SIX AND COUNTING FOR HAFIZH
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)
HIKARI COMPLETED THE CLEAN SWEEP
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)
HIROKI SEALED DREAM HOME DOUBLE
The AP250 class at Mobility Resort Motegi saw Japan’s Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM complete a dream weekend with a hard-fought victory in Race 2 of Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026. After claiming Race 1 honours on Saturday, the home favourite secured a memorable double victory in front of his home fans.
The race got underway with Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM making a strong launch from the grid, but he was soon challenged by Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, who moved into the lead. Behind them, Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ settled into third place.
The pace intensified as Hiroki set the early benchmark on Lap 2 with a fastest lap of 2’08.853s. While Gao Ziang of ONE FOR ALL saw his race end prematurely following a crash, the battle at the front continued to grow more competitive.
The race continued with constant position changes among six riders. Hiroki, Riichi, Krittapat, Fahmi, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA, and Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM traded places lap after lap, with no rider able to establish a decisive advantage.
On Lap 7, Md Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM crashed out while running with the leading group. Riichi then briefly seized control of the race, only for Hiroki to fight back on Lap 8.
On the final lap, Riichi led Krittapat and Hiroki, while Irfan, Candra, Fahmi, and Rheza Danica Ahrens remained firmly in contention. The battle became increasingly intense, and Teppei Kugawa of SANWA RACING TEAM crashed out amid the frantic closing exchanges.
Hiroki produced a perfectly timed final attack to snatch victory in 21’34.185s. Irfan Ardiansyah charged through to finish second, just 0.105s behind, while Candra H secured third place, 0.119s adrift of the winner.
The victory marked Hiroki’s second win of the weekend and completed a perfect home round for the Japanese rider, much to the delight of the Motegi crowd.
Hiroki commented: “My feelings are very similar to yesterday, but today’s race was even more challenging from my side. The competition was incredibly close, and I knew I had to maintain my position at the front and save something extra for the final few laps. In the last two or three laps, I gave everything I had and pushed beyond my limits. I gave more than 100%, and when I crossed the finish line in first place, it was an unforgettable feeling. To achieve a double victory here at my home round in Japan makes this moment even more special and emotional for me. This result would not have been possible without the incredible effort from the team. Everyone at HONDA RACING VIETNAM worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to give me the best package possible, and I am truly grateful for their dedication and support. I would also like to thank all our sponsors, especially our Japanese sponsors, as well as the Japanese fans who came to the circuit and cheered for me every lap. Racing in front of my home crowd and rewarding them with two victories is something I will never forget. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me all the way.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (21’34.185s)
2. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (21’34.290s)
3. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (21’34.304s)
4. RIICHI TAKAHIRA – Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ (21’34.426s)
5. MUHAMMAD FADHIL MUSYAVI – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (21’34.738s)
SYIRAT’S STUNNING MOTEGI VICTORY
The UB150 class saw Syirat Sauki of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM emerge victorious in Race 2 at Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026. Syirat crossed the finish line in 18’32.752s, edging Rendi Odding of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team by just 0.043s, while Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 completed the podium, 0.152s behind the winner.
The race began with Husni making a strong getaway to lead the field through the opening laps ahead of Dimas Juli Atmoko of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY and Ahmad Fazrul Sham of AEON CREDIT JQK ZYNERGYS CARDINALS, while Muhammad Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM suffered an early technical issue that forced him out of contention.
The lead changed hands repeatedly throughout the eight-lap contest. Husni set the early pace with a fastest lap of 2’25.029s before Dimas surged to the front. The race then evolved into a thrilling slipstream battle, with no rider able to establish a decisive advantage.
From Lap 3 onwards, John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team and Nazirul Izzat Muhammad Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM traded fastest laps before Ahmad Darwisy Ahmad Sahir of YUZY ASIA TEAM and Husni lowered the benchmark even further. By mid-race, Syirat had joined the leading group and began positioning himself for a late charge.
John reclaimed the lead on the final lap before the order was shuffled once again. Adytya Fauzi led the charge ahead of Rendi and Syirat, but Syirat timed his attack to perfection.
