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KRITTAPAT SET BLISTERING PACE

2025, 2025 Round 6, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

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)

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DIMAS KEPT MOMENTUM ALIVE

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 kicked off today at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, The UB150 class witnessed the riders pushing to find the perfect rhythm during the practice sessions. Dimas Juli Atmoko of RACETECH SIXTY Racing showcased his strong pace, topping the combined practice results with a blistering 1’59.396s lap set in Practice 1. Fresh off a strong performance in previous rounds, Dimas carried his momentum into Chang International Circuit, stamping his authority early in the weekend and positioning himself as the rider to beat ahead of tomorrow’s Qualifying session. Close behind, Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 secured second overall with 1’59.696s, just 0.300 seconds behind Dimas. Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM completed the top three fastest after clocking 1’59.769s, showing strong consistency across both Practice 1 and Practice 2. Ahmad Afif Amran of Pitsbike Superfast JRT Racing Team posted 1’59.788s to secure fourth, while Thailand’s home hero Peerapong Luiboonpeng of ONE FOR ALL rounded out the top five with 2’00.186s. Dimas said, “Alhamdulillah, in Practice 1 I managed to record a 1’59.396s lap. In Practice 2 I tested the spare machine, which I have never raced on before, and clocked a 2’01.309s. My preparations for tomorrow are focused on Qualifying and fighting for pole position and everything has been set on my side. I hope that with the strategy and preparation we have put in, we can achieve the results we are aiming for in this round.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE RESULT 1. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – RACETECH SIXTY Racing (1’59.396s) 2. HUSNI ZAINUL FUADZY -ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 (1’59.696s) 3. FAHMI BASAM – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (1’59.769s) 4. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – Pitsbike Superfast JRT Racing Team (1’59.788s) 5. PEERAPONG LUIBOONPENG – ONE FOR ALL (2’00.186s)

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STRONG START FOR RAMDAN

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 kicked off today at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, with the TVS ASIA One Make Championship delivering competitive action as riders tested their pace across two practice sessions. Malaysia’s Md Ramdan Rosli set the pace for the weekend, topping the combined practice results with a fastest lap of 1’50.000s in Practice 1. Ramdan’s consistent performance and precise control put him in a strong position heading into tomorrow’s Qualifying session. Close on his heels, Japan’s Hiroki Ono recorded 1’50.318s for second overall, while India’s Sarthak Chavan claimed third at 1’50.855s. Spain’s Luis Miguel posted 1’51.146s for fourth, and India’s Chiranth Vishwanath rounded out the top five with 1’51.431s. Ramdan commented, “For the first day, I’m really happy with a strong start to the final round. I know Chang International Circuit is not easy because it’s a track where many riders can perform well, as it doesn’t demand extreme technical skills. However, I managed to set the fastest lap times in both Practice 1 and Practice 2, which makes me very happy. I haven’t pushed too hard yet because I’m still fine-tuning my suspension setup. I hope that in tomorrow’s Qualifying session I can improve my lap times even further.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE RESULT 1. MD RAMDAN ROSLI – MALAYSIA (1’50.000s) 2. HIROKI ONO – JAPAN (1’50.318s) 3. SARTHAK CHAVAN – INDIA (1’50.855s) 4. LUIS MIGUEL – SPAIN (1’51.146s) 5. CHIRANTH VISHWANATH – INDIA (1’51.431s)

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OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP ANNOUNCES THE NEW DUNLOP SPORTMAX AWARD FOR THE ASB1000

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News /

¥7,000,000 reward for new lap record in Season 2026 The 2026 season of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is set to ignite with an exciting new booster initiative, “Dunlop Sportmax Award”, exclusively tailored for competitors in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category. Designed to elevate the spirit of competition and celebrate peak performance, this initiative aims to inspire riders in the premier class to push boundaries and redefine excellence. As part of the program, any rider who successfully sets a new lap record at designated circuits will be awarded a cash prize of ¥1,000,000 (approximately USD 6,500) per round. In addition, an extra ¥1,000,000 prize will be presented to the best qualifier of the season during the season finale, determined through a structured point system. This initiative will also serve as an incentive to fuel faster laps throughout the season and induce bold rivalries, synonymous to the nature of the race category. Norihito Yanagizono, General Manager of Sumitomo Rubber Industries said, “At Dunlop, we believe that true innovation is born from the relentless pursuit of excellence. Through this booster initiative, we are proud to reward riders, in tandem with our new brand statement, “Taking You Beyond” by pushing the boundaries of speed and precision in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category. By celebrating new lap records and outstanding qualifiers, we aim to inspire bold rivalries and elevate the standards of competition, while reinforcing Dunlop’s commitment to advancing motorsport performance across Asia. With a total allocation of ¥7,000,000 (approximately USD 45,500), this program represents more than just financial rewards, it is a statement of our dedication to nurturing talent, encouraging fearless competition and driving continuous progress in the premier class.” Commenting on the initiative, Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of TWMR said, “The ARRC has always stood as a beacon of performance and that legacy will continue to define our future. As a platform that emphasises excellent sportsmanship values and standards, it is both our responsibility and privilege to foster the growth of our riders, not just through competition but also through meaningful, motivating and transformative initiatives like this one. By incentivizing record-breaking achievements, we aim to elevate the standards of racing, inspire greater ambition, and cultivate a culture of relentless pursuit for excellence across the region. With this initiative, we aspire to not only uphold ARRC’s status as the sole continental-level racing championship in Asia but to further elevate its stature as the region’s premier motorsport platform that sets new benchmarks in performance, professionalism and prestige.”

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP ANNOUNCES THE NEW DUNLOP SPORTMAX AWARD FOR THE ASB1000 Read More »

NAKARIN’S ONE SHOT TO FAME!

2025, 2025 Round 6, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship witnessed the racing rebellion and aggression of two strong characters in the Asia Superbike 1000cc, battling the storm towards the calm of victory however a rough patch in their aspirations came to a halt and when Hafizh Syahrin of JDT RACING TEAM and Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA hit the grounds, his teammate Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND seized the moment. With that, the former won the race and the latter topped the chart. The contention however is not over with one final round to tick off before the end of the season. With Nakarin holding an advantage on Chang International Circuit, the narratives are bound to get trickier especially with point differences that can be tackled easily by the top four contenders. The Thai lad currently leads the chart with a 4-point advantage from Malaysian, Hafizh and while Keito and Zaqhwan share the same points, the Japanese has a better advantage in securing the victory bid without the long-lap penalty. The question is, can home-boy, Nakarin maximise his potentials and deflect the heat of rivalry from his closest contenders to not only maintain his current position but also redeem the championship award? The prospects seem near yet far more so with the proven credibility and progressive performance of his rivals. However, compelling in this story is Nakarin’s excellence and endurance on home-ground which has been established in Round 1 with his double-win. Will he be able keep pressure aside, stay focused and emulate the rewarding experience? Commenting on this, Nakarin said, “Pressure is inevitable. It is always there during the race more so when the competition gets stiffer. But I chose to take it as a motivation. The aim to stay focused throughout the weekend without any other distractions and to keep pushing forward. Apart from that, in any racing, it is equally important to stay consistent, avoid mistakes where possible and give 100% in every race. So, that is what I will keep doing till the end of the season. Of course, there will be some setbacks that has to be managed but that is all part of the game and for the season finale, I am well prepared for it.” “Both Hafizh and Keito are very strong contenders but at the moment, I am only working on my best performances. Chang circuit is home to me and I know every corner and every bump on the track like the back of my hands. It is a ground that I am accustomed to especially with my riding styles and techniques. It helps me ride is a smooth, fast and precise manner. Every lap here gives me the confidence that I need. Of course, I also have some challenges too like heat and tyre management. Everyone’s fast here so staying strong till the last lap will make a whole load of difference. The championship title is the goal but racing in ASB1000 itself is already rewarding. Competing with the top riders in Asia has not only helped me grow but shaped me to become a better rider. Next season, no plans at the moment but I want to finish this season strong first then await the opportunities that come next.”  

