Asia Production 250

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

Fadillah Arbi Aditama of the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM claimed a hard-fought victory in Race 1 of the AP250 category at Round 2 of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, held at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. In the earlier qualifying session, Riichi Takahira of the TY Antares Racing Team secured pole position with a blistering lap time of 2’23.259s. Cao Viet Nam of the HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM followed closely in second with a time of 2’23.516s, while Candra H from YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA completed the front row in third with a 2’23.634s lap. When the race got underway, Riichi made a strong start and led the early stages, closely pursued by Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING and Mohammad Murobbil Vittoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM. Starting from seventh, Arbi steadily climbed through the field and seized the lead by Lap 3. On Lap 4, Candra clocked the fastest time on the back straight to momentarily snatch the lead, but Arbi responded quickly and reclaimed the top spot on Lap 5. Meanwhile, Irfan Ardiansyah of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM delivered an impressive ride, charging through the field to take second and close in on Arbi. Cao Viet Nam, in contention for the front, unfortunately crashed out, ending his race prematurely. The final lap brought more drama as Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM and Aldiaz Aqsal Ismaya of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA MBKW2 RACING, running in P4 and P5, both crashed at the critical last corner, ruling them out of the podium fight. Despite facing the challenge of an RPM limit due to regulations, Arbi remained composed and crossed the finish line first with a time of 19’22.493s. Irfan secured second at 19’23.119s, while Md Izam Ikmal Izamli of VICTOR RACING TEAM completed the podium just 0.038 seconds behind with 19’23.157s. Arbi stated, “It’s been a tough weekend for me. Due to the regulation, I had an RPM cut, so I had to find something extra from within myself. Yamaha has strong torque, so I focused on consistency. From FP1, I worked alone and concentrated on my pace and riding. It was a challenge from practice through to qualifying, but in the end, the hard work finally paid off. I’m truly grateful to my team for doing such a great job.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1

Round 2 of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship happened today at the Sepang International Circuit, where Mohammad Murobbil Vitoni of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM set the pace as the fastest rider in the AP250 combined practice sessions. The day began with Practice 1, where Riichi Takahira of TY Antares Racing Team led the field with a best lap time of 2’24.253s. Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM followed closely with a 2’24.563s lap, while Irfan Ardiansyah of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM secured third with a time of 2’24.767s. Practice 2 saw Krittapat improve his performance, topping the session with a time of 2’24.157s. Muhammad Irfan Haykhal Amidi, also representing MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM, delivered a strong run to take second with a 2’24.409s lap, followed by Murobbil Vitoni in third at 2’24.504s. The breakthrough came in Practice 3, where Murobbil stepped up to dominate the session, clocking a blistering 2’23.346s to go fastest overall. Irfan Haykhal continued his strong form, finishing second with a time of 2’23.397s, while Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA impressed with a 2’23.488s lap to secure third. With the combined times from all three sessions, Murobbil emerged as the fastest rider of the day. It was an encouraging sign for the Indonesian as he sets the tone heading into qualifying. Irfan Haykhal and Candra H rounded out the top three overall, and both will be key contenders to watch in tomorrow’s Qualifying session. Murobbil said, “Alhamdulillah, today was quite satisfying, from in FP1 to FP3. In FP1, I focused on adapting because this is my first year competing in the AP250 class. There was some progress in FP2, although I was still struggling in a few sectors, and the bike also had some shortcomings. Alhamdulillah, I managed to set a good lap time in FP3, although there are still a few areas to improve. For tomorrow’s qualifying, I’ll do my best to optimise both the bike and my position heading into Race 1. Hopefully, I can deliver a strong performance in both qualifying and the race. The weather remains uncertain, so I’ll just stay focused.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE