2026 Round 2

NAKARIN TARGETS BOUNCE-BACK AFTER TOUGH START

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Nakarin Atiratphuvapat returns to Chang International Circuit for Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 with one objective, to reset his campaign and reignite his fight in the ASB1000 category. Representing HONDA RACING THAILAND, Nakarin arrives on home soil looking to put behind a challenging opening round at Sepang International Circuit, where circumstances beyond his control left him playing catch-up from the outset. A delayed arrival of machinery meant Nakarin missed crucial official testing time, leaving the team with limited opportunity to fine-tune their setup ahead of the race weekend. The impact was evident, as he managed sixth place in Race 1 before a crash in Race 2 saw him rejoin the race and salvage only three points, ending the round ninth overall. “Round 1 in Sepang was quite difficult for me. We didn’t get the setup where we wanted it to be, and adapting to the track conditions was not easy. Missing a day of testing also put us one step behind the others from the beginning. Finishing ninth is definitely not the result we were aiming for, but at the same time, we learned a lot. Now it’s about using that data and coming back stronger.” The return to Buriram, however, offers a very different outlook. It is a circuit where Nakarin has delivered before, including a memorable Race 2 victory in last season’s finale, even though he ultimately fell just three points short of the 2025 championship title. This time, he is determined to make full use of his home advantage. “Racing at home is always something special for me. I know this track well, and I’ve had strong results here in the past. The plan is to maximise that advantage, especially in qualifying. If we can start from the front, it gives us a real opportunity to control the race. But at the same time, the level of competition this year is very high, so I won’t underestimate anyone.” Rather than feeling the weight of expectation, Nakarin views his home round as a chance to reset and prove his true pace. “I see this more as an opportunity than pressure. Of course, racing in front of home fans comes with expectations, but I try to turn that into motivation. The support here gives me extra energy, and it makes me even more hungry to fight for the win.” Buriram’s demanding conditions will also play a crucial role across the weekend, with high temperatures and unpredictable weather. “The weather here is always tough. It’s very hot and physically demanding, and recently there’s been some rain as well. I’ve been focusing a lot on my fitness, adapting to the heat, and making sure I stay well hydrated. Overall, I think we are well prepared to handle whatever conditions come our way.” With the ASB1000 field proving to be more competitive than ever, Nakarin remains realistic, but quietly confident in his ability to fight back. “The level this season is very high, and every rider is strong. But I believe we have the potential to be in the front group. The goal is to improve step by step, stay consistent, and fight for podiums in every round.” After a difficult start, Chang International Circuit now represents more than just another race weekend for Nakarin. It is a chance to turn momentum, reclaim confidence, and remind the field exactly what he is capable of on home ground.

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ANUPAB HUNTS REDEMPTION AT HOME

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Thailand’s Anupab Sarmoon returns to familiar ground at Chang International Circuit for Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026, determined to turn disappointment into momentum in the SS600 category. Representing YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, Anupab enters the weekend with unfinished business, both from the opening round of the season and from the heartbreak of 2025, where he narrowly missed out on the championship despite finishing level on points with the eventual title winner. His 2026 campaign began with promise at Sepang International Circuit, securing an impressive second-place finish in Race 1. However, Race 2 brought misfortune, as a crash derailed what could have been another strong result. Although he managed to remount and salvage four points, it was a costly setback in the early stages of the title fight. Despite carrying a minor injury into Round 2, Anupab remains confident in his physical condition and ready to push. “I’m feeling okay overall. I picked up a minor injury on my left shoulder, but it’s nothing that will hold me back. Physically, I’m in good shape, and mentally I feel ready to get back on the bike and fight again.” Reflecting on the missed opportunity in Sepang International Circuit, Anupab does not hide his disappointment, but it has only strengthened his resolve. “Of course I’m disappointed with the result in Race 2. Only coming away with four points is not what we were aiming for. But in racing, these things happen. What matters now is how I respond. I’m determined to come back stronger and fight even harder in this round.” The crash itself, he explained, was a reminder of how quickly conditions can change at the highest level. “From what I felt, the surface was a bit damp in that section, and it caught me out. It’s one of those moments you learn from. I’ve taken it positively, and I’m coming into this round with a much more focused and optimistic mindset.” As the championship moves to Chang International Circuit, Anupab’s approach is no hesitation, only forward momentum. “When I line up on the grid, there’s only one thing in my mind, to move forward as quickly as possible and fight with everything I have. I want to be aggressive, but also smart, and make every lap count.” The return to Chang International Circuit also brings back memories of last season’s dramatic finale, where the title slipped away by the narrowest of margins. Yet for Anupab, that chapter has already been closed. “Last year was difficult to accept, especially missing out on the championship like that. But that’s racing, anything can happen. I’ve learned to move on from it, and now my full focus is on this season. I’m here to give my best and fight for every opportunity.” With motivation running high, home support behind him, and a point to prove, Anupab arrives in Chang International Circuit not just looking for results, but redemption.

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BACK-TO-BACK 50 FOR KRITTAPAT?

