Latest News

LUIS’S STUNNING COMEBACK

2026, 2026 Round 4, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 resumed at the Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia for Round 4, where the TVS Racing International Championship category saw riders from across the globe tackle the challenging layout in practice sessions. It was Luis Miguel from Spain who emerged at the top of the combined timesheets, edging out Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli by a narrow margin. The Practice 1 in the morning, Ramdan quickly found a comfortable rhythm as he set an impressive early benchmark of 1’46.489s to comfortably topped the opening session. Behind him, Chiranth Vishwanath from India showed strong early pace to secure second place with a 1’46.712s. Jean Kento Turner from Japan, Jhon A Lopez C from Colombia, and Oratilwe Phiri from South Africa filled out the rest of the top five. The dynamic of the leaderboard evolved in Practice 2, the Spanish contingent found another gear, adapting well to the afternoon conditions. Luis put together a flawless lap to clock a 1’46.462s, which ultimately became the fastest time of the entire day. Ramdan also managed to improve upon his morning time, posting a 1’46.483s, but the Malaysian rider fell just 0.021s short of retaining the top spot. Vicente Perez Selfa of Spain secured the third-fastest time of the session at 1’46.534s. Meanwhile, Sarthak Chavan and Chiranth Vishwanath from India rounded out the top five for the afternoon. The Combined Practice standings saw the times from Practice 2 proved to be the most decisive. Luis’s afternoon effort firmly secured his place at the top of the board heading into the Qualifying session. Ramdan’s consistency rewarded him with a solid second place overall, proving he is a formidable threat tomorrow. Vicente’s Practice 2 time held up for third, while Chiranth’s morning time of 1’46.712s kept him in fourth overall, just ahead of his compatriot Sarthak. Luis said, “The day certainly didn’t start the way we had planned. During Practice 1, I had a crash at Turn 8 while trying to find the limit of the track. Thankfully, I am completely okay, but it is always a frustrating feeling because you never want to lose valuable track time or give your team extra work so early in the weekend.” “However, my mechanics were absolutely incredible. They worked quickly to get the bike repaired, and we actually used that downtime to make a few crucial setup changes based on my initial feedback. When I rolled out for Practice 2, the bike felt completely different in the best way possible. I immediately had the confidence to push hard again, and to bounce back from a morning crash to set the fastest overall lap time is just a fantastic feeling.” “It is a huge reward for the team’s hard work and quick thinking. Going from a crash to P1 gives me a massive boost of motivation. With the package we have now, I believe we are in a strong position to do a very good job tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. LUIS MIGUEL – SPAIN (1’46.462s) 2. MOHD RAMDAN ROSLI – MALAYSIA (1’46.483s) 3. VICENTE PEREZ SELFA – SPAIN (1’46.534s) 4. CHIRANTH VISHWANATH – INDIA (1’46.712s) 5. SARTHAK CHAVAN – INDIA (1’46.833s)

LUIS’S STUNNING COMEBACK Read More »

ADENANTA SET FOR MANDALIKA TEST

2026, 2026 Round 4, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

As the 2026 LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship returns to Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia this weekend, the local fans will have just one national representative in the premier ASB1000 class. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM’s Mohammad Adenanta Putra is taking on Round 4 to translate his past track success into the heavier, faster ASB1000 category, even as he pushes through an ongoing physical recovery. The road to this anticipated home race has tested his resilience. Adenanta recently underwent surgery and is actively managing his recovery. He pushed his limits last week at MSBK Round 3, providing crucial insight into his condition. “I am still in the middle of my recovery process. Racing last week was important, but I still felt lingering pain in my shoulder. Every day is a step forward, and I am hoping my body feels much better by the time we start this weekend. It has been tough, but I am ready.” Mandalika International Circuit’s fast, flowing layout is notoriously demanding, particularly aboard a heavier, hyper-powerful ASB1000 machine. Despite the physical challenge, Adenanta’s motivation has not wavered. “I will definitely not be at my 100% physical peak, but I promise to give absolutely everything I have. It is going to be incredibly demanding because this is my first time wrestling the 1000cc bike around Mandalika. I don’t know exactly how my body will react over full race distance, but I am committed to fighting through.” Rather than seeing his recent race as a setback, Adenanta views it as a strategic advantage. “Racing last week was actually very good for me. It gave me a clear understanding of my exact condition. Now I know exactly what adjustments I must make to my riding style to manage the pain and maintain a highly competitive performance.” Transitioning from the SS600 class to ASB1000 brings a massive shift. When asked if the circuit feels different on a faster machine, Adenanta offered a knowing smile: “Without a doubt, it is a completely different world out there.” Last season, Adenanta thrilled the home crowd by winning Race 1 in the SS600 class. Now, as the lone Indonesian ASB1000 rider, he draws deep motivation from that unforgettable victory. “Carrying the support of the home fans is a massive honor. I have great experience and incredible memories of winning here. My plan is to channel that track knowledge to keep a strong pace in the ASB1000. My ultimate dream is to reward the fans with a great result and fight for the podium.”

