Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 produced an electrifying Race 1 in the ASB1000 class at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, where Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM claimed a breathtaking victory after a dramatic battle.
At the drop of the lights, Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA surged to an early lead, but Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND quickly asserted himself at the front, with Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES in third and Hafizh in fifth. Early drama unfolded as Zaqhwan served a long-lap penalty, dropping him to ninth.
By Lap 3, Hafizh began asserting himself, setting the fastest lap 1’35.504s and moving into striking distance of the lead. What followed was a relentless exchange between Hafizh and Nakarin, as the two riders repeatedly overtook each other in a spectacular display of tactical brilliance. Keito remained a steady presence in the top three, while Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Zaqhwan fought to keep pace in the front group.
The race saw continuous position shuffles, with Hafizh exploiting his strength in Sector 2 to time his attacks perfectly. On Lap 12, Hafizh made the decisive move, overtaking both Nakarin and Andi to seize the lead. Nakarin, attempting to reclaim the position, made a costly mistake on the final turn and slipped off the podium. Hafizh crossed the line in 20’51.228s, with Andi securing second at 20’51.425s, and Keito completing the podium at 20’51.993s.
Hafizh said, “I’m very surprised with my rhythm today because we tried many things during yesterday’s sessions, and we still couldn’t improve in the final sector. During the race, I changed my racing line and the hard work paid off. I knew I was strong in Sector 2, so I focused on staying in front of Andi and attacking Nakarin or Andi in that same area. This result is for all Malaysian fans, the team, and for myself, a reward for all the sacrifices during training away from my family.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (20’51.228s)
2. ANDI FARID IZDIHAR – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (20’51.425s)
3. KEITO ABE – SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (20’51.993s)
4. NAKARIN ATIRATPHUVAPAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (20’52.974s)
5. MUHAMMAD ZAQHWAN ZAIDI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (20’58.280s)