The AP250 class at Mobility Resort Motegi saw Japan’s Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM complete a dream weekend with a hard-fought victory in Race 2 of Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026. After claiming Race 1 honours on Saturday, the home favourite secured a memorable double victory in front of his home fans.

The race got underway with Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM making a strong launch from the grid, but he was soon challenged by Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, who moved into the lead. Behind them, Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ settled into third place.

The pace intensified as Hiroki set the early benchmark on Lap 2 with a fastest lap of 2’08.853s. While Gao Ziang of ONE FOR ALL saw his race end prematurely following a crash, the battle at the front continued to grow more competitive.

The race continued with constant position changes among six riders. Hiroki, Riichi, Krittapat, Fahmi, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA, and Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM traded places lap after lap, with no rider able to establish a decisive advantage.

On Lap 7, Md Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM crashed out while running with the leading group. Riichi then briefly seized control of the race, only for Hiroki to fight back on Lap 8.

On the final lap, Riichi led Krittapat and Hiroki, while Irfan, Candra, Fahmi, and Rheza Danica Ahrens remained firmly in contention. The battle became increasingly intense, and Teppei Kugawa of SANWA RACING TEAM crashed out amid the frantic closing exchanges.

Hiroki produced a perfectly timed final attack to snatch victory in 21’34.185s. Irfan Ardiansyah charged through to finish second, just 0.105s behind, while Candra H secured third place, 0.119s adrift of the winner.

The victory marked Hiroki’s second win of the weekend and completed a perfect home round for the Japanese rider, much to the delight of the Motegi crowd.

Hiroki commented: “My feelings are very similar to yesterday, but today’s race was even more challenging from my side. The competition was incredibly close, and I knew I had to maintain my position at the front and save something extra for the final few laps. In the last two or three laps, I gave everything I had and pushed beyond my limits. I gave more than 100%, and when I crossed the finish line in first place, it was an unforgettable feeling. To achieve a double victory here at my home round in Japan makes this moment even more special and emotional for me. This result would not have been possible without the incredible effort from the team. Everyone at HONDA RACING VIETNAM worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to give me the best package possible, and I am truly grateful for their dedication and support. I would also like to thank all our sponsors, especially our Japanese sponsors, as well as the Japanese fans who came to the circuit and cheered for me every lap. Racing in front of my home crowd and rewarding them with two victories is something I will never forget. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me all the way.”

TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

1. HIROKI ONO  – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (21’34.185s)
2. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (21’34.290s)
3. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (21’34.304s)
4. RIICHI TAKAHIRA – Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ (21’34.426s)
5. MUHAMMAD FADHIL MUSYAVI – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (21’34.738s)

The race saw fierce multi-rider battles, and it was Hiroki who emerged victorious with a winning time of 21’34.483s, delighting the Japanese crowd after fending off challenges from some of the strongest contenders in the championship.

Starting from the front row, Hiroki wasted no time asserting himself at the front, surging into the lead at the start ahead of fellow Japanese rider Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ and pole-sitter Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM.

However, the race quickly developed into a tactical battle among a tightly packed leading group. By Lap 3, Fahmi launched his attack, overtaking both Hiroki and Riichi to take control of the race. The Indonesian rider looked poised to strengthen his championship campaign, but the lead continued to change hands as riders searched for every possible advantage around the demanding Motegi circuit.

Lap 4 saw Riichi move to the front, giving the home fans two Japanese riders at the sharp end of the field. Hiroki soon responded while Fahmi, Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA and Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM remained firmly in contention.

The intensity increased further midway through the race. Fahmi reclaimed the lead on Lap 5 before Irfan briefly took over at the front one lap later, highlighting just how competitive the leading group had become. By Lap 7, Riichi was once again leading ahead of Hiroki and Irfan, while the battle for podium positions remained impossible to predict.

On Lap 8, Fahmi’s challenge came to a sudden end after crashing out of contention. The incident removed one of the race favourites and intensified the battle among the remaining front-runners.

With two laps remaining, Hiroki and Riichi engaged in a captivating duel at the front, the pair repeatedly exchanging positions while carrying the hopes of the home crowd. Behind them, Irfan remained within striking distance, waiting for an opportunity to launch a decisive move.

