2025

NOTHING CHANGED, HIROKI STILL ON TOP

2025, 2025 Round1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

Race 1 of the TVS Asia One Make Championship, the opening round of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, took place today at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, where Japanese rider Hiroki Ono celebrated victory. In the earlier qualifying session, India’s Sarthak Chavan claimed pole position with a blistering lap time of 1’50:390s. Close behind him was Japan’s Hiroki Ono in second, clocking in at 1’50:507s, while Australia’s Hunter Corney rounded out the top three with a time of 1’50:893s. At the start of the race, Sarthak quickly asserted his dominance, leading the pack with Hiroki closely in pursuit. Malaysia’s Md Ramdan Rosli held onto third. The race featured intense battles among the top three riders from the 2024 season throughout the opening laps. On lap 4, while Hiroki was leading the race, Sarthak’s front tyre made contact with Ramdan’s rear tyre, causing a slight wobble. Spain’s Luis Miguel seized the opportunity and overtook Sarthak to take P3. The turning point came on the final lap, when Luis made a bold move at the last corner to overtake Ramdan and set off in pursuit of Hiroki. Hiroki crossed the finish line first with a time of 14’49:853s. Luis, who finished second at 14’49:962s, was penalised one position for exceeding track limits at Turn 4. This handed second place to Ramdan, who clocked in at 14’50:213s. Hiroki said, “From Friday, the feeling wasn’t too bad. Session by session I kept improving, and in the race, I tried to push, though the feeling on the bike wasn’t perfect. Still, since this is the first race of the season, I think it’s a strong result and a good way to start the championship.”TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1

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APIWATH SURGES TO TOP SPOT WITH NEW BIKE

2025, 2025 Round1, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship roared to life today at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, where Apiwath Wongthananon of A1 ENERGY BMW RACING TEAM surged to the top as the fastest rider in the combined ASB1000 practice sessions. In Practice 1, Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM displayed strong pace, setting the quickest lap at 1’36:021s. Just 0:061s behind him was Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM with 1’36:082s, placing him second, while Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of A1 ENERGY BMW RACING TEAM secured third with 1’36:119s. During Practice 2, Azlan moved to the top with a lap time of 1’36:291s. Andi finished in second at 1’36:462s, while Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA rounded out the top three with 1’36:488s. Struggling to adapt to his new BMW machine after switching from Yamaha, Apiwath showed impressive improvement in Practice 3, where he rocketed to the top with a fastest lap of 1’35:758s. Zaqhwan closely followed with 1’35:812s, while Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND placed third at 1’36:185s. With the combined results from the three practice sessions, Apiwath emerged as the fastest overall, while Zaqhwan and Andi secured second and third positions, respectively. Apiwath said, “Today was really exciting, with a new team, a new bike, everything was new! My lap times were good, and I was able to learn the bike and work well with the crew. In Practice 3, I tried a different setup, which was better than before. We’ll see how tomorrow’s Qualifying goes. The BMW machine is really fast for me, and I know I still need more time to learn the new bike, but it’s a step-by-step process. I know all the riders in ASB1000 are very strong, and my goal is to be on the podium this weekend.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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THANAT OUTPACES COMPETITION IN CHANG

2025, 2025 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship officially began today at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, with Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND posting the fastest time in the combined SS600 practice sessions. In Practice 1, Thanat showed impressive pace, setting the fastest lap time of 1’39:618s. Just 0:035s behind him, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA clocked 1’39:653s, while Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING rounded out the top three with a time of 1’39:653s. In Practice 2, Thanat maintained his position at the top with a best lap of 1’39:743s. Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA placed second with 1’39:756s, followed by Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, who recorded a lap time of 1’39:844s. Practice 3 saw Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM take the top spot with a lap time of 1’39:677s. McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING followed closely with 1’39:712s, and Wahyu placed third at 1’39:845s. With the combined results from the three practice sessions, Thanat emerged as the fastest overall, while Wahyu and Kasma secured second and third positions, respectively. Thanat said, “Today I tried my best, and the track conditions were really hot. I focused solely on my performance. I gave it everything I had. I did lose a bit of control at corner 5, however in Practice 1 and Practice 2, I was able to ride alone and set the fastest times, so I’m very happy with that. For tomorrow, my focus is entirely on the podium. I’m not thinking about other riders because everyone is facing the same challenges with the hot track conditions.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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HOT TRACK, HOT PACE FOR KRITTAPAT

