2025 Round 6

SO CLOSE YET SO FAR – ADENANTA HOPES TO SEAL THE DEAL

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

  SuperSports 600cc race category of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship certainly unveiled a twist and the unexpected side of home-boy Syarifuddin Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA in Round 5 who emerged with a flawless strategy to swipe a victorious double-win, instantly defeating chart topper Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and fellow countryman, Kasma Daniel of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING. While his chances of making the top three cut are slim, the odds have definitely been a valuable lesson that nothing is impossible in motorsports. With an 8-point difference between Adenanta and Kasma, it boils down to the implementation of strategies including taking calculated risks, managing expectations and moving swiftly against the motion of pressure in the season finale. Both the riders from the neighbouring countries have stamped an exceptional track record in the race category throughout the season with Adenanta holding superiority after marking seven podium-finish including four wins however the challenges inevitably lie in the unexpected nature of the sports and with that, it is a matter of luck and time when a twist of fate could potentially redirect the course. As for Kasma who has withdrawn from the limelight of the premier race category this season, his strategy in SS600 has certainly created waves while simultaneously adding on to the already mounted pressure among the rivals and right now, evidently on Adenanta who will be facing the brunt of rivalry directly from Kasma. Who will withstand the challenges of the circuit? In Round 1, Adenanta celebrated his first victory for the season in Race 1 but he was defeated by Kasma in Race 2. While their level of competencies match, the minor differences is all that matters. Commenting on the upcoming race, Adenanta said, “The coming race is about to get heated for sure. But of course, I want to do my best and avoid mistakes as much as I can although it’s not an easy task considering the close contention from Kasma and Anupab. Let’s see how it goes. The goal is to make it and I hope that while I am at that, luck will also be on my side. It’s just two races but the weekend will surely be a long one – a lot of hard work not only on my side but also on the crew and mechanic’s side. We will look for the best settings for the machine which will help me optimise my performance and with the strategies in place, we hope to make the best and most of the weekend.” “Chang circuit can be tough depending on our riding styles and techniques. It has many stop-and-go corners and exiting the corners is key during racing. The strategies have to align with this and fine tuning my riding techniques are crucial for this. I am 100% compatible with the machine and I think I have found my comfort spot while riding it so I have no issues in that aspect. This season has been a wonderful one for me – almost perfect with its ups and down and the successes and achievements are definitely attributed to my team who has always supported me through good times and bad times. If I own this championship title, this would be the best motivation for my future career.”

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WHAT WOULD IZAM TAKE HOME?

2025, 2025 Round 6, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

  As Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM strategizes for the championship title in the Asia Production 250cc of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the season finale, Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM bucks up further to defend his 1st runner up position from Thailand’s rising star, Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM. What’s it going to be at Chang International Circuit? Can Izam rise above the challenge to create a celebratory moment for his team after more than 10 years? Izam may not be new to the Asian road racing scene however after a number of setbacks, one could only wonder if he would be able to re-calibrate his standards and performances. This season, he returned not only with a renewed inspiration but with a certain fury to dominate the circuit grounds as reflected during the nip and tuck with his closest contenders. While he has secured his position second in the overall standings after hitting five podium-finish, his battle is still not over especially with home-boy, Krittapat tailing closely with a 17-point difference. But the trip down that road may not be as smooth or easy for Izam who clearly lacked advantage on the home-ground of his closest contender. During the season opener, Izam took one “DNF” and 7 points at Chang circuit whereas Krittapat took home 20 points on that weekend after Race 2. Clearly, Krittapat knows the circuit like the back of his hands and holds better chance at taking Izam down but again, with the Malaysian rider’s enhanced dexterity and manoeuvring moves, Round 6 may just conclude with an interesting twist. Commenting on the race, Izam said, “It would be a tough fight especially with Krittapat, on his home-ground circuit that he is very well familiar with but there is no other solution but to put up a brave front, embrace all possibilities and make sure that my strategies align with my mission to finish ahead of him. Right now, I am pretty confident with the machine compared to Round 1 where we utilised a different version. I am also used to the circuit layout which I have been riding on since 2016. While that advantage may not be the same as the other contenders, safe to say that I know the circuit ground well enough to manage the circumstances.” “The new machine definitely comes with its perks but it is also equally important to have the right set of skills and mindset. I think my riding style and techniques match the performance and power of the machine. Right now, I just have to continue being positive throughout. The possibilities of being a champion is still there but it would be an effort that requires a lot more due to the point differences. But if it happens, it would be the best and most unforgettable moment for me and my team. Worse comes to worst, I would like to fall back on 1st runner up which would make me equally happy. The advantage would surely be my experience but once again, it is not easy defeat a home-boy. I will try my best and hope that this success would open to doors for me to participate in the SS600 next season – my all-time dream!”

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CAN AFIF MAKE THE CUT?

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

  Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 claimed the championship title early and in style for the Underbone 150cc race category of IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship during Round 5 which leaves the 1st runner up a hot, second most sought after spot among the riders. But only one will make it and among the top three contenders, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, Ahmad Afif Amran of Pitsbike Superfast JRT Rapido Racing Team and Dimas Juli Atmoko of RACETECH SIXTY RACING, it is unclear who will most likely bag the limelight considering the close contention. Malaysian rider, Afif may not have taken the spotlight in the beginning of the season, more so with a double “DNF” between Round 2 and Round 3 however, the rider made headlines when he banked in 50 points on his home-ground circuit, instantly placing him among those in contention for the 1st runner up position. Currently sitting third in the overall standings with a total of 125 points, he has two situations to deal with – one, to steer closer towards the 1st runner up spot and another, to eliminate possibilities of dropping down a notch. Clearly, it would be a tough bet considering Fahmi’s and Dimas’ level of competencies which are equivalent to that of Afif’s. During Round 1, all three of them fought the raging fury on the final turn before wrapping up the weekend with a podium-finish each. This further accentuates the anticipation of rivalry, brewing silently before the final showdown and for those under the pressure, it would be a test that either breaks or makes them. The UB150 race category is not one to mess with especially with its unpredictable nature so, will this be a matter of luck of brilliance? Commenting on the upcoming race, Afif said, “I will use the experiences that I have gained to manage and overcome any kind of challenges, if I can and also to find the best possible machine setup for the race. Of course, I do understand the possibilities that are endless – the nature of the race itself being unpredictable. For now, I will not deny that my machine is in an optimised condition so there may not be major changes on that. The tricky bit is that, all teams have their strengths, with different capacities and they might just find the right setup for their machines at the very least expected time. So, I have to always be aware of the possible outcomes and keep focused on my goal.” “Personally, I don’t think I have much advantage on Chang circuit because all the riders have their own data and they are all aware of the layout and techniques that is most effective on the circuit ground. All I can do is my version of the best – use my very own insights and professional capacity to avoid errors and minimise risks at all cost. Frankly, the last two races were exceptional because my team has found the right setup for Sepang ground. But for Chang, I am confident that Fahmi and Dimas will put on their best show. They are strong contenders with great experience – brilliant in their strategies and manoeuvrings, so the final showdown is going to be a tough one. I just want to complete the race and collect as much points as I can for the championship. If this season doesn’t work for me, I will do better in the next – and that’s how I plan to end the season.”

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