That opportunity came on the final lap. Hiroki held firm at the front while Irfan executed a crucial pass on Riichi to move into second position. Further behind, the battle for the final podium place erupted as Krittapat surged through in the closing stages to secure third.

At the chequered flag, Hiroki sealed a hard-earned home victory ahead of Irfan, who crossed the line just 0.161s behind. Krittapat completed the podium in third, only 0.418s adrift of the winner.

Hiroki shared, T”he race was incredibly tough because I was battling with some of the strongest riders in the championship from the very first lap. The pace was intense and there was no time to relax, so my strategy was to stay at the front as much as possible and try to control the rhythm of the race. Every lap was a fight, especially with the lead changing hands so many times. To win here at Motegi, in front of the Japanese fans, is a very special feeling for me. I could hear the support from the crowd and it gave me extra motivation to keep pushing until the chequered flag. This victory means a lot because the entire HONDA RACING VIETNAM team worked extremely hard throughout the weekend. We faced many challenges, but everyone kept believing and never gave up. I’m very proud of what we achieved together, and I want to dedicate this win to the team, our supporters, and everyone who has been behind us.”

TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (21’34.483s)
2. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (21’34.644s)
3. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (21’34.901s)
4. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (21’35.093s)
5. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRO HONDA RACING TEAM (21’35.174s)

Takahira responded in Practice 2 with a blistering 2’07.670s, falling just 0.031s short of displacing Candra from the summit. The Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ rider’s performance immediately ignited anticipation for what could become one of the defining rivalries of the Motegi weekend.

The opening session belonged largely to the Indonesian contingent. Alongside Candra, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, and Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA secured places inside the top four, demonstrating the strength of Indonesian riders around the iconic Japanese venue. Fahmi also recorded one of the day’s standout top speeds at 192.513kph, the highest among the Practice 1 frontrunners.

Yet as the sessions unfolded, the chasing pack began to close in. Irdan Ardiansyah delivered a strong performance for ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM to claim third overall with a lap of 2’08.200s, while experienced Japanese rider Hiroki Ono ensured local representation remained strong in fourth overall for HONDA RACING VIETNAM.

The final practice session saw another shift in momentum. Fadhil topped Practice 3 ahead of Fahmi and fellow Japanese contender Ryuji Yokoe of TEAM TECH2 & SANWA RACING TEAM, proving that the battle for supremacy remains wide open despite Candra’s position atop the combined standings.

What makes the AP250 field particularly intriguing heading into qualifying is the sheer depth of contenders. The combined top five were covered by less than eight-tenths of a second, while multiple riders took turns leading individual sessions throughout the day. Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, Ryuji, Musyavi and Fahmi all demonstrated race-winning pace at various points, suggesting that no single rider has yet established complete control.

Candra stated, “Alhamdulillah, I was able to finish as the fastest rider today. This result is the reward for the hard work and dedication of both myself and my mechanics. We made several adjustments to the suspension and fine-tuned the engine setup, and thankfully everything worked very well. The bike felt great, and I was able to achieve a strong lap time. I am feeling confident and positive heading into Qualifying and the race tomorrow. Hopefully, I can continue this momentum and give my very best performance. Amin.”

TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE
1. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (2’07.639s)
2. RIICHI TAKAHIRA – TIANYU Asia Racing MFZ (2’07.670s)
3. IRDAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (2’08.200s)
4. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (2’08.314s)
5. FAHMI BASAM – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (2’08.374s)

From the moment the lights went out, Krittapat looked untouchable. The Thai rider launched brilliantly off the line to grab the holeshot, immediately placing himself ahead of Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM and Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM. Behind them, Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND slotted into fourth, with Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM close behind in fifth as the front group charged into an early battle.

By Lap 2, Krittapat continued to dictate the pace at the front, but pressure mounted from Hiroki and Fahmi while Rheza and Panjaruch remained firmly in contention. Drama struck early when Hiroki was handed a Long Lap Penalty, reshuffling the fight behind the leader.

As the race settled into rhythm, Krittapat refused to blink. Lap 3 saw Rheza begin his charge while Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ fired in the fastest lap of the race at 1’50.922s to move himself into podium contention. Yet, even as positions shifted behind him, Krittapat stayed calm and clinical at the front.

