FIFTH STRAIGHT FOR HAFIZH
Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM continued his remarkable run in the Round 3 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 with a commanding fifth consecutive victory in the ASB1000 class at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan.
The race initially looked set to become a fierce battle among the championship contenders. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND launched brilliantly from the start to seize the early advantage before Hafizh quickly fought his way to the front. Moments later, Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA stormed past both riders to briefly lead the race.
However, Hafizh soon regained control and began to showcase the pace that had earned him pole position. By Lap 3, Hafizh posted a fastest lap of 1’50.249s and steadily stretched his advantage over the chasing pack. Behind him, Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES remained within striking distance, while Nakarin held firm in third.
The complexion of the race changed on Lap 4 when Zaqhwan was forced to serve a Long Lap Penalty, dropping from second to seventh. The setback opened the door for Keito to move into second position and promoted Nakarin onto the provisional podium.
From there, Hafizh continued to lower the benchmark, setting consecutive fastest laps of 1’49.746s, 1’49.500s, 1’49.345s and eventually a race-best 1’49.297s on Lap 11. With every lap, the gap grew larger as the Hafizh carved out a commanding lead at the front.
While Hafizh disappeared into the distance, the battle for the final podium position intensified. Home favourite Shota Ite of AKENO SPEED.UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJUMOTOR ASIA TEAM steadily worked his way through the field, first overtaking Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA before setting his sights on Nakarin. Shotafinally made his move on Lap 11, snatching third place and immediately attempting to break away.
Nakarin refused to surrender, shadowing Shota throughout the closing laps and mounting several attacks. However, Shota remained composed under immense pressure, defending brilliantly to secure a memorable podium finish in front of his home supporters.
At the chequered flag, Hafizh sealed victory in 27’33.273s, extending his winning streak to five races. Keito completed a strong run in second at 27’37.740, while Shota successfully denied Nakarin in the fight for third at 27’41.302s. JDT RACING TEAM’s Andi Farid Izdihar completed the top five.
Hafizh said, “As the races went on, we understood more and more about how to ride the bike. Honestly, we hardly changed anything from our Buriram setup when we arrived in Motegi. We only made small adjustments for fuel consumption because we’re using a different fuel specification here, and everything worked very well. At the start of the race there was a little drizzle, but I believed it would pass quickly. My focus was to get to the front as soon as possible because I knew I had the pace to pull away. Once I found my rhythm, I was able to consistently lap only around two-tenths slower than my qualifying pace. I could have pushed even harder, but we have another race tomorrow and it’s important to stay smart. We’ll continue studying the data tonight because there’s always room for improvement. This victory belongs to the entire team and especially to my boss, HRH Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for giving me this incredible opportunity. I want to repay that trust with results. This month is also special with Father’s Day approaching, so I dedicate this victory to my father and my family, who have always stood by me through every high and low in my career. Thank you to everyone who supports this team and has been part of this journey. This win is for all of you.”
1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (27’33.273s)
2. KEITO ABE – SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (27’37.740s)
3. SHOTA ITE – AKENO SPEED.UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJUMOTOR ASIA TEAM (27’41.302s)
4. NAKARIN ATIRATPHUVAPAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (27’41.632s)
5. ANDI FARID IZDIHAR – JDT RACING TEAM (27’44.207s)
HIKARI DELIGHTED HOME CROWD IN MOTEGI
The SS600 category delivered a captivating battle at Mobility Resort Motegi as Japan’s wildcard rider, Hikari Okubo of SANWA RACING TEAM produced a perfectly executed charge to claim a memorable home victory in Race 1 of Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026.
Okubo overcame pole-sitter Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING after an intense duel that lasted almost the entire race distance, crossing the finish line in 22’51.414s to secure victory on home soil.
Kasma made a flawless launch from pole position and immediately asserted control of the race. The Malaysian quickly established himself at the front ahead of Hikari, while Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND and Apiwath Wongthananon of Nitro Ryota Racing battled closely behind.
By Lap 2, Kasma had already laid down a marker with a fastest lap of 1’58.909s before lowering the benchmark further on Lap 4 with a blistering 1’53.549s. Despite Kasma’s relentless pace, Hikari refused to let the race leader escape, responding with a 1’53.943s effort on Lap 3 to remain firmly in contention.
