2026 Round 2

HIROKI DENIED HOME HEROES

2026, 2026 Round 2, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The opening race of the AP250 category at Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 delivered pure drama at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, as replacement rider Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM produced a sensational performance to snatch a remarkable victory in a race packed with twists, relentless overtakes and heartbreak for the home crowd. Starting from the front row after qualifying second with a time of 1’51.323s, Hiroki entered Race 1 as one of the contenders, but few could have predicted the emotional story that would unfold under the scorching Buriram skies. Polesitter Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM wasted no time asserting himself at the front, launching off the line perfectly to grab the holeshot in front of his home fans. Hot on his tail were fellow Thai rider Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND, Hiroki, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, and Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, forming an explosive leading pack from the very beginning. The race quickly transformed into a fierce tactical battle. By Lap 2, Panjaruch had muscled his way into the lead, while Hiroki remained patient, stalking the frontrunners and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. With positions constantly changing, the front group proved impossible to break apart as every rider searched for an advantage. Lap after lap, the tension intensified. Panjaruch fired in a blistering 1’51.945s on Lap 4 and later improved further with a scorching 1’51.348s on Lap 9, but outright speed alone was not enough to escape the relentless pressure from the chasing pack. On Lap 5, the Japanese rider surged into the lead before a flurry of overtakes saw Krittapat and Panjaruch strike back. The battle became increasingly unpredictable as Rheza, Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Peerapong Luiboonpeng of ONE FOR ALL, and later Andi M. Fadly of Pro Power Antares MT Kawasaki joined the fight, turning the contest into an all-out war of nerves. As the race entered its final lap, Hiroki held a slender advantage over Panjaruch, with Teeranai Tubtim of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, Rheza and Krittapat breathing down his neck. Remaining calm under immense pressure, Hiroki held firm through the final corners to cross the line victorious in 18’48.695s, sealing a dream win in his first appearance as a replacement rider. Behind him, Rheza produced a brilliant late-race charge to snatch second place, just 0.114s behind, while Panjaruch completed the podium in front of the passionate Thai supporters. Fahmi narrowly missed out on the rostrum in fourth, just 0.119s behind Panjaruch, while Krittapat endured late heartbreak to settle for fifth after leading much of the race. Hiroki stated, “This was my first experience racing in the AP250 category, and honestly, it was an incredible experience for me. The race was very intense, and I really enjoyed battling closely with the other riders lap after lap. It was not easy at all. The competition was very tough and challenging. To finally finish in P1 makes me extremely happy and emotional because this result means so much to me, especially in my first AP250 race. This victory is not only for myself. I want to dedicate it to my team for all their hard work, belief, and support throughout this journey. I would also like to sincerely thank all the Japanese fans who have been supporting and cheering for me. Their encouragement gives me extra motivation, and I’m very grateful to share this special moment with them.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (18’48.695s) 2. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’48.809s) 3. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (18’49.500s) 4. FAHMI BASAM – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (18’49.619s) 5. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18’49.677s)