ADENANTA SET FOR MANDALIKA TEST Read More »

WAHYU, HOME GLORY AWAITS

2026, 2026 Round 4, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Familiar territory awaits Indonesia’s top riders as the LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 arrives at the Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia for a pivotal Round 4. Prominent among them is YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA’s Wahyu Nugroho, who is gearing up for a crucial weekend in the SS600 category. Currently sitting 6th in the overall championship standings, Wahyu is determined to leverage his home circuit advantage to secure a long-awaited maiden victory in his third demanding season in the class. “It has certainly been a long journey for me in this class. Securing that first win is something I have been striving for relentlessly. Being back on home soil gives me extra motivation, and I am putting absolutely everything into finally achieving that breakthrough.” The Mandalika circuit holds strong memories for the Indonesian rider. During Round 4 last season, he showcased exceptional speed, ultimately securing a solid pole position. Replicating that pace this year comes with its own technical hurdles. “Last year, everything just clicked perfectly. I had the ideal setup and timing. This season has presented some unexpected challenges with the bike’s behavior that we are still working to fully understand. However, my dedicated team and I are working tirelessly to resolve these issues, and I am confident we can find that strong pace again.” Last season’s visit yielded very mixed emotions for Wahyu. A strong P2 finish in Race 1 was followed by a deeply frustrating DNF in Race 2 after a rear-end collision. Looking ahead, Wahyu remains optimistic. “It was tough to end last year’s weekend with an incident after such a strong start. But that disappointment only fuels my determination. We are taking all the hard work and lessons from the past and applying them now to ensure we finish even stronger.” He arrives with fresh momentum, having recently claimed victory in Race 1 at the Mandalika Racing Series in the 600cc class. “I am incredibly grateful for the result at the MRS a few weeks ago. It was an unforgettable weekend. Standing on the top step of the podium here gave me a massive boost, and I am using that positive energy as ammunition for this upcoming ARRC weekend.” The SS600 class remains intensely competitive, with riders like Kasma, Herjun, and teammate Faerozi consistently pushing the pace. Wahyu’s stated, “The grid is packed with incredibly fast riders. Rather than getting distracted, my focus remains entirely on my own performance. I am concentrating on improving my own limits.” When asked about the pressure of racing in front of expectant home fans, Wahyu said, “Regardless of where we are racing, I keep my mindset consistent. I focus my energy on my own preparation, my team, my family, and drawing from all the positive support around me. The home crowd is wonderful, and I choose to channel that energy into focus rather than letting it become pressure.”  

