Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 delivered an intense Race 1 in the SS600 class at the Sepang International Circuit, with Malaysian Muhammad Syarifuddin Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA claiming a thrilling home victory under sweltering 41°C conditions.
At the start, Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING surged into the lead, followed closely by Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Muhammad Syarifuddin Azman in third, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA fourth, and Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA fifth.
By Lap 2, Kasma maintained the lead while Syarifuddin and Wahyu moved into second and third, with Adenanta and Helmi in pursuit. On Lap 3, Kasma set the fastest lap at 2’10.307s and steadily led the race, pulling nearly a three-second gap from the chasing group alongside Syarifuddin.
Lap 4 saw further shuffles as Adenanta overtook Helmi to claim third, but Wahyu crashed out, narrowing the top contenders. The hot conditions tested the riders’ tyre management as Kasma remained in front, closely shadowed by Syarifuddin. Helmi and Adenanta exchanged positions multiple times, showcasing a thrilling Malaysian trio at the front.
By Lap 8, Syarifuddin sensed his opportunity as riders began losing grip under the searing heat. He overtook Kasma and gradually pulled away, demonstrating exceptional control and strategy.
On the final lap, Syarifuddin maintained composure, crossing the line first in 21’57.501s. Kasma finished second at 21’59.192s, while Thailand’s Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM executed a daring final-turn move to snatch third at 22’04.769s, just ahead of Helmi.
Syarifuddin expressed, “We knew that in the hot conditions we had better pace, but at the start I focused on following Kasma because he also has a solid pace here. Towards the end, I noticed Kasma struggling a bit with the rear, so I knew it was my moment to attack. I really enjoyed the race and want to thank everyone who supported me, especially my wife. Her support at home means a lot. If she were here today, it would have made this victory even more special.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
- MUHAMMAD SYARIFUDDIN AZMAN – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (21’57.501s)
- KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (21’59.192s)
- ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (22’04.769s)
- MUHAMMAD HELMI AZMAN – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (22’04.882s)
- HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (22’08.097s)