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FADLI STUNNED UB150 FIELD

2026, 2026 Round 2, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 happened today at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, as the UB150 category delivered one of the most breathtaking races of the season. In a contest defined by relentless lead changes, Fadli Rigani of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM emerged victorious from absolute chaos to claim a sensational Race 1 triumph. After storming to Superpole with a stunning lap of 2’03.172s, Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 looked poised to dominate on Saturday. Husni launched brilliantly from pole position, surging into the lead at lights out ahead of Nazirul Izzat Muhammad Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM. Within seconds, the tightly packed UB150 field turned into a battleground, with riders diving into corners and swapping positions almost every lap. Slipstream battles intensified down Chang International Circuit’s long straights as no rider could create even the slightest breathing room. By Lap 2, Husni had reclaimed the lead, but the pressure was mounting. Teammate Gupita Kresna Wardhana fired in the fastest lap of the race at that point with a blistering 2’03.914s, while Nazirul muscled his way back into contention to ensure the front group remained fiercely competitive. The complexion of the race shifted again on Lap 3, as John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team stormed to the front, followed closely by Adytya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING, Husni, Rendi Odding and Shahrol Syazras Shahrol Yuzy of YUZY ASIA TEAM. One lap later, Adytya seized control, only for Ahmad Darwisy Ahmad Sahir of YUZY ASIA TEAM to answer with a scorching fastest lap of 2’03.072s as yet another challenger joined the ever-growing lead pack. The unpredictability continued into Lap 5 as Dimas Juli Atmoko of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY briefly rose to the front, proving once again that no position was safe in a race where fortunes changed corner by corner. As the field thundered onto the final lap, Husni, Rendi, Shahrol Syazras, Gupita and M. Syirat Sauki of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM remained locked in a fierce battle. Yet all eyes were on Nazirul, who appeared perfectly positioned for victory as he charged toward the final corner at the front. In a cruel twist of fate, Nazirul crashed at the decisive moment, opening the door for a dramatic last-gasp victory. Keeping his composure amidst the chaos, Fadli surged through to snatch victory in 16’40.642s, edging out Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY by just 0.137s. Husni, despite leading much of the race, settled for third place, just 0.169s adrift of the winner. Rendi finished fourth, while Gupita completed the top five in a race where mere fractions separated triumph from heartbreak. Fadli said, “Alhamdulillah, I’m truly grateful for today’s race and the result we achieved. From the opening laps, my main focus was to carefully manage the bike’s temperature while maintaining a strong position at the front of the group. I knew it was important to stay patient, avoid pushing too hard too early, and control the race rhythm as best as possible. As the race progressed, I began to feel more confident and understood the right moment to increase the pace. In the final laps, I gave everything I had and pushed harder to make my move. Thankfully, all the strategy, patience, and hard work paid off, and I was able to take the win. It’s a really special feeling, and I’m very happy with today’s result. A big thank you to the team and everyone who supported me throughout this race.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. FADLI RIGANI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (16’40.642s) 2. WAHYU AJI TRILAKSANA – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (16’40.779s) 3. HUSNI ZAINUL FUADZY – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (16’40.811s) 4. RENDI ODDING – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (16’40.932s) 5. GUPITA KRESNA WARDHANA – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (16’41.043s)

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LUIS EDGED EPIC DUEL

2026, 2026 Round 2, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The Race 1 of the TVS Racing International Championship at Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 delivered exactly what fans had hoped for at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, fearless overtakes and a breathtaking finish decided by just 0.004s. After securing pole position earlier in the day with a commanding lap of 1’50.262s, Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli looked poised to convert speed into silverware. But Spain’s Luis Miguel had other ideas. Launching brilliantly from second on the grid, Luis seized the holeshot and immediately stamped his authority on the race. Ramdan tucked closely behind while South Africa’s Oratilwe Phiri quickly established himself as a serious contender, forming an early three-rider fight at the front. Yet the momentum shifted on Lap 2. Ramdan struck decisively to snatch the lead, igniting what would become a relentless tactical duel. Behind them, the chasing pack refused to let the leaders escape, with India’s Rakshith Shihari Dave joining the fight and constantly reshuffling the order in a tightly packed lead group. By Lap 3, Luis fired back with intent, setting the fastest lap of the race at 1’51.300s as he shadowed Ramdan’s every move. Colombia’s Jhon A Lopez C also forced his way into podium contention, ensuring there was no breathing room at the front. As the laps ticked down, the intensity only grew. Lap 4 saw Oratilwe surge back into the picture, producing a strong pace to reconnect with the leading train, while Rakshith’s aggressive charge made it clear the front-runners would not be escaping. By Lap 6, the front group had swelled into an all-out war featuring Ramdan, Luis, Oratilwe, Sarthak, Portugal’s Pedrinho Matos, and Jhon, six riders separated by almost nothing. Jhon then unleashed the fastest lap of the race at 1’51.023s, hinting at one final charge toward the podium. But the race ultimately came down to one final lap of courage. Heading into the closing stages, Oratilwe briefly held the advantage, with Luis, Pedrinho and Ramdan all waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Then came the decisive move. In a fearless final-corner attack, Luis launched a bold overtake, timing his run to perfection before powering past the chequered flag to seal an emotional first victory at Chang in 14’57.220s, just 0.004s ahead of a heartbroken but heroic Ramdan, who crossed the line in 14’57.224s. Oratilwe completed the podium in third at 14’57.749s, capping off a thrilling international showdown, while Rakshith and Malaysia’s Md Naqib Rifqi rounded out the top five. Luis said, ““This race was honestly unbelievable for me. From the very beginning, I tried to stay calm and manage everything lap by lap, focusing on being consistent and giving my best in every corner. The pace was really intense, but I kept believing in myself and pushing until the end. I truly feel that this was one of the best races of my career so far, and it means a lot to me emotionally. I want to thank my father for always supporting me through every difficult moment, and also everyone who believed in me and continued trusting me even during the hard times. Without their support, this moment would not have been possible. I’m really happy and proud with this result today. At the same time, I also want to congratulate Ramdan Rosli and Oratilwe Phale because they did an amazing job as well and we shared a great battle on track.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. LUIS MIGUEL – SPAIN (14’57.220s) 2. MOHD RAMDAN ROSLI – MALAYSIA (14’57.224s) 3. ORATILWE PHIRI – SOUTH AFRICA (14’57.749s) 4. RAKSHITH SHIHARI DAVE – INDONESIA (14’57.990s) 5. MD NAQIB RIFQI – MALAYSIA (14’58.360s)

