Asia Production 250

Muhammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM clinched victory in Race 2 of the AP250 class at Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mandalika International Circuit, following a post-race penalty for Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. At the race start, Murobbil stormed into the lead, but by Lap 2, Arbi made his move to snatch P1. Behind them, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA impressed in P3, keeping the front-runners under pressure. The intensity rose on Lap 3 when Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM clocked the fastest lap of the race at 1’47.840s, surging to the front. Soon after, Irfan Ardiansyah of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM forced his way into contention, shadowing Arbi closely. In the chaos, Md Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM seized an opening to rise to P2, though Arbi quickly reclaimed control to dictate the pace once more. The final lap saw bold moves from several challengers, Riichi Takahira of TY Antares Racing Team muscled into P2, while Murobbil and Mohamad Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM battled through to P4 and P5 respectively. Arbi initially crossed the line first with a total time of 17’59.068s, but was later penalised with a two-position drop due to exceeding track limit. As a result, Murobbil was promoted to winner with a final time of 17’59.417s, followed by Izam in second place at 17’59.604s, while Arbi was classified in third. Murobbil said, “It was a tough race with a lot of competition, but I stayed focused and gave my best. Thank you to my team for preparing a great bike and to all the supporters who keep motivating me. This win gives me more confidence for the upcoming rounds.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

The Mandalika International Circuit roared with excitement as Indonesia’s very own Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM stormed to victory in Race 1 of Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship AP250 category, crossing the line with a winning time of 17’53.902s. From the very start, the home hero faced immense pressure as Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni surged ahead with a strong launch off the line. But it was Arbi who quickly stamped his authority, overtaking to seize control of the race. Behind him, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA, Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING, and Md Izam Izkmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM battled fiercely for podium contention. The intensity only grew as the laps unfolded. On Lap 4, Japan’s Riichi Takahira clocked the top speed of the race at 188.1km/h, snatching second place from Murobbil, while Malaysia’s Md Izamli and Galang maintained their charge. The battle for podium positions looked set to be decided among five riders, but drama struck on Lap 6 when Murobbil crashed out, losing his shot at glory. The closing stages witnessed a five-rider duel for the win. The final lap turned chaotic when both Riichi and Candra crashed in a high-stakes battle for victory, leaving Arbi to power home and ignite the Mandalika crowd with a sensational triumph. Mohamad Danial Syahmi Ahmad Syahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM rode a masterful race to claim second place just 0.784s adrift, finishing at 17’54.686s, while Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM secured the final podium spot with 17’54.761s. Arbi said, “I tried to push very hard from the beginning because I knew I had a chance to pull a gap. But the wind was very strong this afternoon, so I had to manage my pace in the middle of the race. On the last lap, my pit crew told me to just go all out, so I gave everything I had. My tyres were destroyed, but this bike has super good handling and I could go very fast in the middle of the corners. Alhamdulillah, thank you so much to my team and the mechanics. It was an incredible race!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1

It was a day of fierce pace and shifting momentum in the AP250 class as riders tackled the opening day of Round 4 in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia. After three practice sessions, it was Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who emerged on top with a blistering 1’47.227s. The Indonesian youngster stamped his authority in Practice 3, recovering from a cautious start earlier in the day to light up the timing sheets and secure the combined practice honours in front of his home crowd. Close behind, Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM kept himself firmly in contention, recording a strong 1’47.336s, just 0.109s adrift. Japan’s Aiki Iyoshi of MOTUL KAWASAKI SNIPER MANUAL TECH proved consistent across all sessions, finishing third overall with 1’47.489s. Malaysia’s Mohamad Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM showed solid pace to slot into fourth on the combined standings at 1’47.501s, while Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM rounded up the Top 5 at 1’47.554s with his late charge. Arbi said, “From the beginning I already felt comfortable with the bike and the setup. It was my first time riding this bike on this track, but I have a lot of experience here in the 600cc from the national championship, so I just tried to manage my pace at the start of practice. Unfortunately, in Practice 2 I had some technical issues with the engine, but the team fixed it and helped me a lot so I could push again. In Practice 3 I tried to find my pace again, avoid mistakes, and keep a consistent rhythm for the race. I have a good pace, I feel comfortable, and let’s see what we can do tomorrow in qualifying and Race 1.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE (AP250)