WAHYU, HOME GLORY AWAITS Read More »

HIROKI’S CHARGE CONTINUES

2026, 2026 Round 4, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Hiroki Ono’s impressive season continues as the 2026 LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship travels to the Mandalika International Circuit for the Round 4 in AP250 action. Stepping in as a replacement rider for HONDA RACING VIETNAM, Hiroki has quickly made an impact by securing three victories. By matching the win tally of his leading rivals, his performance has created an interesting new storyline for the season. Despite his immediate success, Hiroki remains calm and grounded about his results. “Of course, as a racer, I always step onto the track with a strong desire to win. However, coming into this season as a replacement rider, I truly did not expect to achieve three victories this quickly. It has been a wonderful surprise, and it validates the hard work we have put in together.” While he is closing the gap in the standings, Hiroki refuses to be distracted by title calculations. “Honestly, I am not putting my focus on the championship standings right now. The pressure of points can be distracting. My main priority is simply to fight hard and increase my number of wins. I firmly believe that if I keep pushing for the podium, the final standings will naturally take care of themselves.” Hiroki travels to Indonesia carrying clear momentum from his recent double victory in Japan. “Motegi was my home race, so naturally, I felt a deep sense of comfort and confidence there. Racing in front of my home crowd was special. While I might not have that exact same home advantage here at Mandalika, I am still carrying a lot of positive energy and belief into this weekend.” He knows the Indonesian track will test the grid. “On paper, the circuit layout might look easy, but it is actually highly technical. In the AP250 class, mastering slipstreaming will be absolutely essential. I am really looking forward to the challenge. We have a solid plan in place, and my goal is to get through our setup work within the limited practice time to refine our package for Sunday.” His quick adaptation is largely due to his strong bond with HONDA RACING VIETNAM and his previous ARRC experience. “The competition in AP250 is definitely higher than my past experience in the TVS category, but that makes it more fun. The battles are tight, and I rely heavily on my racecraft to strategize.” “More importantly, the team places a great deal of trust in me, and I trust them completely. We are getting stronger every session. My highest priority right now is not the championship, but acting as a mentor, providing useful feedback to help develop the young Vietnamese riders, and bringing solid data back to the team.”

HIROKI’S CHARGE CONTINUES Read More »

RENDI, HOMEBOUND AND HUNGRY

2026, 2026 Round 4, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Coming off a successful Round 3 weekend, Rendi Odding and the 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team approaching Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia, with strong momentum for Round 4 of LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026. After securing back-to-back second-place finishes and helping his squad achieve a one-two result in Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, Rendi now sets his sights on securing a UB150 victory in front of his home crowd. Currently sitting second in the overall standings and trailing leader Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT3 by 38 points, Rendi’s steady consistency keeps him firmly in title contention. With Mandalika hosting the next chapter of this competitive season, where Indonesian riders currently hold the top five championship positions, another exciting race weekend is expected. Following their success in Japan, Rendi remains proud but focused. “The results in Japan provided a great motivation boost for me and the entire crew. We proved that our hard work behind the scenes is truly paying off.” “However, we are also aware that every circuit brings its own set of challenges. We are keeping our heads down and focusing heavily on preparation to ensure we maintain this positive form heading into Mandalika.” The UB150 class is well known for its close racing and unpredictable pack battles. Rendi knows that bridging the gap to the championship lead requires smart tactics as well as speed. He understands that securing a maiden 2026 victory means mastering those crucial final laps. “We are very close to reaching that top step. It mostly comes down to improving a few fine details and taking advantage of every small opportunity on the final lap.” “A 38 point gap is significant, but the season is still long. My strategy relies on consistency. We are aiming to secure as many points as possible without taking unnecessary risks. If the right opportunity for a win appears, I will certainly take it.” Managing the pressure of UB150 pack racing is a difficult challenge that Rendi has learned to navigate through years of competition. “Experience is helpful when you are caught in a massive slipstream group. I always try to remain calm, read the movements of my rivals, and choose the exact right moment to attack or defend. Clear communication and strategy with the team before the race are also vital in these situations.” Navigating Mandalika’s fast flowing corners and demanding braking zones presents a specific technical challenge for the team crews. However, racing on home soil provides Rendi with an important emotional advantage. “Mandalika is a challenging circuit that requires a very balanced setup, especially concerning handling and traction, to keep the bike stable over race distance.” “But beyond the technical side, racing here is a deeply special moment for me. The incredible support from the Indonesian fans always gives me an extra push to perform at my absolute best. Getting my first win of the season here is the main goal. I want to maximize every session, from practice to the race, to give our fans the best possible results.”    