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HAFIZH HELD OFF RIVALS

2026, 2026 Round 2, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The premier ASB1000 category exploded into life on the opening day of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 as the region’s fastest riders traded blows in a breathtaking display of speed at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. After three intense practice sessions and countless lead changes on the timesheets, it was Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM who emerged on top, delivering a stunning late charge in Practice 3 to secure the fastest combined time of 1’35.742s. The Malaysian ace had steadily built momentum throughout the day before unleashing his strongest performance in the final session, finally breaking into the 1’35s barrier to take control of a fiercely contested field. Hafizh’s pace not only underlined his growing confidence aboard the superbike machinery, but also firmly established him as one of the riders to beat heading into qualifying and the races. However, the fight at the front remains incredibly tight. SAVITAR TEAM ASIA rider Rocco Sessler produced one of the standout performances of the day by storming into second overall with a brilliant 1’35.888s effort in Practice 3. The young rider continued to impress with his consistency and composure, ending the day just 0.146s behind Hafizh in what quickly became a thrilling battle for supremacy. IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA also demonstrated formidable pace throughout all three sessions. Azroy Hakeem Anuar climbed to third overall after clocking 1’35.997s in Practice 3, while teammate Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi, who had topped both Practice 1 and Practice 2 earlier in the day, eventually settled for fourth overall with a best time of 1’36.005s. Zaqhwan had initially set the benchmark in Practice 1 with a rapid 1’36.530s before improving further to 1’36.005s in Practice 2, consistently showcasing strong race pace and remarkable straight-line speed. Meanwhile, Azroy grabbed attention after recording the highest top speed of the day at a staggering 294.30km/h during Practice 3, highlighting the sheer intensity of the ASB1000 battle around the long straights. Completing the top five overall was Indonesia’s Andi Farid Izdihar of JDT RACING TEAM, who remained a constant threat throughout the day and finished with a best lap of 1’36.165s from Practice 2. The Indonesian rider consistently hovered near the top of the standings and added further depth to an already stacked front-running group. Earlier in the day, local hopes were lifted by Thailand’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, who briefly featured inside the top five in Practice 1 for HONDA RACING THAILAND, while Japan’s Keito Abe also impressed in Practice 2 by placing fourth for SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES. Hafizh stated, “Alhamdulillah, we completed Day 1 with a really positive feeling overall. We had a strong start from FP1 until FP3 and managed to work well through our programme together as a team. I had a small crash in FP1 while trying to understand the limit and push a bit harder. Sometimes these things happen in racing, but thankfully everything was okay and we managed to come back stronger afterwards. In the afternoon, we improved the feeling on the bike and completed two long runs, including one during the hottest part of the day, which was important for us to understand the bike and tyre performance better. So far, everything looks quite under control, but we’ll continue studying the data tonight and look for every area where we can still improve. Big thanks to the whole team because today’s result came from everyone’s hard work together. Hopefully tomorrow we can continue this momentum and make a strong start in qualifying.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (1’35.742s) 2. ROCCO SESSLER – SAVITAR TEAM ASIA (1’35.888s) 3. AZROY HAKEEM ANUAR – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (1’35.997s) 4. MUHAMMAD ZAQHWAN ZAIDI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (1’36.005s) 5. ANDI FARID IZDIHAR – JDT RACING TEAM (1’36.165s)