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SO CLOSE YET SO FAR – ADENANTA HOPES TO SEAL THE DEAL

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

  SuperSports 600cc race category of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship certainly unveiled a twist and the unexpected side of home-boy Syarifuddin Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA in Round 5 who emerged with a flawless strategy to swipe a victorious double-win, instantly defeating chart topper Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and fellow countryman, Kasma Daniel of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING. While his chances of making the top three cut are slim, the odds have definitely been a valuable lesson that nothing is impossible in motorsports. With an 8-point difference between Adenanta and Kasma, it boils down to the implementation of strategies including taking calculated risks, managing expectations and moving swiftly against the motion of pressure in the season finale. Both the riders from the neighbouring countries have stamped an exceptional track record in the race category throughout the season with Adenanta holding superiority after marking seven podium-finish including four wins however the challenges inevitably lie in the unexpected nature of the sports and with that, it is a matter of luck and time when a twist of fate could potentially redirect the course. As for Kasma who has withdrawn from the limelight of the premier race category this season, his strategy in SS600 has certainly created waves while simultaneously adding on to the already mounted pressure among the rivals and right now, evidently on Adenanta who will be facing the brunt of rivalry directly from Kasma. Who will withstand the challenges of the circuit? In Round 1, Adenanta celebrated his first victory for the season in Race 1 but he was defeated by Kasma in Race 2. While their level of competencies match, the minor differences is all that matters. Commenting on the upcoming race, Adenanta said, “The coming race is about to get heated for sure. But of course, I want to do my best and avoid mistakes as much as I can although it’s not an easy task considering the close contention from Kasma and Anupab. Let’s see how it goes. The goal is to make it and I hope that while I am at that, luck will also be on my side. It’s just two races but the weekend will surely be a long one – a lot of hard work not only on my side but also on the crew and mechanic’s side. We will look for the best settings for the machine which will help me optimise my performance and with the strategies in place, we hope to make the best and most of the weekend.” “Chang circuit can be tough depending on our riding styles and techniques. It has many stop-and-go corners and exiting the corners is key during racing. The strategies have to align with this and fine tuning my riding techniques are crucial for this. I am 100% compatible with the machine and I think I have found my comfort spot while riding it so I have no issues in that aspect. This season has been a wonderful one for me – almost perfect with its ups and down and the successes and achievements are definitely attributed to my team who has always supported me through good times and bad times. If I own this championship title, this would be the best motivation for my future career.”

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WHAT WOULD IZAM TAKE HOME?

2025, 2025 Round 6, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

  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!”

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CAN AFIF MAKE THE CUT?

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

  Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34 claimed the championship title early and in style for the Underbone 150cc race category of IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship during Round 5 which leaves the 1st runner up a hot, second most sought after spot among the riders. But only one will make it and among the top three contenders, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, Ahmad Afif Amran of Pitsbike Superfast JRT Rapido Racing Team and Dimas Juli Atmoko of RACETECH SIXTY RACING, it is unclear who will most likely bag the limelight considering the close contention. Malaysian rider, Afif may not have taken the spotlight in the beginning of the season, more so with a double “DNF” between Round 2 and Round 3 however, the rider made headlines when he banked in 50 points on his home-ground circuit, instantly placing him among those in contention for the 1st runner up position. Currently sitting third in the overall standings with a total of 125 points, he has two situations to deal with – one, to steer closer towards the 1st runner up spot and another, to eliminate possibilities of dropping down a notch. Clearly, it would be a tough bet considering Fahmi’s and Dimas’ level of competencies which are equivalent to that of Afif’s. During Round 1, all three of them fought the raging fury on the final turn before wrapping up the weekend with a podium-finish each. This further accentuates the anticipation of rivalry, brewing silently before the final showdown and for those under the pressure, it would be a test that either breaks or makes them. The UB150 race category is not one to mess with especially with its unpredictable nature so, will this be a matter of luck of brilliance? Commenting on the upcoming race, Afif said, “I will use the experiences that I have gained to manage and overcome any kind of challenges, if I can and also to find the best possible machine setup for the race. Of course, I do understand the possibilities that are endless – the nature of the race itself being unpredictable. For now, I will not deny that my machine is in an optimised condition so there may not be major changes on that. The tricky bit is that, all teams have their strengths, with different capacities and they might just find the right setup for their machines at the very least expected time. So, I have to always be aware of the possible outcomes and keep focused on my goal.” “Personally, I don’t think I have much advantage on Chang circuit because all the riders have their own data and they are all aware of the layout and techniques that is most effective on the circuit ground. All I can do is my version of the best – use my very own insights and professional capacity to avoid errors and minimise risks at all cost. Frankly, the last two races were exceptional because my team has found the right setup for Sepang ground. But for Chang, I am confident that Fahmi and Dimas will put on their best show. They are strong contenders with great experience – brilliant in their strategies and manoeuvrings, so the final showdown is going to be a tough one. I just want to complete the race and collect as much points as I can for the championship. If this season doesn’t work for me, I will do better in the next – and that’s how I plan to end the season.”