2025, 2025 Round1, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship kicked off with a strong local showing, as Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM set the fastest time in the AP250 combined practice sessions at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. In Practice 1, Krittapat topped the timesheets with a best lap of 1’51:688s. Just 0:044s behind him was Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, who posted a time of 1’51:732s. Riichi Takahira of TY ANTARES RACING TEAM completed the top three with a 1’52:251s lap. Krittapat continued his strong performance in Practice 2, improving his time to 1’51:549s. Riichi and Fadillah also maintained their presence in the top three, recording their best laps at 1’52:528s and 1’52:605s respectively to finish second and third in the session. In Practice 3, Krittapat held firm at the top, shaving more time off with a best lap of 1’51:495s. Fadillah followed in second with 1’51:881s, while Krittapat’s teammate Davino Britani stepped up to third with a 1’52:194s lap. Based on the combined practice results, Krittapat emerged as the fastest overall, marking a strong start to his campaign and making him a local hero in the making. The ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM duo, Fadillah and Davino, secured second and third places respectively. Krittapat said, “Today I felt really good with the bike, the track, and the overall setup from the team. I pushed on every lap, trying to improve and understand both the bike and the circuit better, especially in a few key corners. I made some adjustments to my riding style and we also fine-tuned the engine settings to get the best performance. I’m confident going into tomorrow’s race, and I’ll give it my all. Big thanks to my team for their hard work and support, they’ve done an amazing job helping me prepare.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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HUSNI GAINS MOMENTUM, TOPS PRACTICE SESSION

2025, 2025 Round1, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 officially kicked off today at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, with riders hitting the track for the practice sessions of Round 1. Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 emerged as fastest for practice session, combined, in UB150 today. As the practice sessions got underway, the UB150 class proved to be as tightly contested as ever, with riders pushing their limits to gain valuable insight into the track and build momentum for tomorrow’s qualifying rounds. Practice 1 saw Dimas Juli Atmoko of RACETECH SIXTY RACING claim the top spot with a best lap time of 2’00:645s. The 2024 UB150 Champion, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, followed closely in second, recording a lap time of 2’00:753s. Shahrol Syazras Shahrol Yuzy of ESTREMO YUZY ASIA TEAM rounded out the top three with a lap time of 2’01:058s. In Practice 2, Husni Zainul Fuadzy emerged as the fastest rider of the day, clocking a 1:59.487s lap time, just under the two-minute mark. Fahmi Basam again placed second, with a time of 2’00:331s, while Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY RACING impressed by securing third place with a time of 2’00:509s. After two practice sessions, Husni Zainul Fuadzy’s blistering pace in Practice 2 earned him the overall fastest time of the day. Fahmi Basam remained consistent, finishing in second overall, while Wahyu Aji Trilaksana completed the top three in combined times. Husni said, “There has been positive progress from Practice 1 to Practice 2. In Practice 1, I struggled a bit to set a good lap time, but in Practice 2, I learned from my mistakes and, thankfully, I managed to set my best lap time. Hopefully, I can do even better tomorrow and maintain the momentum until the race. Honestly, I felt quite nervous today and was just following the bike ahead of me, but I’m very happy with today’s result.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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RAMDAN TURNS UP THE HEAT IN BURIRAM