In the sprint to the chequered flag, Syirat emerged from the final corners to claim his first victory of the season in 18’32.752s, denying Rendi by just 0.043s. Husni secured third place in 18’32.904s.
Syirat commented: “Alhamdulillah, I am extremely grateful to finish Race 2 on the top of the podium today. This victory means a lot to me, and I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my team and my boss, who travelled all the way from Jakarta to support me here. Their hard work, dedication, and belief in me have been invaluable. I would also like to sincerely thank all the Indonesian supporters, especially the people of Aceh, who have continuously prayed for and supported me throughout this journey. Knowing that so many people are cheering for me gives me extra motivation every time I go out on track. This result is for all of them. InshaAllah, I will continue to work hard and give my very best in the coming races, with the hope of standing on the podium again and fighting for more victories.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. M. SYIRAT SAUKI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (18’32.752s)
2. RENDI ODDING – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (18’32.795s)
3. HUSNI ZAINUL FUADZY – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (18’32.904s)
4. JOHN EMERSON INGUITO – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (18’32.923s)
5. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHAMMAD BAHAUDDIN – UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM (18’32.939s)
PERFECT STRATEGY PUT VICENTE ON TOP
TVS Racing International Championship at Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, saw Spain’s Vicente Perez Selfa deliver a commanding performance to claim victory in Race 2.
Vicente executed a calculated strategy, breaking away from the field and crossing the finish line with a comfortable margin after eight laps of intense competition.
The race began with Portugal’s Pedrinho Matos making a solid start to claim the holeshot, leading Colombia’s Jhon A. Lopez C and South Africa’s Oratilwe Phiri through the opening corners. Vicente settled into fourth place, with Race 1 winner Chiranth Vishwanath of India closely following in fifth.
Pedrinho controlled the early stages and set the pace on Lap 2 with a fastest lap of 2’12.764s, but on Lap 3, Vicente posted a new fastest lap of 2’06.366s before making a decisive move into the lead. Pedrinho remained close behind, while Oratilwe continued to hold third ahead of Jhon and Malaysia’s Md Naqib Rifqi, who had climbed into the top five.
Once at the front, Vicente began to stamp his authority on the race. He lowered the lap record again on Lap 4 with a 2’05.579s before going even faster on Lap 5 with a stunning 2’05.000s. Behind him, positions continued to change as Chiranth moved into second place and the chasing pack battled fiercely for the remaining podium positions.
On Lap 6, Vicente recorded another fastest lap of 2’04.997s. The Spaniard’s relentless pace allowed him to open a remarkable 3.513s advantage over the pursuing group, effectively ending any hopes of a late challenge.
In the closing stages, Vicente remained firmly in control at the front while the battle behind intensified. Pedrinho fought hard to secure second place, while Chiranth and Oratilwe engaged in a thrilling contest for the final podium position.
Vicente crossed the finish line in 16’53.063s to claim a well-deserved victory, finishing 2.652s clear of Pedrinho. Oratilwe completed the podium after edging Chiranth in the battle for third, clocking 16’56.116s.
Vicente commented: “I changed my strategy for this race. The plan was to push hard right from the start and try to build a strong pace in the opening laps, and fortunately everything worked exactly as we had hoped. The strategy was perfect and allowed me to stay in control throughout the race. I’m really happy with the result and grateful to the team for all their hard work. Of course, there is still room for improvement. We need to keep working on the bike and continue refining my riding style so that we can be even stronger. This result gives us a lot of confidence, and now our focus is on carrying this momentum into the next round and fighting for another good result.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. VICENTE PEREZ SELFA – SPAIN (16’53.063s)
2. PEDRINHO MATOS – PORTUGAL (16’55.715s)
3. ORATILWE PHIRI – SOUTH AFRICA (16’56.116s)
4. CHIRANTH VISHWANATH – INDIA (16’56.296s)
5. LEEANDRO PARADES – PHILIPPINES (16’57.124s)