By Lap 5, the race began to tilt decisively in favour of the Thai rider. While the chasing pack involving Teeranai Tubtim, Panjaruch, Riichi and Rheza traded places relentlessly, Krittapat quietly stretched his advantage to 1.572s. A lap later, the gap grew further to 2.108s, with the home hero steadily disappearing into the distance.

The fight for the podium intensified in the closing laps as Panjaruch fought to keep his position while Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM surged from fifth into podium contention. Hiroki, despite his earlier penalty, clawed his way back into the top group, while Muhammad Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA ASIA TEAM also joined the mix.

But at the front, Krittapat was in a race of his own. Entering the final lap, the Thai rider had built a massive 4.723s advantage, leaving the chasing riders to battle among themselves. Roared on by passionate home fans, Krittapat crossed the chequered flag first in a dominant time of 18’41.804s, sealing a memorable home victory. Fellow Thai rider Panjaruch secured second place at 18’46.498s, while Indonesia’s Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA completed the podium in third at 18’48.366s.

Krittapat said, “First of all, I would like to sincerely thank my team for all their hard work and dedication in preparing both me and the bike. Everyone gave their maximum effort, and without them, today’s result would not have been possible. I would also like to express my appreciation to my boss, sponsors, and family for always believing in me and continuing to support me through every challenge. Their encouragement means everything to me.

For today’s race, I’m happy that I was able to give my best and achieve a positive result. Of course, there are still areas where we can improve, and this gives us more motivation to keep working harder. Now, my focus shifts to the next race in Japan, where I hope we can continue improving, stay competitive, and fight for an even stronger result.”

TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18’41.804s)
2. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND(18’46.498s)
3. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (18’48.366s)
4. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’48.536s)
5. TEERANAI TUBTIM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18:48.536s)

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)

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)

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.”

At the start, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA and Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM launched brilliantly off the line, with Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ settling into third ahead of Race 1 winner Krittapat. However, it did not take long for Krittapat to assert his authority, slicing through the field to take control and immediately begin building a gap.
By Lap 2, Krittapat had already stretched his advantage to just 0.817s over Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA, while Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM surged past Riichi to move into contention. The intensity behind the leader continued to rise, but Krittapat remained untouchable.

On Lap 3, Fahmi clocked the fastest lap of 2’26.388s to briefly move into second, only for Galang to respond and reclaim the position. One lap later, Krittapat answered with authority, setting a blistering 2’24.677s to maintain a safe buffer, as Riichi regrouped in second, trailing by 2.695s.

As the race entered its middle phase, Krittapat’s dominance became increasingly evident. By Lap 5, he had extended his lead to around 3 seconds, while Rheza applied pressure on Riichi in the fight for second. Behind them, Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi and Candra engaged in a fierce battle for fourth, adding further drama to an already action-packed race.

Lap 6 saw another shift in the order as Rheza executed a decisive move to overtake Riichi for second, but by then, Krittapat had surged even further ahead, stretching his advantage to nearly 4 seconds. The chasing pack continued to shuffle positions, with Candra and Riichi trading places, while Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND steadily climbed through the ranks.

Heading into the final lap, Krittapat was in a league of his own, commanding a 5.410s lead. Behind him, chaos unfolded as Fahmi suddenly raised his hand due to a technical issue, dropping out of contention and leaving a six-rider battle for the remaining podium spots.

In a dramatic run to the line, Rheza timed his move to perfection, surging ahead on the final straight to claim second place in 19’38.912s, just 0.076s ahead of Candra, who secured third at 19’38.988s.

Unchallenged at the front, Krittapat crossed the chequered flag in a dominant 19’33.870s, sealing a flawless weekend and celebrating his first double victory of the 2026 season.

Krittapat said, “In the beginning of the race, I was quite nervous, especially with the possibility of rain. But then I told myself to stay focused and just go for it. It’s hard to put my feelings into words, but I’m determined to keep pushing and continue doing my best.”

TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (19’33.870s)
2. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (19’38.912s)
3. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (19’38.988s)
4. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (19’39.008s)
5. MUHAMMAD FADHIL MUSYAVI – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (19’39.028s)

The race began with a blistering start from Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, who immediately took control ahead of Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA. However, the order quickly shifted as Riichi Takahira of Tian yu Asia Racing MFZ and Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM surged into contention. Early drama struck as Muhd Jazzil Juraimi of TEAM ACR was forced to retire due to a technical issue.