The heat of rivalry between Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM and Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM at Motegi circuit came to a momentary end when the Thai lad swiped the most wanted 25-points in the final race of the Asia Production 250cc. The battle is about to resume soon for both the rivals in Round 4 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship scheduled to be held at Mandalika International Circuit with an expected advantage for the Indonesian lad. Will national pride spur the Indonesian forward or will the Thai racer snatch victory instead? It’s a hard guess especially with Krittapat’s wins, twice this season that indicates a polished performance and mastery in his game, quick to adapt and strike. Murobbil may not have bagged a win just yet but for a debutante in the race category, his performance has been more than ordinary especially with a double-podium in the recent round. Just a 6-point difference, Murobbil’s chances of closing the gap ahead is evident and easily achievable – only if he uses the home-ground circuit to his advantage. While Krittapat may not have a record from last season, Murobbil who competed in the Underbone 150cc race category scored third place in Race 2 after a “DNF” in Race 1 – a score that surmises his ability to strategize effectively and rise above the challenge. Having said that, Kritappat may have to burn the midnight oil in studying the potential calamities and throw in additional efforts to brush his prowess up considering his rival’s upper-hand, but its not impossible for him to maintain his current standings, not especially with the mark he has made this season in the race category. Commenting on the race, Krittapat said, “For me, at this point of time, it is more of avoiding mistakes and taking less pressure. So, while I would like to improve further, I am also very mindful on how it would also affect me mentally and physically. As for my machine, I think my machine is pretty much similar to the rest of the teams but more importantly, it is about timing and the right opportunity. So, the goal for me is to maintain at the top and it is not going to be easy for sure. We have to work very hard to survive where we are and do better. Racing in Mandalika is going to be tough as I do not have any prior experience on that circuit however, with the experience that I have gained over the course of three rounds, I can understand what is expected and needed. I have also been observing the patterns and character of riders which I believe is important to also know my own capacities against them. So, I am looking forward to the coming race, knowing that it will be an added advantage to some of the contenders from Indonesia. My goal is definitely to be a champion just like everyone else. We will continue collecting as many points and see where that takes us.” Murrobil on the other said, “For me, the rivalry is very strong in the AP250 race category and the only way to outperform them is by doing my best. I will continue to try especially by achieving a consistent pace. There has been progressive transformation and improvements from round-to-round which I am deeply grateful for. The goal for the team and myself is to be the champion however I know it is not going to be an easy task. I will always learn from mistakes of the previous round. Mandalika is one of my favourite circuit grounds which means that I am also confident with my abilities there. What I like about the circuit are the turns which makes the races interesting and of course, the long-straight where we can maximise speed. The settings of my machine are currently quite good but the rivalry is getting trickier each round. That is where I have to be on top of my game. I have adapted pretty quickly from the UB150 to AP250, thankfully. The year is my first year and I will stay focused on finding the right machine setup that suits my character and riding techniques. More importantly, getting the bike data that is pertinent for bike setups.”

In a dramatic showdown during Race 2 of Round 3 at the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM delivered an outstanding performance to claim victory in the AP250 category at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. As the race flagged off, Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM made an explosive start to take the early lead, with Ryota Ogiwara of SANWA RACING TEAM and Riichi Takahira of TY Antares Racing Team close behind.By lap 2, Riichi had seized the front, with Krittapat piling on the pressure as he moved up to challenge for the lead. Ryuji Yokoe of TEAM TECH2 & YSS also joined the lead pack, setting up a thrilling multi-rider battle. The fight for the top spot remained intense throughout, with the lead changing hands multiple times as the riders traded positions. On lap 4, Krittapat surged to the front, but Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM fired back with the fastest lap of the race at 2’09.349s, moving up to second and immediately launching an attack. The duel between Krittapat and Arbi electrified the final laps as they swapped places in a relentless fight for victory. In the end, it was Krittapat who dug deepest, holding off every challenge to charge across the line first in 21’36.597s. Murobbil secured a well-earned second place at 21’36.722s, while Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA completed the podium in third at 21’36.850s. Krittapat Keankum shared, “This race was really tough. So many riders were trying to overtake me, but I just kept telling myself not to give up. I focused on pushing forward no matter what and in the end, I won Race 2 today. I’m so thankful to my team and everyone who has supported me.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

