Asia Production 250

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)

  As Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM strategizes for the championship title in the Asia Production 250cc of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the season finale, Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM bucks up further to defend his 1st runner up position from Thailand’s rising star, Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM. What’s it going to be at Chang International Circuit? Can Izam rise above the challenge to create a celebratory moment for his team after more than 10 years? Izam may not be new to the Asian road racing scene however after a number of setbacks, one could only wonder if he would be able to re-calibrate his standards and performances. This season, he returned not only with a renewed inspiration but with a certain fury to dominate the circuit grounds as reflected during the nip and tuck with his closest contenders. While he has secured his position second in the overall standings after hitting five podium-finish, his battle is still not over especially with home-boy, Krittapat tailing closely with a 17-point difference. But the trip down that road may not be as smooth or easy for Izam who clearly lacked advantage on the home-ground of his closest contender. During the season opener, Izam took one “DNF” and 7 points at Chang circuit whereas Krittapat took home 20 points on that weekend after Race 2. Clearly, Krittapat knows the circuit like the back of his hands and holds better chance at taking Izam down but again, with the Malaysian rider’s enhanced dexterity and manoeuvring moves, Round 6 may just conclude with an interesting twist. Commenting on the race, Izam said, “It would be a tough fight especially with Krittapat, on his home-ground circuit that he is very well familiar with but there is no other solution but to put up a brave front, embrace all possibilities and make sure that my strategies align with my mission to finish ahead of him. Right now, I am pretty confident with the machine compared to Round 1 where we utilised a different version. I am also used to the circuit layout which I have been riding on since 2016. While that advantage may not be the same as the other contenders, safe to say that I know the circuit ground well enough to manage the circumstances.” “The new machine definitely comes with its perks but it is also equally important to have the right set of skills and mindset. I think my riding style and techniques match the performance and power of the machine. Right now, I just have to continue being positive throughout. The possibilities of being a champion is still there but it would be an effort that requires a lot more due to the point differences. But if it happens, it would be the best and most unforgettable moment for me and my team. Worse comes to worst, I would like to fall back on 1st runner up which would make me equally happy. The advantage would surely be my experience but once again, it is not easy defeat a home-boy. I will try my best and hope that this success would open to doors for me to participate in the SS600 next season – my all-time dream!”

Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship delivered a thrilling Race 2 in the AP250 class at the Sepang International Circuit, as Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM stormed to his fifth victory of the season following a spectacular final-lap attack. At the start, Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM got off the line strongly, closely followed by Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM in second, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA in third, and Arbi in fourth. By Lap 2, Murobbil took the lead, while Arbi climbed to second, shadowing the front-runner alongside Krittapat, Candra, and Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA. The front group remained tightly packed with constant position changes at every turn.Lap 3 saw Md Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM join the fray, creating a six-rider battle for the lead. Irfan Ardiansyah of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM set the fastest lap at 2’24.370s, moving up to second and keeping Arbi under pressure. By Lap 6, Arbi clocked the fastest lap of 2’24.020s, reclaiming the top spot and asserting himself at the head of the group. The lead remained fiercely contested over the next laps, with Murobbil, Irfan, and Arbi exchanging positions in a tense battle for victory. The decisive moment came on the final lap when Arbi executed a daring move at the last turn, pulling a crucial gap on the front group. He powered to the finish line to claim victory in 19’26.889s. Murobbil crossed second at 19’27.262s, while Irfan completed the podium at 19’27.299s. Arbi said, “I guess it’s not correct because many riders touched me. But I tried to manage my pace and emotions, focused on breathing on the straights, and stayed relaxed. Anyway, I liked the way I raced today. Alhamdulillah, I got the win. I just tried to push every lap and look for something extra on the last lap. They thought maybe I was already at the limit, but actually I wasn’t. On the last lap I went for a full attack, braked as late as possible, managed the slide, and gave everything. Alhamdulillah, it worked and I took the win. Thank you so much to my team, fans, and sponsors. Yesterday I made a silly mistake, but today I repaid my team with this victory.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 delivered scorching action in Race 1 of the AP250 class at the Sepang International Circuit, with Indonesia’s Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA emerging victorious in a dramatic battle under sweltering 40°C track temperatures. As the lights went out, Candra got off to a strong launch and seized the early lead, only to be overtaken by Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, with compatriot Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM close behind. By the end of the opening lap, Candra had slipped to third. On Lap 2, Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM surged to the front, igniting hopes of a charge, but technical gremlins struck, forcing him to slow as the pack swept past. Murobbil inherited the lead before disaster struck on Lap 3 when he and Krittapat collided with Rintaro Takemoto of TY Antares Racing Team and Davino Britani of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and crashed, dramatically reshuffling the running order. The incident elevated six riders into podium contention: Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA, Candra, Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING, Md Izam Ikmal of VICTOR RACING TEAM, Mohamad Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM, and Abdullah Qayyum A Razak of CARDINALS Factory YAMAHA ZYNERGYS Racing Team ARRC. By Lap 6, Fadhil and Candra were locked in an intense duel for the lead, swapping positions at every opportunity, while Danial held firm in third and Izam began to close in from fourth. Japan’s Aiki Iyoshi of MOTUL KAWASAKI SNIPER MANUAL TECH joined the mix in fifth, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. The last lap saw all-out aggression as Izam launched his challenge for victory, but Candra held his nerve and powered across the line first with a time of 19’35.572s. Izam followed just 0.158s behind at 19’35.730s, while Fadhil secured third at 19’35.734s, a mere 0.004s further back. Candra shared, “I’m at a loss for words. I want to sincerely thank my team, my mechanic, and the team owner, as well as my family who has supported me all the way. This victory is dedicated to everyone who has stood behind me and believed in me.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1

Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 roared into action today at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. With temperatures climbing to 39.8°C, AP250 riders faced the challenging heat as they fought for fastest lap times in three practice sessions. It was Indonesia’s Fadillah Arbi Aditama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who emerged as the fastest rider overall, topping the combined practice results with a 2’23.372s lap. Arbi showed impressive consistency throughout the day, balancing speed and control to manage the demanding conditions. Close behind, Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM secured second overall with 2’23.481s, while Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM claimed third at 2’23.714s. Japan’s Aiki Iyoshi of MOTUL KAWASAKI SNIPER MANUAL TECH finished fourth with 2’23.923s, and Malaysia’s Mohamad Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM rounded out the top five at 2’24.451s. Arbi shared, “It was a good day overall. We had strong pace in Practice 1 with the cooler conditions, and I felt much more comfortable. Especially on the Honda bike, I could carry more speed and maximize its performance. Unfortunately, around midday, the temperature was very high, so we couldn’t maintain the pace like usual. But we tried to find a better setup, and Practice 2 went well. I tried to manage myself, control the pace, and break away from the group, but they wouldn’t let me go alone. Nevertheless, it was a good day for me. We will do our best for tomorrow’s Qualifying and Race 1.” TOP 5 FASTEST – PRACTICE (COMBINED)