By Lap 2, the leading group intensified, with Rheza holding firm ahead of Fahmi, Candra, and Riichi, while Krittapat began working his way forward. Thailand’s Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND made a decisive move to the front, overtaking Rheza to seize the lead. Moments later, chaos unfolded as Riichi and Candra collided and crashed, followed shortly by Galang Hendra Pratama, dramatically reshaping the race.

Lap 3 saw Panjaruch and Rheza locked in a fierce duel for the lead, swapping positions corner by corner. Krittapat settled into third, with Fahmi and Muh. Badly Ayatullah M of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM keeping close contact in a tightly packed front group.

The momentum shifted again on Lap 4 as Krittapat surged into the lead ahead of Panjaruch and Rheza, showcasing strong pace and control. However, the relentless exchanges continued, and by Lap 6, the front group remained inseparable, with Fahmi, Badly, Panjaruch, and Rheza all taking turns at the front before Krittapat reclaimed the lead.

On Lap 7, Badly made a bold move to take control, but Krittapat responded immediately, clocking the fastest lap of the race at 2’24.971s to stay firmly in contention as the race built towards a dramatic finale.

The final lap delivered pure chaos. Krittapat briefly regained the lead, only for Panjaruch to strike back, with Rheza also forcing his way into second. Badly, who had been a key contender, crashed out, while Krittapat once again fought his way to the front. Fahmi moved into second with Rheza in third, setting up a tense final sector.

In a heartbreaking twist, Fahmi crashed out at the final turn while pushing for victory, leaving the door wide open. Krittapat seized the moment and powered across the finish line in 19’32.842s to secure a hard-fought win. Gerry Salim of MsGlowForMen Racing Team capitalised to take second, just 0.269s behind at 19’33.111s, while Malaysia’s Md Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril claimed third at 19’33.171s, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Krittapat said, “On the last lap, I knew what I had to do. I’m really thankful to my team for their support, and also to my family. This victory means a lot to me.”

TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (19’32.842s)
2. GERRY SALIM – MsGlowForMen Racing Team (19’33.111s)
3. MD DANIAL SYAHMI AHMAD SHAHRIL – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM (19’33.171s)
4. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (19’33.237s)
5. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (19’33.439s)

The opening session immediately showcased strong pace across the field, but it was Krittapat who led the way with a solid 2’24.786s, placing him at the top of Practice 1. Behind him, the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM duo of Muh. Badly Ayatullah M and Rheza Danica Ahrens posted 2’25.406s and 2’25.512s respectively, while Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA and Aiki Iyoshi of TEAM SDG WITH HARC-PRO rounded out the top five in a tightly matched session.

In Practice 2, Krittapat maintained his sharp form with another strong lap at 2’25.005s, keeping his position at the top of the standings. Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM closed in with 2’25.191s, while Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA posted a competitive 2’25.586s to remain among the lead group. Md Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM and Spain’s Unai Calatayud Pascual of Pro Power Antares MT Kawasaki completed the top five.

But it was during Practice 3 that Krittapat delivered his strongest statement of the day. The Thai rider unleashed a blistering lap of 2’24.292s, the fastest of all three sessions, showcasing both refinement in setup and growing confidence heading into Qualifying. Fahmi remained close behind with 2’24.465s, followed by Rheza with 2’24.545s, while Galang and Aldiaz Aqsal Ismaya ensured the YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA squad placed both riders inside the session’s top five.

With combined times taken from all sessions, Krittapat Keankum emerged as the fastest rider overall, marking a strong start to his 2026 AP250 campaign. Fahmi secured second, with Rheza completing the top three for the day.

Krittapat expressed, “Today we finished P1 and kept everything consistent. We tried a new setup, explored new racing lines, and tested some techniques, and everything felt very good. I will do my best in tomorrow’s Race 1.”

TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE
1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (2’24.292s)
2. FAHMI BASAM – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (2’24.465s)
3. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (2’24.545s)
4. GALANG HENDRA PRATAMA – YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA (2’24.751s)
5. ALDIAZ AQSAL ISMAYA – YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA (2’24.791s)