2025, 2025 Round1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship got underway today at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, where Malaysia’s Md Ramdan Rosli set the benchmark by finishing fastest in the combined practice sessions of the TVS ASIA One Make Championship. Ramdan dominated both Practice 1 and Practice 2, demonstrating strong pace, consistency, and familiarity with the circuit. His performance clearly positions him as the rider to beat heading into the weekend’s qualifying and race. In Practice 1, Ramdan topped the timing sheets with a best lap of 1’50:706s. The 2024 TVS ASIA One Make Champion, Hiroki Ono from Japan, was close behind with 1’50:799s, followed by Sarthak Chavan from India, who posted a 1’51:317s lap to secure third position. Practice 2 saw Ramdan continuing his fine form, clocking 1’50:812s. Sarthak improved his time significantly, taking second with a 1’50:893s lap, while Hiroki recorded 1’50:977s to finish third in the session. In the combined results of both sessions, Ramdan remained at the top with the fastest overall lap time. Hiroki Ono and Sarthak Chavan followed in second and third places, respectively. With such close margins between the top riders, the competition is expected to heat up in tomorrow’s qualifying session. Ramdan shared, “In Practice 2, the weather was much hotter compared to the morning session in Practice 1. I wasn’t pushing too hard as I just wanted to get some mileage on the bike and maintain my rhythm because I’m feeling really confident about winning the race in Round 1. I’ll keep this momentum going into the race. “The hot conditions are the same for everyone, so it’s about how each rider adapts. Personally, I feel really comfortable riding in this kind of weather. The track temperature was much higher in the afternoon, and I believe the race will be run in similar conditions. I’m glad I had the chance to experience that today.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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INTERESTING TWIST TO THE ENTRIES

2025, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The Asia Superbike 1000cc will once again roar its way into Chang International Circuit this weekend at the season opener of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The race to victory is defined only by one proposition – being a champion and with an entry list of highly driven and competitive riders, Season 2025 is bound to get feisty. The fast and fury of the Asia Superbike 1000cc ended last season with Yuki Kunii of SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. marking a blistering speed towards stardom on the Asian front. With him out of the equation this season, it’s an open goal for the likes of Andi Farid of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Hafizh Syahrin of JDT RACING TEAM who have both showcased equal-level sportsmanship throughout the season. What may possibly add on to the strain though is the competitive strike by Nakarin Atiratphuvapat who has posed indefinite threats since signing his entry into the big boys’ league. According to Andi, 1st runner of Season 2024, “Personally, I think all riders have what it takes to be competing at this level but what really matters would be personal goals and growth. Staying focused on developing my technical abilities and fine-tuning my tactics is the drive that keeps me motivated. The past experiences are crucial to help me evaluate my capacities and I will move from there. I am happy to be back with ASTRA HONDA and I can’t wait to work with them closely in marking the benchmark and creating milestones collectively. We have started training and are quite amped up for the coming season so it’s just a matter of time right now to get the ball rolling.” Adding on to the pressure is the All Japan’s 600cc race category’s 2024 Champion, Keito Abe who will be replacing Yuki Kunii in living up to the team’s aspirations. The Japanese may first need to come around facing the likes of other Honda riders, Zaqhwan Zaidi and his new teammate, Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA who will be graduating from SS600. The stakes are high nevertheless for all riders, considering the amalgamation of different performing standards, level and machine capacities. Will Keito fit into the scene and rise above the ordinary? Commenting on his entry, Keito Abe said, “I have never ridden aboard a Honda CBR1000RR R before and as such, the experience would be entirely brand new. Of course, the goal is to quickly find my footing and manage my technical abilities to compliment the high-powered engine performance. I personally am motivated and feel that I can fight competitively in ASB1000. Yuki Kunii made double-win in the race category for one of the rounds with the experiences he has gained from the Japanese championship. So, I believe that I have some valid experience that would help me with my momentum in the race category. Being with a new team is an exciting phase for me. I feel positive vibes with the team and they support me well. We also have a lot of data with is useful for me to move forward. Overall, I will do my best for sure and try to grow not only on a professional level but also on a personal one.” Azroy on the other hand said, “This season will surely be a tough one but no excuses. I have to learn as quickly as I can. My goal is to deliver the best results for my team. One major challenge would be the riding styles and techniques. But on the bright side, I have an excellent teammate with extensive knowledge and experience to work with and learn from. So, that’s a plus for me although at the end of the day, its my ability to adapt and the drive to succeed that matters most. While it may seem a little far-fetched, I would definitely want to make a mark on the podium or at the least, be at the top five positions, consistently.”

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SWELLING PRESSURE!

2025, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The season opener of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing is just around the corner and once again, taking the grounds of Chang International Circuit with an interesting twist to the entry list will be the SuperSports 600cc. he swelling pressure is all that is needed to stir up the game this season. Apiwath Wongthananon took Season 2024 by a storm, charming the circuit grounds with his wits and an outstanding craftmanship aboard the Yamaha YZF-R6. While Season 2025 may not witness yet another spellbinding performance from the Thai lad in the race category, Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who hailed 1st runner up will be back to mark his territories and make up for his lost cause. Standing by his side are teammates Rheza Danica and Herjun Atna who graduated from the AP250 race category after a victorious lap in the season finale. Will Adenanta prove his worth and make a name for himself this season? It’s hard to say considering the strong opponents in the entry list. Among them is IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA boy, Helmi Azman who made bold moves, sparking pressure and friction among the contenders. With Khairul Idham Pawi making a comeback after losing out a year in ARRC to enrich his experiences on the world front and Syarifuddin Azman taking a notch up in his game from the AP250 race category, the trio may just be the right mix in balancing out the brewing rivalry. Helmi said, “I am happy that KIP is back to the ARRC scene once again. We had a great time last season that resulted in outstanding performance. Yes, rivalry among us will continue as usual but this is where we test each other’s limit and be better. Damok and I have also worked together last season so it’s not going to be a problem. I believe that this season will be highly competitive considering the interesting entry list that we have. We as a team nevertheless are prepared to face the hurdles ahead of us.” As for HONDA RACING THAILAND, Thanat Laoongplio will be teaming up with Jakhreephat Puettisan and Kitsada Tanachot who will take a full season after a wildcard entry last season in the AP250 race category are yet another team to beware of. Yamaha lad, McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING, on the other hand will take up a different kind of experience as he teams up with Kasma Daniel in the race category to fight against the compounding rivalry. He said, “Last year was my first full season in the SS600 race category after my European Moto2 stint. It was tough but with the help of my teammate, I adapted to the machine and track lines quickly. This season, I will take on my best lessons and move forward with grace. The machine itself is not a problem because the speed is amazing. I just have to get adjusted to the handling and ensure that the setup is up to mark.” Anupab Sarmoon, Thai rider who made his last appearance in 2022 will be back once again this season with YAMAHA RACING THAILAND to stir excitement and inject pressure on his rivals. Additionally, Rocco Sessler, former TVS Asia One-Make Championship rider who will JOIN ONE FOR ALL on a new adventure in the SS600 race category.