The battle evolved into a fascinating two-rider contest. Kasma and Hikari steadily pulled away from the chasing pack, building a gap of more than three seconds over the riders fighting for the final podium position. Behind them, Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, Apiwath and Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM became embroiled in the battle for third position.
After spending much of the race studying Kasma’s lines and preserving his tyres, Hikari began applying relentless pressure. On Lap 10, the Hikari finally found his opportunity, making a decisive move to take the lead before immediately increasing his pace.
While the fight for victory intensified, Herjun was making headlines of his own. Herjun charged through the field and set the fastest lap of the race with a stunning 1’53.282s on Lap 8. His late-race duel with Anupab developed into one of the highlights of the race as both riders exchanged positions in a tense battle for the final podium place.
On the final lap saw Kasma launched one last attack. The Malaysian managed to edge ahead of Hikari, but he carried too much speed into the downhill corner and ran wide, allowed the Japanese rider to fight back immediately. Hikari reclaimed the lead and held firm through the final corners to secure a hard-earned victory in front of the home crowd.
Kasma crossed the line in second place at 22’53.758s, while Herjun completed the podium in 22’56.658s, finishing just 0.249s ahead of Anupab following their intense battle.
Hikari said: “It was a very difficult race because Kasma was incredibly fast and consistent throughout. I knew from the beginning that if I wanted to win, I had to be patient and manage my tyres carefully. He had a very strong bike and for most of the race I felt he had a small advantage, so I focused on staying close and waiting for the right opportunity. Honestly, this result means a lot to me because I don’t normally ride this bike. Since arriving at the circuit, the team and I have been working tirelessly to improve the setup and understand how to get the best performance from it. Every session we made small improvements, and during the race I kept thinking about how to maximize what we had.When I finally got in front, I pushed as hard as I could. I knew Kasma would try to attack again, especially on the final lap after the back straight. He made his move, but I trusted my braking and was able to regain the position. To win here in Japan, in front of my home fans, is a very special feeling. I want to thank my team, all the staff and our sponsors for their incredible support. Without their hard work, this result would not have been possible. For tomorrow, we still need to study the data because there are areas where we can improve. This championship is very competitive and everyone gets faster every session. I don’t know if I can win again in Race 2, but I will give everything I have and do my absolute best.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. HIKARI OKUBO – SANWA RACING TEAM (22’51.414s)
2. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (22’53.758s)
3. HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (22’56.658s)
4. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (22’56.907s)
5. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (22’57.618s)
HIROKI CLAIMED HOME GLORY
Home hero Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAMproduced a commanding performance under pressure to secure a memorable victory in Race 1 of the AP250 class at Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan.
The race saw fierce multi-rider battles, and it was Hiroki who emerged victorious with a winning time of 21’34.483s, delighting the Japanese crowd after fending off challenges from some of the strongest contenders in the championship.
Starting from the front row, Hiroki wasted no time asserting himself at the front, surging into the lead at the start ahead of fellow Japanese rider Riichi Takahira of Tianyu Asia Racing MFZ and pole-sitter Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM.
However, the race quickly developed into a tactical battle among a tightly packed leading group. By Lap 3, Fahmi launched his attack, overtaking both Hiroki and Riichi to take control of the race. The Indonesian rider looked poised to strengthen his championship campaign, but the lead continued to change hands as riders searched for every possible advantage around the demanding Motegi circuit.
Lap 4 saw Riichi move to the front, giving the home fans two Japanese riders at the sharp end of the field. Hiroki soon responded while Fahmi, Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA and Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM remained firmly in contention.
The intensity increased further midway through the race. Fahmi reclaimed the lead on Lap 5 before Irfan briefly took over at the front one lap later, highlighting just how competitive the leading group had become. By Lap 7, Riichiwas once again leading ahead of Hiroki and Irfan, while the battle for podium positions remained impossible to predict.
On Lap 8, Fahmi’s challenge came to a sudden end after crashing out of contention. The incident removed one of the race favourites and intensified the battle among the remaining front-runners.
With two laps remaining, Hiroki and Riichi engaged in a captivating duel at the front, the pair repeatedly exchanging positions while carrying the hopes of the home crowd. Behind them, Irfan remained within striking distance, waiting for an opportunity to launch a decisive move.
That opportunity came on the final lap. Hiroki held firm at the front while Irfan executed a crucial pass on Riichi to move into second position. Further behind, the battle for the final podium place erupted as Krittapat surged through in the closing stages to secure third.
