Asia Production 250

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.”

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 roared to life at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, where Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM delivered a commanding performance to clinch victory in Race 2 of the AP250 class, securing his first double win of the season in emphatic fashion. 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)

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 delivered edge-of-the-seat drama at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, as Race 1 of the AP250 class unfolded into a high-intensity showdown, with Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM emerging victorious after a race packed with incidents, lead changes, and last-lap heartbreak. 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)

Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 kicked off today at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, where Thailand’s very own Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM delivered a commanding performance to finish fastest in the AP250 combined practice sessions. 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)

After years of fighting through highs, lows, and long stretches of silence on the podium, Peerapong Luiboonpeng enters the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 season ready to rewrite his story in the AP250 category. The ONE FOR ALL rider steps into a new chapter after spending recent seasons in UB150, carrying the weight of experience, resilience, and renewed belief, strengthened by an unforgettable moment last year when he finally stood on the top step again. In Round 6 of the 2025 season, at his home race in Thailand, Peerapong broke a six-year drought to claim an emotional victory that meant far more than a single win. Reflecting on that moment, he shared, “It was the goal that my team and I had been fighting for during the past six years. That victory brought back so much confidence. It reminded us that all the effort, all the patience, and all the belief were worth it. It’s a feeling that motivates me heading into 2026.” This year, Peerapong returns to the AP250 category, a class he last competed in back in 2017. Nine years on, the landscape has changed, the competition is sharper, and the machines have evolved. “Back in 2017 and now, the bike model plays a huge role in the AP250 fight. But this season we’re using the Yamaha R3, the bike I feel most comfortable with and have trained on consistently. That gives me confidence to adapt quickly.” But the step back into AP250 is far from easy. With faster riders, stronger teams, and tighter lap times than ever before, Peerapong knows the challenge ahead is immense. “This year’s AP250 race is a very tough one for me because many of the riders have competed here consistently. The pace is high, the experience level is high, and I know I have a lot of work to do.” However, his years in UB150 have equipped him with valuable strengths that he believes will carry over into this new campaign. “Racing UB150 taught me a lot, especially about maintaining concentration and solving problems immediately during intense pack battles. Those skills will help me a lot as I adapt to AP250 again.” As for expectations, Peerapong’s answer is simple but powerful, “We are competing to win. My team and I will do our best to fight for victory.” With a highly competitive AP250 entry list for 2026, identifying rivals is difficult, but Peerapong remains open and focused. “Honestly, all the racers are talented. We’ll have to see how things develop at the first race. From there, we’ll know where we stand and what we need to improve.” Now, with Sepang International Circuit hosting the season opener, Peerapong enters 2026 with a mix of gratitude, determination, and quiet fire. His long-awaited victory last year reignited something powerful, and AP250 might just be where that fire burns brightest.

  Some riders grow into a championship. Arbi arrived as if he had been ready all along. In his very first full season of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM rider treated the AP250 class not as a place to learn, but as a stage to own. Race after race, Arbi showed a maturity far beyond a debutant. Arbi is calm when the grid got chaotic, precise when the pressure rose, and fearless in moments most riders would hesitate. What defined his season wasn’t just speed. It was composure. Arbi rode with the clarity of someone who trusted his craft entirely. His corner entries were smooth, his exits sharp, and his overtakes carried a quiet confidence that left rivals second-guessing. Even in races where victory seemed far, he never broke rhythm. He calculated. He adapted. He struck at the perfect moment, often without drama, always with purpose. Those who watched closely noticed something else. Arbi is not loud, yet everything about him is intense. Intense in focus, intense in discipline, intense in the way he carries the responsibility of wearing the ASTRA HONDA colours. He listens, he learns, he refines. And, the results show. To end a first full season as Overall Champion is not common. To do it with the poise of a seasoned contender is exceptional. Arbi has set the bar high. If this is only the beginning, how far can he possibly go?

Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand delivered a spectacular showdown in the AP250 Race 2, as Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM secured a hard-fought first AP250 victory on home soil after an electrifying final-lap battle with Noprutpong Bunprawes and newly crowned Overall Champion Fadillah Arbi Aditama. The race began with Krittapat making a solid launch to take the early lead, with Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM immediately giving chase and applying pressure in the opening corners. By Lap 2, Arbi overtook Krittapat, and the pair engaged in continuous position swaps as they built a one-second gap over the second group. Behind them, Noprutpong Bunprawes of HONDA RACING THAILAND initially held third, but later lost the spot to Davino Britani of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. On Lap 4, Arbi attempted to break away, but Krittapat stayed glued to his rear wheel. Further back, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA clocked the fastest lap of the race with a 1’51.683s, climbing steadily into sixth. By Lap 5, the Arbi and Krittapat’s duel continued, while Noprutpong reclaimed third from Davino to lead the chase group. In the final lap, the race erupted into a three-rider fight. Krittapat overtook Arbi, Noprutpong seized the moment and made his move past Arbi as well. Arbi rejoined the battle, turning the closing corners into an intense three-way sprint to the line. But it was Krittapat Keankum who crossed first, taking a dramatic victory in 18’45.076s, followed closely by Noprutpong in 18’45.209s. Arbi completed the podium with 18’46.086s. Krittapat said, “From the last lap onward, every turn reminded me why I was pushing. It’for my team, and for my family. And today, it all paid off. Winning my home race and claiming my first AP250 victory is an unforgettable moment. I’m so happy!” Arbi, who secured the 2025 AP250 Championship, said “At the end of the race, I forgot to set the engine brake map. When I braked and the bike kept rolling forward, I realised my mistake. I hit the brake hard, the bike slid, and I knew I wouldn’t save it. Still, it was a good effort and a big lesson for me. Well done to Krittapat, he managed to beat me today. It was a fun race overall; we fought cleanly, strongly and in a world-championship style. Thank you to my team, my mechanics and everyone who supported me throughout the season. See you next year! The level this year was very high, all the riders and bikes improved a lot. I’m proud to take the championship in this category, and I’m excited to try the next category and fight for the title again.”   TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18’45.076s) 2. NOPRUTPONG BUNPRAWES – HONDA RACING THAILAND (18’45.209s) 3. FADILLAH ARBI ADITAMA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’46.086s) 4. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (18’52.539s) 5. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (18’52.667s) TOP 5 – OVERALL RIDER STANDINGS 1. FADILLAH ARBI ADITAMA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (212 points) 2. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (163 points) 3. MD IZAM IKMAL – VICTOR RACING TEAM (144 points) 4. MOHAMMAD MUROBBIL VITONI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (122 points) 5. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (121 points) TOP 5 – OVERALL TEAM STANDINGS 1. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (277 points) 2. YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 (170 points) 3. YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (163 points) 4. YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (158 points) 5. VICTOR RACING TEAM (144 points)

Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 delivered an electrifying Race 1 in the AP250 class at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, where Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM claimed a sensational victory and sealed the 2025 AP250 Overall Championship. From the start, Md Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM made a promising launch, but Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM who led the pack initially, with Arbi and Davino Britani of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM close behind. By Lap 3, Indonesia’s Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA set the fastest lap at 1’52.628s, keeping the pressure on Krittapat as Davino briefly took the lead. The front group engaged in relentless exchanges over the next laps. On Lap 5, Arbi surged to the top, followed by Krittapat and Noprutpong Bunprawes of HONDA RACING THAILAND. The battle intensified on Lap 6, as Noprutpong clocked the fastest lap (1’52.462s) to take the lead, only for Davino to reclaim it. Krittapat responded with another fastest lap (1’52.218s), climbing back into contention before Arbi once again assumed command. By Lap 8, Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND joined the fray, further heating up the fight for the podium. On Lap 11, Arbi pushed aggressively, attempting to pull away from a trio of Yamaha riders – Krittapat, Teeranai Tubtim of YAMAHA VIT CHOBURI, and Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA. The final lap brought high drama. At the last corner, Teeranai and Fadhil collided, crashing out of podium contention and leaving the way clear for Arbi to cross the finish line victoriously at 18’52.468s. Krittapat secured second place at 18’53.074s, while Noprutpong completed the podium in 18’53.508s. With this victory, Arbi amassed a total of 196 points, comfortably ahead of Izam in second with 142 points, officially crowning him the 2025 AP250 Overall Champion. Arbi said, “This has been an incredible season, truly my season in AP250. Alhamdulillah, I won today for the team, for myself, and for my family. Thank you so much for all the support. This race was very tough, extremely hard, but I kept pushing. At first, I didn’t plan to take risks, but when they attacked, I told myself I would attack too. My championship margin was big enough, so I decided to go for it, take the risk, and fight. And now, I can’t even describe how happy I am. Thank you!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. FADILLAH ARBI ADITAMA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’52.468s) 2. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (18’53.074s) 3. NOPRUTPONG BUNPRAWES – HONDA RACING THAILAND (18’53.508s) 4. GALANG HENDRA PRATAMA – YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING (18’54.406s) 5. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (18’54.279s)

Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 roared into action today at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, where the AP250 class delivered thrilling practice sessions as riders battled for the fastest laps. Thailand’s own Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM showcased impressive pace, topping the combined practice results with a fastest lap of 1’51.039s set in Practice 3. Krittapat’s performance underlined his local-circuit expertise and set him up as a strong contender for the Qualifying session. Close on his heels, Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM posted 1’51.242s, while Thailand’s wild card rider, Teeranai Tubtim of YAMAHA VIT CHOBURI completed the top three with 1’51.374s. Fourth place went to Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING at 1’52.104s, and Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA rounded out the top five with 1’52.186s. Krittapat shared, “I feel that I can achieve faster lap times than what I managed today. We focused on improving my riding skills and optimizing the bike’s performance. In Practice 1, we faced an issue with the brake pump, but we did everything we could to fix it, and by Practice 3 I was able to set a good lap time. At the moment, I feel no pressure, but I will give my best in tomorrow’s Race 1.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE RESULT 1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (1’51.039s) 2. FADILLAH ARBI ADITAMA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (1’51.242s) 3. TEERANAI TUBTIM – YAMAHA VIT CHOBURI (1’51.374s) 4. GALANG HENDRA PRATAMA – YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING (1’52.104s) 5. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (1’52.186s)