Md Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM delivered a masterful performance to claim a hard-fought victory in Race 1 of the AP250 category at Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, held at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. In the earlier qualifying session, Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM secured pole position with a blistering lap time of 2’06.912s. Completing the front row were two of Japan’s wild card hopefuls: Ryuji Yokoe of TEAM TECH2 & YSS clocked 2’07.324s to secure second, while Ryota Ogiwara of SANWA RACING TEAM lined up third with a best lap of 2’07.505s. As the race flagged off, Murobbil made a solid start to lead the pack, immediately pursued by Japan’s Ryota, Ryuji, and Riichi Takahira of TY Antares Racing Team. However, it was Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who quickly surged through the field to grab the lead in the opening phase. By lap 3, Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM had taken control at the front, chased closely by the YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA duo — Candra H and Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi — keeping the lead group tightly bunched. On lap 4, Murobbil regained the lead, but was immediately challenged by Izam, Fadhil, Fadil, and Candra as the front runners swapped positions through every sector. The race continued with relentless overtakes as Murobbil, Fadhil, and Krittapat battled fiercely for control. Drama unfolded on lap 7 when Japan’s wild card rider, Ryuji Yokoe, saw his podium hopes vanish after a collision with Irfan Ardiansyah of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM ended both riders’ charge. The final lap brought an explosive climax. Krittapat was leading when Md Izam Ikmal launched a decisive move to snatch the lead in the closing corners. Ryota Ogiwara seized the chance to dive past Krittapat too, launching a desperate challenge down the final straight. Md Izam Ikmal held his nerve and crossed the line first to secure victory at 21’33.321s. Ryota Ogiwara finished just 0.010 seconds behind to claim second at 21’33.331s, while early leader Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni took third at 21’33.449s in one of the closest finishes of the season. Izam said, “I’d like to thank my team for doing such a great job. We struggled a lot from Practice 1 right through to Qualifying, but we didn’t give up. Race 1 went well, but I had to plan my strategy carefully because my bike wasn’t the fastest out there, just good enough to stay with the front group. In the final three laps, everyone was really aggressive. On the last lap, I made a big push to get into the top three and then made my move in the third last corner to take the lead. But at the final corner, the Japanese rider (Ryota Ogiwara) overtook me, that moment was incredible! It’s not easy to overtake there, but I managed to get a good slipstream and used the straight to take the win. I guess today was my lucky day!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1

Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship took place today at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, where local hero Riichi Takahira of TY Antares Racing Team led the charge as the fastest rider in the AP250 combined practice sessions. In Practice 1, it was Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM who led the pack with a best lap of 2’08.425s. Close behind were Japan’s wild card entries—Ryota Ogiwara of SANWA RACING TEAM with 2’09.093s and Ryuji Yokoe of TEAM TECH2 & YSS with 2’09.104s. Riichi turned up the heat in Practice 2, topping the session with an impressive 2’07.533s. Just 0.002s behind, Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM placed second with 2’07.535s, and Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA slotted into third with 2’08.449s. Practice 3 saw Murobbil rise once more, dominating the session with 2’07.656s. Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM followed at 2’07.866s, while Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA posted 2’07.904s for third. With his performance in Practice 2, Riichi emerged as the fastest overall in combined times—sending a strong signal ahead of qualifying. Arbi and Murobbil completed the top three, both shaping up as formidable challengers in the title race.Riichi stated, “I crashed during Practice 3, but physically I’m okay. I think tomorrow might be challenging because of possible rain—I’m unsure about the weather conditions. Still, I’ll do my best to aim for pole position and hopefully set a new record.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

With a hat-trick to his name, Fadhillah Arbi of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM is probably out of reach for the time being with a 30-point advantage from the contender in line. Rising quickly to fame though is Md Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM who may not have clocked in victory just yet but could benefit from the RPM cut in the Asia Production 250cc race category of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the coming rounds. But first, he may have to outsmart the challenges of Round 3 at Mobility Resort Motegi and does he have what it takes? Izam may be new to the team and may have quietly defended his game from the lower end during the season opener however, the rider who has been racing from childhood years flaunted his other side on Sepang grounds when he finished podium twice over the weekend. Of course, the debate was weighted heavily on the home-ground prowess although it is arguable that Izam has also been recognised as a risk-taker with an aggressive riding style, necessary in keeping up with the competitive stride and making bold cuts at the right time. Could his leap up to the podium be the much-needed boost for bigger goals in the coming rounds? It is not as easy to predict as it may seem, more so with a number of strong contenders like Irfan of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM, Galang of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING and Krittapat of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM who are all equally ambitious in their endeavours to adorn the top spot. Will Izam be able to take the heat from the rivalry and strike off the equivalent? With four more rounds and eight races, the battle is just beginning for the racing troop and for Izam who currently sits fifth, it’s no longer a watch-and-learn phase but rather a strike-and-leap period. But surely, his first two podium-finish was all that was needed to keep his enthusiasm flowing throughout the season. Commenting on the race, Izam said, “The podium-finish at Sepang circuit was basically a small gift to my boss who has helped me achieve whatever I have achieved so far. Of course, it was also my home race which made the achievement really meaningful especially knowing that I had a better hand at it compared to the other riders from the other countries. For me, key to a greater outcome is consistency in terms of performance and continuous improvement that would enable me to compete competitively with those higher in the overall charts. It is not going to be easy considering the different considerations on different circuit grounds but I will definitely do my best to ensure that I progress throughout the season for the better.” “Motegi race will be my second time since 2016. I raced there last for the Asia Talent Cup and the track is definitely one that requires tactical moves. It is technical and at the same time, requires a high-speed machine on the long-straight. The team has done a great job so far with the machine and I have no problems so far riding aboard it. The Japan factory has also given use some expert views on strengthening the performance of the machine on Japan soil so, I think it would work out well for us this time around. While everything else is good, the entry list for me is something that I am pretty familiar with especially with the rivalry of those coming from different international experiences. The riders are very good which is a boost that keeps me going. For the coming round, I know it will be a tough bet but I am rooting for myself for a shot on the podium.”