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Thailand’s rising force in the AP250 category, Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, arrives at Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 with momentum firmly on his side, and expectations even higher. Set to compete on home soil at Chang International Circuit, Krittapat carries the confidence of a flawless opening round at Sepang International Circuit, where he dominated proceedings with back-to-back victories to secure a maximum 50 points. It was a statement performance from the Thai rider, who narrowly missed out on the 2025 title after finishing second overall. Now, returning to a circuit where he has consistently shown strong pace, Krittapat is determined to build on that early advantage. “Chang has always been a circuit where I feel strong and comfortable, but I know there are still areas I need to improve. I want to be sharper, especially in maintaining consistency lap by lap and managing tyre performance towards the end of the race. That’s where the real difference can be made.” Despite his dominant start, the 50-point haul from Round 1 is not something Krittapat sees as a cushion, but rather a foundation. “It’s a solid start, but I’m not here to settle. Racing at home, the goal is always to maximise every opportunity. Another strong result is definitely what I’m aiming for.” While names like Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND and Peerapong Luiboonpeng of ONE FOR ALL are expected to mount a strong challenge on home ground, Krittapat is wary of focusing too narrowly on specific rivals in a category known for its depth. “They are both very competitive riders, no doubt. But in AP250, you can’t focus on just two riders. There are many who are capable of fighting at the front, so for me, the priority is to stay focused on my own performance.” Adding another layer of complexity to the weekend is the notoriously demanding Buriram climate, a factor that could test both rider and the machine. “The weather here can be really tough. It’s hot, unpredictable, and physically demanding. Preparation is key. Hydration, fitness, and staying mentally locked in no matter the conditions will be crucial.” Should the races come down to a final-lap showdown, Krittapat believes he has the composure and racecraft to deliver under pressure. “Last-lap battles are where racing truly comes alive. I trust my instincts and decision-making in those moments. It’s about staying calm, choosing the right opportunity, and committing when it matters most.” Racing in front of a home crowd brings both expectation and inspiration, something Krittapat embraces fully. “It definitely brings both motivation and pressure, but I see pressure as a privilege. The support from the fans gives me extra energy, and it pushes me to perform at my best. I’m ready to give everything, just like I did in Round 1.”

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CAN HUSNI STAY AHEAD?

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  Indonesian rider Husni Zainul Fuadzy has begun his 2026 campaign in the UB150 category of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship with the same authority that carried him to the 2025 overall championship title. Representing ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34, Husni enters Round 2 at Chang International Circuit as the current championship leader after a strong opening round at Sepang International Circuit, where he secured third place in Race 1 before bouncing back with a victory in Race 2 to collect 41 crucial points. Despite carrying the pressure of being the defending champion, Husni remains composed and focused, insisting that his mindset has not changed even with the target on his back. “Alhamdulillah, Round 1 was a very good result for me and the team. For me, there is no pressure. I will continue to fight until the final round to defend my championship. Every race is important, and I just want to stay consistent and keep pushing forward.” As the man to beat in UB150 this season, Husni acknowledges that defending the title is already proving to be a tougher challenge than winning it. “The biggest challenge right now is defending the championship. Everyone is pushing harder this year, so I know I cannot relax even for a moment.” The UB150 category has also seen increased intensity this season, with changes in regulations adding another layer of unpredictability to the competition. “The competition in UB150 this year is very tight. The regulation changes have quite a big impact on the bike, so every team has had to adapt. That makes the racing even closer and more challenging.” For Husni, nothing comes easy at the top level. That is the reality of defending a championship. “It is definitely very difficult to defend the title. But my team and I will continue to fight in every round. We are not here just to participate. We are here to defend the championship.” While results remain his priority, Husni continues to focus on refining himself as a rider, round by round. “In every race, I always learn something new and sharpen my instincts. That is how I keep improving, step by step, session by session, and round by round.” Heading into Round 2, Husni also credits his team for ensuring he arrives fully prepared for another demanding weekend. “My team has prepared everything very well for Round 2. Now it’s up to me to execute on track. Hopefully we can achieve another strong result this weekend.”

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SARTHAK STEPS UP TITLE CHARGE

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The battle in the TVS Racing International Championship category is already heating up after just one round of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026, with India’s young star Sarthak Chavan emerging as one of the key contenders heading into Round 2 at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. Sarthak delivered a standout performance at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, claiming victory in Race 1 before securing a solid second-place finish in Race 2. However, consistency from Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli means both riders now head into Chang International Circuit, Buriram tied on points. Despite the early narrative pointing towards a two-way title fight, Sarthak believes the championship picture is far from settled. “It might look like a battle between two riders right now, but honestly, the championship feels even more competitive this year. There are several riders who showed strong potential in Round 1, and I believe more names will come into the fight as the season progresses. It’s still too early to define the championship.” While the standings remain tight, Sarthak insists pressure is not part of his mindset, at least not yet. “At the moment, I don’t feel any pressure. I’m really happy with my performance in Malaysia. It was probably my best weekend at Sepang International Circuit so far. Now we move to Thailand, which is a track where I feel very strong. My focus is to stay sharp and keep working on the areas that matter.” That confidence could prove crucial as the championship heads to Buriram, a circuit where Sarthak has historically thrived. “It would be very clear that I want to fight for both race wins this weekend. It’s important to build a strong lead early in the championship, and coming into Thailand, I have a very positive feeling. This is one of the tracks where I’ve had multiple wins and podiums, so my confidence is high.” Sarthak’s belief is further reinforced by how well his riding style aligns with the demands of the Chang International circuit. “Yes, I feel 100% comfortable here. Sepang and Buriram require very different approaches, but my riding style suits Buriram really well. I feel natural on this track, and that gives me an extra boost heading into the weekend.” With momentum on his side and confidence building, the young Indian rider is not shying away from making his intentions clear to the rest of the field. “This year, I’m going to give everything I have to become champion. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my career, I’m enjoying my riding more than ever, and I’m ready for whatever comes.”

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