Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 delivered edge-of-the-seat drama at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, as Race 1 of the AP250 class unfolded into a high-intensity showdown, with Thailand’s Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM emerging victorious after a race packed with incidents, lead changes, and last-lap heartbreak.
The race began with a blistering start from Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, who immediately took control ahead of Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA. However, the order quickly shifted as Riichi Takahira of Tian yu Asia Racing MFZ and Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM surged into contention. Early drama struck as Muhd Jazzil Juraimi of TEAM ACR was forced to retire due to a technical issue.
By Lap 2, the leading group intensified, with Rheza holding firm ahead of Fahmi, Candra, and Riichi, while Krittapat began working his way forward. Thailand’s Panjaruch Chitwirulchat of HONDA RACING THAILAND made a decisive move to the front, overtaking Rheza to seize the lead. Moments later, chaos unfolded as Riichi and Candra collided and crashed, followed shortly by Galang Hendra Pratama, dramatically reshaping the race.
Lap 3 saw Panjaruch and Rheza locked in a fierce duel for the lead, swapping positions corner by corner. Krittapat settled into third, with Fahmi and Muh. Badly Ayatullah M of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM keeping close contact in a tightly packed front group.
The momentum shifted again on Lap 4 as Krittapat surged into the lead ahead of Panjaruch and Rheza, showcasing strong pace and control. However, the relentless exchanges continued, and by Lap 6, the front group remained inseparable, with Fahmi, Badly, Panjaruch, and Rheza all taking turns at the front before Krittapat reclaimed the lead.
On Lap 7, Badly made a bold move to take control, but Krittapat responded immediately, clocking the fastest lap of the race at 2’24.971s to stay firmly in contention as the race built towards a dramatic finale.
The final lap delivered pure chaos. Krittapat briefly regained the lead, only for Panjaruch to strike back, with Rheza also forcing his way into second. Badly, who had been a key contender, crashed out, while Krittapat once again fought his way to the front. Fahmi moved into second with Rheza in third, setting up a tense final sector.
In a heartbreaking twist, Fahmi crashed out at the final turn while pushing for victory, leaving the door wide open. Krittapat seized the moment and powered across the finish line in 19’32.842s to secure a hard-fought win. Gerry Salim of MsGlowForMen Racing Team capitalised to take second, just 0.269s behind at 19’33.111s, while Malaysia’s Md Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril claimed third at 19’33.171s, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Krittapat said, “On the last lap, I knew what I had to do. I’m really thankful to my team for their support, and also to my family. This victory means a lot to me.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (19’32.842s)
2. GERRY SALIM – MsGlowForMen Racing Team (19’33.111s)
3. MD DANIAL SYAHMI AHMAD SHAHRIL – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM (19’33.171s)
4. PANJARUCH CHITWIRULCHAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (19’33.237s)
5. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (19’33.439s)