 1’54.931s for third. In Practice 2, Helmi remained untouchable, again leading the field with a 1’54.938s. Mckinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING was second at 1’55.070s, followed by Mohammad Adenanta Putra with 1’55.082s. Helmi sealed the day with an electrifying lap of 1’54.236s in Practice 3—his fastest yet. Kasma Daniel took second with a 1’54.416s, while Mckinley stayed consistent with 1’54.574s for third. With unmatched consistency and pace across all sessions, Helmi ended the day atop the combined standings. Kasma and Mckinley rounded out the top three, as the field gears up for a high-stakes qualifying round. Helmi said, “Overall, I’m very happy with my performance today. I had a good rhythm on the bike and felt strong especially in cornering. Unfortunately, I crashed twice in the last practice session. I understand the issues—the first crash was my mistake, and the second was due to the cold track temperature. But everything is fine, and I’m okay too. I want to maintain this momentum and performance. Hopefully, tomorrow and Race 2 on Sunday will be even better.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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RIICHI RULED AT HOME

2025, 2025 Round 4, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship took place today at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, where local hero Riichi Takahira of TY Antares Racing Team led the charge as the fastest rider in the AP250 combined practice sessions. In Practice 1, it was Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM who led the pack with a best lap of 2’08.425s. Close behind were Japan’s wild card entries—Ryota Ogiwara of SANWA RACING TEAM with 2’09.093s and Ryuji Yokoe of TEAM TECH2 & YSS with 2’09.104s. Riichi turned up the heat in Practice 2, topping the session with an impressive 2’07.533s. Just 0.002s behind, Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM placed second with 2’07.535s, and Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA slotted into third with 2’08.449s. Practice 3 saw Murobbil rise once more, dominating the session with 2’07.656s. Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM followed at 2’07.866s, while Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA posted 2’07.904s for third. With his performance in Practice 2, Riichi emerged as the fastest overall in combined times—sending a strong signal ahead of qualifying. Arbi and Murobbil completed the top three, both shaping up as formidable challengers in the title race.Riichi stated, “I crashed during Practice 3, but physically I’m okay. I think tomorrow might be challenging because of possible rain—I’m unsure about the weather conditions. Still, I’ll do my best to aim for pole position and hopefully set a new record.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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DRY OR WET, HUSNI CONQUERS

2025, 2025 Round 4, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship unfolded today at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, where Indonesia’s Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 delivered a stunning display of speed and control, securing the fastest overall time in the combined practice sessions. In Practice 1, Husni made his intentions clear, storming to the top with a blistering lap of 2’15.097s. Right behind him was 2024 UB150 Champion Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, who clocked a 2’15.959s. Ahmad Afif Amran of Pitsbike Superfast JRT Racing Team followed in third with a solid 2’16.501s. Husni continued his momentum in Practice 2, again leading the session with a fastest time of 2’16.866s. Afif stepped up to take second with 2’17.751s, and Dimas Juli Atmoko of RACETECH SIXTY Racing closed out the top three with 2’17.780s. Ultimately, Husni’s early pace in Practice 1 proved decisive, earning him the fastest overall time of the day. Fahmi held firm in second, while Afif secured third in the combined results—setting the stage for a fierce qualifying battle ahead. Husni said, “Thankfully, from Practice 1 to Practice 2, my performance has shown improvement. We’ve also found the right setup. Practice 1 was held in dry conditions, but in Practice 2, the weather began to turn rainy. Despite that, I still managed to find a good setup. I hope to achieve the best possible result tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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SARTHAK CLAIMED TOP SPOT

2025, 2025 Round 4, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship got underway today at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, where India’s Sarthak made a powerful statement by finishing as the fastest rider in the combined practice sessions of the TVS ASIA One Make Championship. In Practice 1, Japan’s Hiroki Ono immediately made waves, topping the chart with a time of 2’06.916s. Malaysia’s Md Ramdan Rosli followed closely with 2’07.008s, while Sarthak placed third with 2’07.143s. But it was Practice 2 where Sarthak roared back in style—unleashing a scorching lap of 2’06.613s to top the session and ultimately claim the day’s fastest combined time. Hiroki maintained strong form with a 2’06.901s to secure second, while Ramdan stayed consistent in third at 2’07.310s. With Sarthak’s impressive rebound and Hiroki’s consistency, the battle lines are clearly drawn for tomorrow’s qualifying session. Sarthak said, “It was a good session today, finishing on top in the combined practice results. The track didn’t offer the best grip due to earlier rain before our category went out, but I still managed to set a strong lap time and put myself at the top. It’s not a bad way to start the weekend. Tomorrow, I’ll aim to maintain this pace and be even better than today.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: ROUND 5 CONFIRMED

2025, 2025 Round 4, Latest News /

TWMR is pleased to confirm the return of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship to Sepang International Circuit for Round 5, scheduled for 10th – 12th October 2025. Despite our continuous effort in exploring possibilities and expanding the championship to new venues, we were unable to secure a suitable location in time due to various constraints. We are however sincerely grateful to Sepang International Circuit for stepping forward and enabling us to complete the full six-round calendar for Season 2025. With the decision made, we are also confident that it will meet the needs of both teams and riders while simultaneously providing a rewarding experience for everyone present at the paddock. We extend our gratitude to all partners and sponsors as well as teams and riders for the patience and support rendered throughout the process.

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OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: LIMITED ACCESS TO LIVE TRANSMISSION

2025, 2025 Round 4, Latest News /

Due to unforeseen freight delays and the late arrival of essential broadcasting equipment, the LIVE transmission of the Free Practice (FP) sessions scheduled for Friday, 11 July 2025 will be limited across television and social media platforms, namely Facebook and YouTube. The technical team is actively working to resolve the issue and hopes to restore full broadcast capacities as soon as possible.TWMR sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused and hope that due cooperation and support will be rendered during these trying times.

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