Nakarin Atiratphuvapat returns to Chang International Circuit for Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 with one objective, to reset his campaign and reignite his fight in the ASB1000 category.
Representing HONDA RACING THAILAND, Nakarin arrives on home soil looking to put behind a challenging opening round at Sepang International Circuit, where circumstances beyond his control left him playing catch-up from the outset.
A delayed arrival of machinery meant Nakarin missed crucial official testing time, leaving the team with limited opportunity to fine-tune their setup ahead of the race weekend. The impact was evident, as he managed sixth place in Race 1 before a crash in Race 2 saw him rejoin the race and salvage only three points, ending the round ninth overall.
“Round 1 in Sepang was quite difficult for me. We didn’t get the setup where we wanted it to be, and adapting to the track conditions was not easy. Missing a day of testing also put us one step behind the others from the beginning. Finishing ninth is definitely not the result we were aiming for, but at the same time, we learned a lot. Now it’s about using that data and coming back stronger.”
The return to Buriram, however, offers a very different outlook. It is a circuit where Nakarin has delivered before, including a memorable Race 2 victory in last season’s finale, even though he ultimately fell just three points short of the 2025 championship title.
This time, he is determined to make full use of his home advantage.
“Racing at home is always something special for me. I know this track well, and I’ve had strong results here in the past. The plan is to maximise that advantage, especially in qualifying. If we can start from the front, it gives us a real opportunity to control the race. But at the same time, the level of competition this year is very high, so I won’t underestimate anyone.”
Rather than feeling the weight of expectation, Nakarin views his home round as a chance to reset and prove his true pace.
“I see this more as an opportunity than pressure. Of course, racing in front of home fans comes with expectations, but I try to turn that into motivation. The support here gives me extra energy, and it makes me even more hungry to fight for the win.”
Buriram’s demanding conditions will also play a crucial role across the weekend, with high temperatures and unpredictable weather.
“The weather here is always tough. It’s very hot and physically demanding, and recently there’s been some rain as well. I’ve been focusing a lot on my fitness, adapting to the heat, and making sure I stay well hydrated. Overall, I think we are well prepared to handle whatever conditions come our way.”
With the ASB1000 field proving to be more competitive than ever, Nakarin remains realistic, but quietly confident in his ability to fight back.
“The level this season is very high, and every rider is strong. But I believe we have the potential to be in the front group. The goal is to improve step by step, stay consistent, and fight for podiums in every round.”
After a difficult start, Chang International Circuit now represents more than just another race weekend for Nakarin. It is a chance to turn momentum, reclaim confidence, and remind the field exactly what he is capable of on home ground.