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ANUPAB STAMPED AUTHORITY

2026, 2026 Round 2, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Home hero Anupab Sarmoon stamped his authority on the opening day of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 after delivering a commanding performance in the SS600cc category at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. The YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM rider emerged as the benchmark across all three practice sessions, steadily raising the pace each time he hit the track before eventually setting the fastest combined lap of 1’39.402s in Practice 3. More impressively, Anupab consistently looked in control around the fast and technical circuit, combining blistering corner speed with remarkable straight-line performance, reaching a top speed of 257.80km/h in Practice 2. While the Thai rider led the charge, the battle behind him was anything but settled. Indonesia’s Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM stayed firmly in contention throughout the day and closed the gap significantly in the final outing. Herjun posted a strong 1’39.568s in Practice 3, just 0.166s adrift of Anupab, signaling that the fight for pole position and race victory is far from over. Malaysia’s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin also reasserted himself as a serious contender after bouncing back strongly in Practice 3. The HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING rider improved his pace to 1’39.598s, ending the day third overall and only 0.196s behind the leader in an incredibly tight top three battle. Thailand’s Thanat Laoongplio ensured local riders remained firmly in the spotlight as the HONDA RACING THAILAND rider consistently featured among the front-runners in every session. Thanat wrapped up the day fourth overall with a best lap of 1’39.726s, further highlighting the growing strength of the Thai contingent on home soil. Not far behind was Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi from IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, who steadily built momentum throughout the sessions before climbing into the top five in Practice 3 with a time of 1’39.749s. Khairul looked increasingly comfortable as conditions evolved, adding another experienced challenger into an already stacked field. Earlier in Practice 1, the pace had already hinted at the intensity to come, with the top five separated by less than half a second. Anupab drew first blood with a 1’40.162s effort, narrowly edging Kasma and McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING, while Thanat and Muhammad Helmi Azman completed a fiercely contested top five. Anupab expressed, “We had a really positive day today and managed to perform well in all three practice sessions. Session by session, we kept improving the bike and understanding the track better, so that gives us a lot of confidence moving forward. Racing at home always brings a special feeling because we can feel the support from the local fans and everyone cheering for us. That motivation gives us extra energy and determination every time we go out on track. We know the expectations are high, but we are ready to give everything we have. Tomorrow will be another important challenge, and we will fight as hard as possible in qualifying and the race. We’ll continue pushing together as a team and hopefully make our home supporters proud with a strong result.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (1’39.402s) 2. HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (1’39.568s) 3. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (1’39.598s) 4. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (1’39.726s) 5. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (1’39.749s)

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HIROKI DELIVERED LATE CHARGE