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AZROY CLAIMED SENSATIONAL VICTORY

2025, 2025 Round 5, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship produced a dramatic Race 2 in the ASB1000 class at the Sepang International Circuit, as Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA took a sensational victory after a chaotic final lap. Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM got off to a solid start but was immediately challenged by Azroy at the first turn. The early laps saw Hafizh and Azroy trading positions at the front, with Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES, and Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND battling for top positions. By Lap 3, Zaqhwan overtook Hafizh to take the lead, setting the fastest lap at 2’06.362s. Azroy began his climb, overtaking Keito and gradually closing the gap to the front runners with successive fastest laps of 2’06.166s, 2’06.028s, and 2’06.003s between laps 6 and 10. Lap 11 saw Hafizh regain the lead, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. On the final lap, a collision occurred when Zaqhwan attempted to overtake Hafizh, resulting in both riders crashing out. This opened the door for Azroy, who seized the moment and crossed the finish line first at 25’26.719s. Nakarin took second at 25’29.682s, while Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM completed the podium at 25’29.750s. The second-place finish for Nakarin secured him the championship lead, giving him an advantage heading into the final round at his home circuit in Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. Azroy said, “Alhamdulillah, after a very tough race yesterday, today I managed to get back to number one after a long time. This was possible thanks to my team, although there were also some crashes involving the riders ahead of me, which are part of racing. At the start, I tried to fight for first position, but my rear tyre had no grip, so I dropped back to fourth. From there, I focused on building momentum and regaining confidence lap by lap. After passing Nakarin, I felt I was closing in, but I pushed too hard in the middle of the lap. That’s why, on the last lap, I was a bit too far to challenge further. I also noticed the gap behind was about two seconds, so finishing third was safer than risking a crash. I want to thank everyone, especially the fans who came to support us in Sepang. Now, let’s see how it goes in the final round in Buriram.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

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SYARIFUDDIN’S FIRST DOUBLE WIN IN SEPANG

2025, 2025 Round 5, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship saw an exhilarating Race 2 in the SS600 class at the Sepang International Circuit, as Malaysia’s Muhammad Syarifuddin Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA secured his first double win on home soil.At the start, Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING got off to a strong launch, followed by Muhammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Syarifuddin in third. By Lap 2, Kasma continued to lead, while Syarifuddin overtook Adenanta to move into second, keeping close to the front runner. Adenanta settled in third, followed by Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA and his teammate Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah. On Lap 3, Syarifuddin clocked the fastest lap of 2’09.936s, keeping Kasma under pressure as the top two riders pulled a one-second gap from the chasing group. Lap 4 saw Syarifuddin close in on Kasma by 0.147s, with the gap to the second group gradually extending to two seconds by Lap 7. Adenanta held third, while Wahyu and Faerozi rounded out the top five. The decisive moment arrived on the final lap when Syarifuddin seized a daring opportunity on Turn 8 to overtake Kasma. He accelerated decisively and pulled away, crossing the finish line first at 21’50.647s, securing his second victory of the weekend. Kasma took second place at 21’51.524s, while Adenanta completed the podium at 21’53.088s. Syarifuddin said, “I would like to say a big thank you to my team for giving me so much confidence on the bike. During the race, I really enjoyed the opening lap, and then I set the fastest lap time of 2’09.697s. At the end, I tried to find a way to overtake Kasma on the final lap. Kasma blocked the line very tightly, but I saw a small space to pass him, and finally I got through and secured a double win. This is the first time I’ve achieved a double win here on home soil. I can’t even describe how happy I am. Thank you so much to all the supporters who came to cheer for all the Malaysian riders. I love you all!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

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