2026

Every new season brings change. Few riders, however, embrace transformation as boldly as ShunCheng Zhang. As the 2026 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship approaches, his move to a Kawasaki-backed PRO POWER ANTARES RACING TEAM stands as a statement of evolution, a calculated leap into unfamiliar territory with eyes firmly fixed on growth. After previously racing on Yamaha machinery, the upcoming season marks ShunCheng’s first experience aboard a Kawasaki, following the team’s official collaboration with the Japanese manufacturer for the 2026 and 2027 campaigns. It is a partnership driven not only by ambition, but by belief in long-term development. “I’m really happy to be collaborating with Kawasaki,” ShunCheng shared. “This partnership started taking shape last December during the Thailand round. At first, it was about supporting the team, but it grew into something bigger. Now we’re fully committed. The preparation they’ve already done for 2026 is impressive, and hearing the direction ARRC is heading gives us real confidence.” The decision to make such a significant change came from seeing potential where others might see limitations. “I saw that the team could still fight near the front despite financial challenges. They have strong riders, a capable crew, and real potential. I wanted to support that and see how far we can go together.” Adapting to a new machine brings its own challenge, one ShunCheng welcomes. “I’ve already started testing the Kawasaki ZX-4RR. The bike is powerful and exciting. Every session helps me understand the engine, the balance, and how to ride it properly.” But the ambition surrounding the project extends beyond machinery. ShunCheng revealed that the team is preparing something major on the rider front. “I can’t reveal everything yet, but our second rider comes from the World Championship level,” he hinted. “Our expectations are high. We believe he can fight for wins, and once he adapts, he’ll be very strong. Together, we want to push this team to the front.” He also shared his personal target. “My personal goal is to stay consistently inside the top 15, and I believe a top 10 finish is achievable with this bike.” Beyond performance, the transition represents growth. “I’ve never ridden a Kawasaki before, so this opens a new world for me. Learning a different machine and working with a new team pushes me to grow as a rider and as a person.” With stronger backing, upgraded equipment, and renewed belief, ShunCheng sees opportunity ahead. “With the support we have, the bike will keep improving. I believe we can surprise people this season.” “Our second rider comes from the World Championship, and I believe a top 10 finish is achievable.”

  Fresh off the off-season and already back in rhythm, Lachlan Epis wasted no time reminding the paddock that his focus for 2026 is firmly locked in. The Australian rider returned to the track during the recent Dunlop Private Tyre Test, offering an early glimpse into a season that promises both evolution and ambition, while season 2026 itself has yet to officially begin. “It’s always good to get back on the BMW and go riding no matter where you go, and getting to do it at the Dunlop tyre test was an added treat,” Lachlan shared. “We ran an older 2024 bike with updated aerodynamics and electronics and just chipped away at our programme. It was especially nice to put down some competitive times on day two.” Beyond lap times, the test marked the first step toward a refreshed chapter. “We will look different this new season, with new colours and a new title sponsor in Swift Grow. With their support, we’re expanding the team staff and focusing on a one-rider operation for 2026. These changes are important for us to achieve our goals.” Stability, however, remains central to Lachlan’s approach. “Stability is really important to me, so having the same familiar faces around me, with the addition of extra brain power and a track spotter, puts us in a good position. Staying with BMW also helps, especially if we can solve the top-speed issues we struggled with in 2025.” Mentally, the hunger is sharper than ever. “My mindset is similar to last year, but my preparation is different. I’ve made changes after missing the mark in 2025.” That includes relocating to Andorra, partnering with ND Network for performance development, and refining physical support systems to combat fatigue. On-track gains are already showing. “We’ve worked hard to improve engine braking in the final phase of braking, and we made a step during the Dunlop test.” As for what comes next? Lachlan keeps fans guessing. “You’ll have to follow me on social media and be a little patient while we get everything just right and looking smick.”

As the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship continues to push the limits of speed and performance, tyre development remains a critical pillar behind every lap time and race-winning move. Reinforcing its long-term commitment as the championship’s official partner, Dunlop conducted a focused two-day private test at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, dedicated to advancing its next-generation racing tyres for ARRC. The test marked an important milestone in Dunlop’s ongoing evolution programme, with multiple tyre specifications evaluated under controlled yet demanding conditions. Each run was designed to extract precise performance data—covering grip characteristics, durability, and consistency, ensuring that every development step is backed by measurable results. According to Dunlop Tyres Event Manager, Kentaro Kobayashi, the direction is clear and deliberate. “Currently, we are working on next-generation tyre development for ARRC. We are trying different specifications to understand its performance. From thereon, we will utilise the data to develop the best suited model for ARRC,” he explained. “Overall, the outcomes have been promising. Our standard tyres are already at a high-performing condition. Now, the focus would be to customise according to riders’ needs. That would be our next homework, to integrate data from both the testing and feedback of our riders.” With data-driven refinement and rider-centric development at the core, Dunlop’s latest efforts signal not just an upgrade in technology, but a sharper, more tailored racing experience for the ARRC grid in the seasons ahead.

The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is pleased to announce the Championship Calendar for Season 2026. The season will commence in April 2026 and will feature six rounds across Asia, continuing the tradition of bringing world-class motorcycle racing to diverse circuits and communities across the region. Commenting on the upcoming season, Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing said, “ARRC has always aspired to expand its footprint and strengthen its visibility among Asian communities. Season 2025 reaffirmed that our collective efforts through partnerships, rider development and fan engagement bore indefinite fruits of success. We are proud of the progress made and are grateful to our partners, sponsors, teams and riders for their unwavering support. Congratulations to all who have excelled and thank you for being part of this journey.” “Every season is a learning curve and Season 2025 was no exception. With the traction gained, we are optimistic about the outlook for 2026. Season 2026 will witness a strategic recalibration of regulations, designed to ensure a level playing field for all riders while simultaneously advancing the standards and benchmarks of excellence across the championship. These adjustments reflect our commitment to fairness, competitiveness and continuous improvement, ensuring that ARRC remains aligned with global best practices while fostering growth and innovation within the Asian motorsport community.” FIM Asia President, Stephan Carapiet said, “Season 2025 was not without its challenges, yet it became another defining chapter in the journey of the ARRC. What could have been obstacles were transformed into milestones through the strength of our collective spirit. Organising a championship of this scale is never simple but the unwavering contribution, cooperation and commitment of the ARRC community has always made the task lighter and the outcome greater. For that, we extend our deepest gratitude. Thank you and well done to our partners, sponsors, teams, riders and crew members who have stood steadfast in support of the ARRC vision!” “Moving forward, we hope for a much smoother road ahead. What we have learnt this season will inevitably be a guide to everyone for the coming season. Six rounds have been scheduled for the coming year and while we return to the familiar circuits, we nevertheless will be back with different motivation, different level of competence and different goals. As for ARRC, the hope is to go on discovering new hidden talents while motivating existing teams and riders to continue expanding their wings for a much greater passion-driven success. With that, we are pleased to announce the Championship Calendar for Season 2026!”