Aiki Iyoshi’s 2025 season in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship has been a testament to resilience, grit, and passion. Despite a challenging start, where the podium has been just out of reach, the Japanese rider has one thing in mind for the upcoming Round 3 at Mobility Resort Motegi, it’s redemption. Racing at home brings a unique energy, and Aiki knows Motegi is his opportunity to prove his true potential. The competition in the AP250 category is fierce, with the likes of Yamaha and Honda setting the pace, but that only fuels his desire to rise above. Though the road ahead won’t be easy, Aiki is more determined than ever. His goal isn’t just to compete, but to conquer. “Preparations are progressing well. The training is going smoothly, and I’m feeling good. We’ve put in the work, and now it’s about staying mentally and physically sharp when the race day arrives.” After two rounds of intense competition, Aiki has given his all in every session, even though the results haven’t yet reflected his potential. “I gave my all in the current situation,” he shared, acknowledging the struggles he’s faced but also the determination to push forward. As he prepares to race on his home soil, Aiki’s emotions are a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Of course, I’m looking forward to it. It’s the course I ran for the first time last year, and while it’s always special to race at home, I know it’s not going to be easy. Motegi is a tough course, especially for a four-cylinder bike like mine. It’s stop-and-go, and that means every corner, every braking point, will be critical.” Still, Aiki’s passion for racing keeps him motivated, even in the face of tough competition. When asked about his biggest rival, Aiki didn’t hesitate: “I want to compete for the top spot again with my current teammate, Andi Muhammad Fadly. He is my number one rival and someone I respect. We’ve been pushing each other to get better, and that’s what makes us both stronger. But right now, everyone on the track is a rival. In this championship, there’s no room to relax, no one to underestimate.” Despite the challenges ahead, Aiki remains hopeful about his chances. “I think the race at Motegi will be tougher than the first round,” he said, acknowledging the reality of the competition. “YAMAHA and HONDA are too fast right now, and the course doesn’t favor us. Unless the regulations are reviewed, it will be tough to overcome them. But I’m not giving up. I won’t back down, because the fight for the win is what drives me.” Looking at the bigger picture, Aiki knows his ultimate goal is to become the ARRC champion. “First, I want to win the championship in ARRC,” he said with conviction. “I’ll think about the next steps when the time comes, but for now, my focus is on getting that first win and proving that I belong at the top.”

In a dramatic showdown during Race 2 of Round 2 at the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Krittapat Keankum of the YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM delivered a sensational performance to claimed victory in the AP250 category at the Sepang International Circuit. The race kicked off with Riichi Takahira of TY Antares Racing Team leading the charge, followed closely by Krittapat and Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM. As the laps unfolded, the front group stayed tightly packed, with Md Izam Ikmal Izamli of VICTOR RACING TEAM gradually working his way into contention. Meanwhile, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA suffered more misfortune this round, facing yet another technical issue after only managing a single point in Race 1 with a P15 finish. Throughout the race, Krittapat showed relentless determination, each time he was overtaken, he responded with a strong comeback, keeping his rivals under constant pressure. In a gripping final lap, Krittapat, Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING, and Izam broke away from the second group, pulling a 1.387s gap as they battled for the win. In the final corner, Krittapat executed a flawless turn to take the lead and stormed across the finish line to secure victory at 19’28.544s. Izam followed closely to claim second place with a time of 19’28.910s, while Galang rounded out the podium in third at 19’29.165s, making it an all-Yamaha podium celebration. Krittapat said, “When I was riding, I was thinking every lap about how to go faster and how to win. Someone once told me, ‘You never give up, even when you don’t win.’ I think about that every time. But today, in Race 2, I finally won. Thanks to that person.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2