RENDI, HOMEBOUND AND HUNGRY Read More »

CHIRANTH: I’M HERE TO DOMINATE

2026, 2026 Round 4, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 heads to the spectacular Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia for Round 4, and the India’s rising star, Chiranth Vishwanath, in the TVS Racing International Championship, is armed with the momentum of a maiden victory and intent to dominate. Chiranth etched his name in the history books during Round 3 at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. In a breathtaking Race 1, he emerged victorious after a dramatic final-lap sprint. Recovering from a mid-race setback where contact dropped him to fifth in the fifth lap, Chiranth showcased immense grit, passing three riders on the final lap to claim the top step of the podium. This monumental achievement not only marked his first win in the championship but also established him as the first Indian rider to win a race at the iconic Motegi circuit. In Race 2, a similar contact issue cost him two spots, ultimately securing him a fourth-place finish. Currently sitting fourth in the overall championship standings, Chiranth’s progression throughout the season has been undeniable. Ahead of the crucial Round 4 weekend, Chiranth shared his thoughts, “It means exactly what I knew was coming. I’ve been putting in the work, the early mornings, the relentless training, and now everyone gets to see the result. Crossing that line first at Motegi was incredible, but it’s just the beginning. I didn’t come here to win one race and fade away. I’m here to dominate, to leave a mark, and to show that Indian riders belong at the absolute front.” When asked about his growth in the TVS Racing International Championship category, he highlighted his evolution. “The transformation has been massive. Every single round, I’ve become faster and, more importantly, smarter. I’m learning the nuances of the TVS Apache RR 310, understanding how to extract every ounce of performance, and I’m studying my rivals. The race craft, the patience, it’s all evolving. I’m definitely not the same rider who started the season in Buriram. I’m sharper, and I’m hungrier.” The recent victory has undoubtedly boosted his confidence. “Honestly, my confidence was already high. You have to believe you can win before you actually do. But standing on that top step? Winning just gives everyone else a reminder of what I’m capable of. It proves the pace is real, and we’re bringing that exact same fire to Indonesia.” Chiranth is enthusiastic about the Mandalika International Circuit. “I love it. I thrive on tracks that reward pure commitment, and Mandalika circuit does exactly that. The flowing sections and the high-speed corners demand everything from a rider. This is the kind of track where bravery pays off, and it’s the exact style of racing I enjoy most.” His objective for the weekend is uncompromising. “The goal is simple and unchanged: fight for the win. Every lap, every practice session, every single opportunity counts. I’m not showing up just to make up the numbers or settle for points. I’m showing up to leave with trophies.” Acknowledging the competition, he noted, “The biggest challenge will always be myself. The competition is incredibly tough, riders like Vicente and Ramdan are always pushing the limits. But if I stay focused, execute my race plan, and maintain my discipline, I know I can control my own race.” Regarding race strategy, he remains steadfast. “No adjustments. The bike felt fantastic in Japan, and we know our base setup works. We’ll fine-tune it to Mandalika’s grip levels, but the overall strategy remains the same, I’ll push hard, race smart, and attack when it counts.”

CHIRANTH: I’M HERE TO DOMINATE Read More »

NEW SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR ROUND 5 AT SEPANG

2026, 2026 Round 4, Latest News /

Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Asia and Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) would like to inform all teams, riders, partners, and stakeholders that Round 5 of the 2026 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, has been officially rescheduled. Originally scheduled to take place from 11th – 13th September 2026, the race weekend will now be brought forward by one week and will take place on 4th – 6th September 2026. This adjustment has been made to accommodate the extensive logistical and track preparations required for the upcoming F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, which will be hosted at Sepang International Circuit from 2nd – 4th October 2026. By moving our Round 5 event one week earlier, we will not interrupt the circuit’s transition, and we wish them a successful Formula 1 event. TWMR is working closely with Sepang International Circuit and all relevant partners to ensure a seamless transition to the revised dates and to minimize any disruptions to the championship’s schedule and freight movements. We want to emphasize our sincere appreciation to the teams, riders, partners, sponsors, and fans for their flexibility regarding this change, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by these adjustments. Thank you for your continuous support as we adapt to this revised timeline. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a successful Round 5 weekend at Sepang International Circuit.