2026, 2026 Round 2, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Thailand’s home heroes and Asia’s rising stars delivered a captivating opening day in the AP250 category as the battle intensified during the combined practice sessions of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. While local favourite Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM looked set to dominate after topping both Practice 1 and Practice 2, it was Japan’s Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM who struck late in Practice 3 to emerge fastest overall with a blistering lap time of 1’51.793s. The AP250 category once again proved why it remains one of the fiercest battlegrounds in Asian motorcycle racing, with lap times separated by mere fractions as riders continuously traded positions across the three sessions. Krittapat, who arrived in Buriram carrying immense momentum after a perfect double victory in Round 1 at Sepang International Circuit, immediately established himself as the rider to beat on home soil. The Thai ace set the pace in Practice 1 with a late flying lap of 1’52.421s on Lap 10 out of 10 laps, narrowly edging Indonesia’s Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM by just 0.066 seconds. The momentum continued in Practice 2 as Krittapat lowered the benchmark further to 1’52.116s, once again showcasing impressive consistency and composure under pressure. However, the chasing pack was never far behind. Japan’s Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ came within touching distance after posting 1’52.142s, while Thailand’s Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND reinforced the strength of the home contingent in third with 1’52.169s. Peerapong Luiboonpeng of ONE FOR ALL and Irfan completed an ultra-competitive top five, all separated by less than four-tenths of a second. Just when it appeared Krittapat had control of the combined standings, Hiroki Ono delivered a statement performance in Practice 3. The experienced Japanese rider unleashed a stunning 1’51.793s on Lap 10 out of 11 laps, becoming the only rider to break into the 1’51 bracket across the day. The late surge not only propelled Hiroki to the top of the combined standings, but also sent a strong warning to his rivals ahead of qualifying and the races to come. Behind Hiroki, Krittapat settled for second ahead of Riichi Takahira, Irfan Ardiansyah and Panjaruch Chitwirulchat. Hiroki shared, “From FP1 until FP3, we kept trying different settings on the bike because I wanted to find the best feeling and improve my confidence on track. At the beginning it was not easy, but session by session we continued making adjustments and working hard together as a team. Finally, in FP3, I started to feel much more comfortable with the bike and everything came together really well. I could push harder with more confidence, and that helped me become the fastest rider today. I feel very happy and grateful because all the effort from the team paid off. But this is only the first step. The competition is still very close, so we need to continue working hard and stay focused for tomorrow’s qualifying. Hopefully, we can keep this momentum and achieve an even better result tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (1’51.793s) 2. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (1’52.116s) 3. RIICHI TAKAHIRA – Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ (1’52.142s) 4. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (1’52.161s) 5. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (1’52.169s)

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HUSNI LED TIGHT FIGHT

2026, 2026 Round 2, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The UB150 category roared to life at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand as the opening day of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 delivered a fiercely contested combined practice session, with reigning champion Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 once again stamping his authority on the field. Husni carried the momentum from his strong start to the season into Chang International Circuit by setting the fastest overall time of 2’00.929s during Practice 1. The Indonesian rider laid down the benchmark on Lap 6 out of seven laps, reaching a top speed of 164.10 km/h. Already leading the championship standings after his victory in Race 2 during the opening round at Sepang International Circuit, Husni’s early pace in Buriram immediately sent a strong message to the rest of the UB150 field. However, the fight at the front is proving tighter than ever. Malaysia’s Muhammad Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM emerged as Husni’s closest challenger after topping Practice 2 with a blistering 2’01.045s. More impressively, Adib also recorded the highest top speed of the day at 173.9 km/h, underlining the growing threat from the Malaysian squad heading into qualifying and race day. His teammate, Nazirul Izzat Muhammad Bahauddin, maintained strong consistency across both sessions to secure third overall with a best lap of 2’01.272s, while Indonesia’s Dimas Juli Atmoko from HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY continued to show competitive form in fourth overall after consistently running inside the top group throughout the day. Completing the top five was Rendi Odding of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team, whose late-session pace in Practice 1 secured him a combined best of 2’01.535s. The opening day also highlighted just how unpredictable the UB150 category could become this weekend, with lap times separated by fractions of a second and several riders demonstrating the ability to challenge for the front positions. Gupita Kresna Wardhana of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 and Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY also impressed during Practice 2, adding further depth to an increasingly competitive grid. Husni said, “Alhamdulillah, I showed a very positive performance in both FP1 and FP2 today. We are truly grateful because the results were quite encouraging and gave the team a much needed confidence boost heading into tomorrow. I worked extremely hard throughout the sessions, stayed focused, and managed to deliver strong pace consistently on track. Today’s performance is an important foundation for tomorrow’s qualifying session and the race. Of course, there is still work to do, but seeing the progress makes us very proud and hopeful. We sincerely pray that we can maintain this momentum, stay consistent under pressure, and continue fighting at the front until the race tomorrow. Hopefully, all the hard work from the team will pay off with another strong result.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. HUSNI ZAINUL FUADZY – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (2’00.929s) 2. MUHAMMAD ADIB ARSYAD MOHD HISAM – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM (2’01.045s) 3. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHAMMAD BAHAUDDIN – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM (2’01.272s) 4. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (2’01.431s) 5. RENDI ODDING – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (2’01.535s)