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APIWATH’S BIG LEAP BEGINS

2025, 2025 Round1, Latest News /

The 2025 season of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship kicks off this weekend with one of the most highly anticipated debuts in the ASB1000 category, Apiwath Wongthananon’s first appearance in the premier class with A1 ENERGY BMW RACING TEAM! After a spectacular 2024 season where he was crowned the SS600 champion with YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN, the Thai rider is stepping into a brand-new chapter filled with change, challenges, and opportunity. Not only is he making the jump to ASB1000, but he’s also switching machinery for the first time, making the switch from Yamaha to BMW, a manufacturer that he has never raced with before. “I’m excited to be competing in the ASB1000. It’s a huge step forward in my career. There are many experienced and strong riders in ASB1000, and I think the competition will be very exciting this year. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join A1 ENERGY BMW RACING TEAM and challenge myself in a completely new environment,” Apiwath shared. The decision to leave Yamaha, a manufacturer he’s long been associated with, was not an easy one, but one that he believes is crucial for growth. “I think it’s a new challenge for me, and yes, it’s a big change. Switching manufacturers after so many years is not easy, but I felt it was the right time to take this step. We’re here to give it our all and see where this new path takes us.” As of now, Apiwath has yet to ride the BMW race machine, but he’s ready to hit the ground running when the team assembles at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. “Honestly, I can’t give any detailed feedback yet because I haven’t ridden the bike. We’ll see it for the first time at the circuit and start working from there. The plan is to understand the bike as quickly as possible and start building chemistry with the team. It’s going to be a process, and I’m ready for it.” Carrying the momentum of being the 2024 SS600 champion, Apiwath is confident the experience will aid him as he navigates this new phase. “Winning the 600 title last year gave me a lot of confidence and experience. It’s a different category, of course, but mentally it’s a boost. That experience is something I’ll carry with me into every session this season.” The transition comes with its share of hurdles, and Apiwath is fully aware of the learning curve ahead. “Patience is key when starting something new. Everything is different: the team structure, the bike, even the way we approach race weekends. There’s a learning curve for sure. We’re taking it one step at a time, focusing on progress over perfection.” The ASB1000 grid this year features several top contenders, including factory-supported riders from Honda, Ducati, and Yamaha, particularly strong entries from Australia. “All the riders in ASB1000 are strong. Many of them have data and experience from last year, so they’re coming in with an advantage. But that just makes things more exciting. I’ve watched them from the sidelines before, and now I’m ready to join the fight.” Despite the leap in competition and machinery, Apiwath remains focused and determined to achieve his goals. “My goal is still the same. I want to fight for wins and aim for the overall championship. I know it’s a big target, especially in my debut season in this class, but I believe in myself and in the people around me. We’ll approach every race with focus and determination. Let’s see what we can achieve, step by step.”

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WHO’LL BE THE PICK OF THE WEEK?

2025, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The machines are lined up and the riders are geared up. Another season of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is just days away at Chang International Circuit. What’s new in the Asia Production 250cc? The format remains but the riders are one step away from recognising their worth and strength in what is seen as one of the most competitive feats in the championship. After many “almost-there” situations, Herjun Atna finally laid his hands on the most sought-after championship trophy last season and with him out of the picture this season, it’s an open spot for the high-achievers of the race category in testing their limits and breaking the boundaries. Coming in as contenders in the race category, representing the two consecutive winning team, ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM are Fadhillah Arbi and David Britani who may seem like they are dipping their toes but could potentially be the dose of the much-needed challenge to the scene. As for luck, Cao Viet Nam of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM was not really a strong match last season despite his striking moves and close encounter towards victory. Looking back at his rush of adrenaline, the Vietnamese rider definitely has what it takes to soar to the peak but again, will he be able to fight off the bursting energy from his closest contenders this coming season? “To me, most importantly, I finish all races without crashing or slipping at the eleventh hour. I want to avoid pressure and enjoy the race as much as I can. I like my current machine and I get to compete competitively with the other strong contenders. So, that is a plus for me at the moment. So, at this point of time, luck or not, I would take it with an open mind to do my best.” The Kawasaki team on the other hand was not bad themselves last season with Aiki Iyoshi of MOTUL KAWASAKI SNIPER MANUAL TECH pushing through and taking fifth on the scoreboard. The Japanese lad definitely knows his way aboard his machined and has even unveiled some of his hidden tactics however this season may come with a considerable challenge especially with 2022 champion, Andy Muhammad Fadly coming back for another shot at stardom. He said, “I am happy that Fadly is back but again, he is also one of my biggest rivals. Having him back on the team means we can together work on strategies, gather enough data with out four-cylinder machines and try out various other approaches in optimising our strengths as a team.” Andy Fadly on the other hand said, “I am not very coming back racing into the AP250 race category however due to my serious injury last season, I think this is my only option and at that the best one. The goal is to take the championship title once again for sure and with the injuries, it means more work and greater effort. Having had the experience in the AP250 long enough is a plus I would say. Teaming up with Aiki is great and I can’t wait to challenge him further and be on the podium together with him.”

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