NEW SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR ROUND 5 AT SEPANG Read More »

LINTAS FORTUNA NUSANTARA BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR FOR ROUND 4 OF THE LFN FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 AT MANDALIKA

2026, 2026 Round 4, Latest News /

  Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) is proud to announce Lintas Fortuna Nusantara (LFN) as the Title Sponsor for Round 4 of the LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026, set to take place at the prestigious Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia. Inspired by a strong sense of national pride, LFN’s involvement as the Title Sponsor reflects its commitment to celebrating Indonesia’s vibrant racing culture and strengthening the connection between motorsport and its passionate fanbase. The partnership represents a shared vision between TWMR and LFN to bring the excitement of motorcycle racing closer to Indonesian fans and create a memorable experience at the Mandalika International Circuit. The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, recognised as the top regional motorcycle racing championship in Asia, continues to serve as a premier platform showcasing world-class riders, leading manufacturers and motorsport communities across the region. Through this collaboration, LFN joins the championship’s growing family of partners dedicated to advancing motorcycle racing and inspiring the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts. Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing, said, “We are honoured to welcome Lintas Fortuna Nusantara as the Title Sponsor for Round 4 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at Mandalika. Indonesia has always been an important market for the championship, with some of the most passionate fans and a strong motorsport culture. We look forward to working closely with LFN to deliver an exceptional experience for riders, teams, partners and spectators, while further strengthening the championship’s presence in Indonesia.” Putra Rizky Bustaman, widely known as Haji Putra Rizky, Chief Executive Officer of Lintas Fortuna Nusantara, said, “Becoming the Title Sponsor for Round 4 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at Mandalika is a proud moment for Lintas Fortuna Nusantara. This partnership is driven by our passion and love for Indonesia, as well as our commitment to contributing towards the continued growth of motorsport in the country. We are proud to be part of a championship that brings together the best riders, teams and fans across Asia, and we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for everyone at Mandalika.”

LINTAS FORTUNA NUSANTARA BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR FOR ROUND 4 OF THE LFN FIM ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 AT MANDALIKA Read More »

SIX AND COUNTING FOR HAFIZH

2026, 2026 Round 3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Malaysia’s Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM continued his remarkable run of form in the ASB1000 category, producing another flawless performance to claim his sixth consecutive victory at Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan. Throughout Race 2, Hafizh steadily built an advantage over his rivals before crossing the finish line in 27’29.019s. Behind him, a fierce battle unfolded for the remaining podium positions, with Japan’s Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES edging Thailand’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND by just 0.044s to secure second place. Starting from the front, Hafizh immediately established himself at the head of the field, leading Nakarin, Keito, and Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA through the opening laps. While Hafizh initially came under pressure from the chasing pack, he quickly demonstrated the pace that has made him the benchmark rider this season. By Lap 2, Hafizh had already set the fastest lap of the race at 1’55.376s while reaching a top speed of 282.72kph. A lap later, he lowered the benchmark dramatically with a stunning 1’49.359s effort. Meanwhile, Zaqhwan crashed while running in fourth position. Although he managed to rejoin the race, the incident dropped him to the back of the field. The focus then shifted to an intense fight behind the leader. Keito and Nakarin exchanged positions several times, with the Japanese rider eventually moving into second place on Lap 6. The Thai rider remained glued to Keito’s rear wheel, ensuring the battle remained alive throughout the race. Meanwhile, Hafizh simply disappeared into the distance. Consistently lapping in the 1’49s range, he extended his advantage from 1.515s on Lap 5 to more than five seconds by the closing stages. On Lap 8, he set the fastest lap of the race at 1’48.980s, underlining his complete control of the contest. Further behind, Shota Ite of AKENO SPEED.UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJUMOTOR ASIA TEAM and Kohta Arakawa of Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing joined the battle for the top five, while JDT RACING TEAM’s Andi Farid Izdihar charged through the field to secure sixth position. With Hafizh comfortably clear entering the final lap, attention turned to the fight for second. Keito successfully resisted Nakarin’s relentless pressure to secure his best result of the weekend, while Nakarin completed the podium at 27’34.042s. Hafizh said, “Alhamdulillah, six wins in a row. There is not much more I could ask for from the championship so far. We knew we had the pace this morning, but the important thing was to stay calm and not do anything silly because once you lose confidence, you can lose time very easily. At the start of the race, I knew I had the pace and the opportunity to make my move, so I focused on braking a little later and securing my position. From there, I just concentrated on maintaining my rhythm, and the pace kept getting better and better. Surprisingly, we were able to produce qualifying-level lap times consistently throughout the race. I challenged myself compared to yesterday because I wasn’t completely satisfied with my pace in Race 1. Today, I understood the rear tyre better, understood the bike better, and it allowed me to maintain a strong and consistent pace. Thank you to the team, my crew chief and all the crew who have worked incredibly hard since the beginning of the season. I would also like to thank HRH Tunku Mahkota Ismail for believing in me, my family, and all our sponsors who have supported this journey. This victory is for all of you.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (27’29.019s) 2. KEITO ABE – SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (27’33.998s) 3. NAKARIN ATIRATPHUVAPAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (27’34.042s) 4. SHOTA ITE – AKENO SPEED.UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJUMOTOR ASIA TEAM (27’34.613s) 5. KOHTA ARAKAWA – Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing (27’37.277s)