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RAMDAN EMERGED ON TOP

2026, 2026 Round 2, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The battle in the TVS Racing International Championship category intensified on the opening day of Round 2 in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026, as riders from across the globe delivered a fiercely competitive combined practice session at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. After splitting victories during the opening round at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli and India’s Sarthak Chavan once again emerged as the centre of attention in Buriram, but this time, the margin between them was almost impossible to separate. Representing Malaysia, Ramdan surged to the top of the combined standings with a stunning lap of 1’50.802s during Practice 2, narrowly edging Sarthak by just 0.063s in what is already shaping up to be another explosive chapter in their growing rivalry. The Malaysian rider showed impressive consistency throughout the session, setting his fastest lap on Lap 6 out of 10 while reaching a top speed of 199.30km/h. More importantly, Ramdan’s late session pace immediately established him as one of the key favourites heading into qualifying and race day. However, Sarthak was never far behind. The Indian rider, who claimed victory in Race 1 during Round 1 before finishing second in Race 2, continued to demonstrate why he remains one of the strongest title contenders this season. Clocking a best lap of 1’50.865s in Practice 2, Sarthak also matched the highest top speed of the day at 202.60km/h, underlining both his straight-line speed and growing confidence around the Chang International Circuit. Behind the leading duo, Spain’s Luis Miguel made a strong statement during Practice 1 by topping the session with a rapid 1’50.875s, placing him third overall in the combined standings. The Spaniard consistently looked aggressive throughout the day and remains firmly in contention as the gap to the front continues to shrink. South Africa’s Oratilwe Phiri added further intensity to the battle after ending fourth overall with a best time of 1’50.933s, while Colombia’s Jhon A Lopez C completed the top five with a 1’50.999s lap, becoming the fifth rider to break into the highly competitive 1’50 bracket. What made the opening day even more compelling was the sheer closeness of the field. The top five riders were separated by less than two-tenths of a second, highlighting just how unpredictable the TVS Racing International Championship category could become as the weekend progresses. Ramdan said, “I’m still trying to find the best setup for the bike at the moment. Right now, I feel like I still can’t ride at 100 percent or fully show my true pace yet. There are still a few areas where I’m struggling to feel completely comfortable and confident on the bike. But despite that, every time I go out on the track, the feeling keeps getting better little by little. We are making progress step by step, and that gives me some confidence moving forward. Still, honestly, it’s not enough for me yet because I know I can do more and perform better. For tomorrow’s qualifying and Race 1, we plan to make some changes to the setup so I can feel more comfortable on the bike and ride more naturally. Hopefully, those adjustments will help me unlock more pace and allow me to fight stronger tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. MOHD RAMDAN ROSLI – MALAYSIA (1’50.802s) 2. SARTHAK CHAVAN – INDIA (1’50.865s) 3. LUIS MIGUEL – SPAIN (1’50.875s) 4. ORATILWE PHIRI – SOUTH AFRICA (1’50.933s) 5. JHON A LOPEZ C – COLOMBIA (1’50.999s)

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NAKARIN TARGETS BOUNCE-BACK AFTER TOUGH START

2026, 2026 Round 2, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

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

2026, 2026 Round 2, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

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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