SIX AND COUNTING FOR HAFIZH Read More »

HIKARI COMPLETED THE CLEAN SWEEP

2026, 2026 Round 3, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SS600 action at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, saw local favourite Hikari Okubo of SANWA RACING TEAM complete a perfect weekend by securing his second victory of the round in Race 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026. Hikari emerged victorious after an intense battle involving Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM and Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND. The top three finishers were separated by just 0.387s at the chequered flag after an intense 12-lap race. Malaysia’s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING TEAM made the perfect start to claim the holeshot, leading home rider Hikari, Indonesia’s Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Thanat, and Anupab through the opening corners. By Lap 3, the momentum shifted as Hikari briefly moved to the front before Thanat launched an aggressive charge to take over the lead. Kasma remained in contention while Herjun and Anupab stayed within striking distance. The lead continued to change hands as the riders searched for the ideal balance between pace and tyre preservation. Thanat controlled the race through the middle stages before Hikari reclaimed the advantage on Lap 6. One lap later, Anupab joined the battle at the front, adding further intensity to the contest. Six riders remained locked together in the leading group. Hikari returned to the front on Lap 8, only for Anupab to respond immediately on Lap 9. Hikari raised the pace further on Lap 11, setting the fastest lap of the race at 1’53.673s. He then went even quicker on the final lap with a stunning 1’53.604s effort. However, Thanat was mounting a late charge of his own, recording an impressive 1’53.156s lap as he hunted down the leaders. Hikari and Anupab exchanged positions several times in the closing stages. Despite the relentless pressure, Hikari held firm to cross the line first in 22’54.950s, securing a home victory and completing a clean sweep at Motegi. Anupab finished second, just 0.268s behind, while Thanat completed the podium a further 0.119s adrift. Hikari said, “Before the race, I honestly thought it would be very difficult to fight at the front because the pace was much faster than yesterday and during the morning session. My strategy was to manage the tyres and stay with the leading group. I really enjoyed the battle throughout the race. In the last three or four laps, I started pushing as hard as I could, almost like a qualifying lap. When Anupab was following me, I knew he was aiming for the victory too, so I had to work even harder, especially under braking and on the back straight. Thankfully, everything worked out, and I was able to take the win again. I’m very happy to achieve two victories at my home round. Thank you to all the fans, my team, my crew and everyone supporting me. Arigatou gozaimasu!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. HIKARI OKUBO – SANWA RACING TEAM (22’54.950s) 2. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (22’55.218s) 3. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (22’55.337s) 4. HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (22’55.561s) 5. APIWATH WONGTHANANON – Nitro Ryota Racing (22’55.914s)

HIKARI COMPLETED THE CLEAN SWEEP Read More »