At the chequered flag, Hiroki sealed a hard-earned home victory ahead of Irfan, who crossed the line just 0.161s behind. Krittapat completed the podium in third, only 0.418s adrift of the winner.
Hiroki shared, T”he race was incredibly tough because I was battling with some of the strongest riders in the championship from the very first lap. The pace was intense and there was no time to relax, so my strategy was to stay at the front as much as possible and try to control the rhythm of the race. Every lap was a fight, especially with the lead changing hands so many times. To win here at Motegi, in front of the Japanese fans, is a very special feeling for me. I could hear the support from the crowd and it gave me extra motivation to keep pushing until the chequered flag. This victory means a lot because the entire HONDA RACING VIETNAM team worked extremely hard throughout the weekend. We faced many challenges, but everyone kept believing and never gave up. I’m very proud of what we achieved together, and I want to dedicate this win to the team, our supporters, and everyone who has been behind us.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. HIROKI ONO – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (21’34.483s)
2. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (21’34.644s)
3. KRITTAPAT KEANKUM – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (21’34.901s)
4. CANDRA H – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (21’35.093s)
5. RHEZA DANICA AHRENS – ASTRO HONDA RACING TEAM (21’35.174s)
JOHN ENDED 3 YEAR WAIT
The UB150 class delivered an unforgettable spectacle at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan as John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team emerged victorious in a dramatic Race 1 encounter at Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026.
Inguito claimed his second victory in the UB150 category with a winning time of 18’39.610s, remarkably returning to the top step of the podium at the very same country where he celebrated his first victory three years ago at Sportsland Sugo International Circuit.
Starting from third on the grid, John was among a large lead group that battled fiercely from the opening lap. Pole-sitter Dimas Juli Atmoko of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY initially controlled proceedings after leading away from the start ahead of Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 and Nazirul Izzat Muhammad Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM.
As the race started, the lead changed hands repeatedly. Dimas continued to dictate the pace during the early laps, but challengers quickly emerged from all directions. Muhammad Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM stormed into contention after setting the fastest lap of 2’18.880s on Lap 3, while April King Mascardo of RACETECH YAMAHA PHILIPPINES RACING TEAM launched an impressive charge from seventh to the front after recording a new fastest lap of 2’18.175s on Lap 4.
The momentum continued to swing dramatically. April briefly seized the lead on Lap 5 before M. Syirat Sauki of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM took his turn at the front one lap later. Lap 7 saw Adytya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING produce the fastest lap of the race, a blistering 2’17.151s, as he surged into the lead and further intensified an already unpredictable contest.
Adding to the drama, Nazirul’s promising run ended prematurely when he slowed with what appeared to be a technical issue while battling near the front.
Everything came down to a breathtaking final lap. John timed his charge perfectly to reclaim the lead, with Ahmad Darwisy Ahmad Sahir of YUZY ASIA TEAM, Rendi Odding of 4S1M EVO YAIMAHA Racing Team and several others still firmly in contention. The riders crossed the finish line separated by mere fractions of a second.
Behind John, teammate Rendi completed a memorable one-two finish for 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team in 18’39.721s. Dimas secured the final podium position in 18’39.730s, just 0.009s behind Rendi.
An emotional John said, “The final lap was very amazing. We fought with so many riders, including my teammate. I was trying to create a small gap at every corner so I could execute my strategy and defend our positions. The temperature was getting higher and I was very nervous. On the last lap, I prayed and asked God for help, and He gave me this result. Thank you to my fellow Filipinos, my friends and my family for all the prayers and for giving me this opportunity to stand on the top of the podium.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. JOHN EMERSON INGUITO – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (18’39.610s)
2. RENDI ODDING – 4S1M EVO YAIMAHA Racing Team (18’39.721s)
3. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (18’39.730s)
4. AHMAD DARWISY AHMAD SAHIR – YUZY ASIA TEAM (18’40. 087s)
5. M. SYIRAT SAUKI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (18’40.174s)
VICENTE SECURED MOTEGI POLE
The battle for pole position in the TVS Racing International Championship delivered a thrilling showcase of global talent at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, with Spain’s Vicente Perez Selfa emerging on top after a Combined Qualifying session at Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026.
Featuring riders from across the world, the championship once again demonstrated its international appeal as lap times tumbled throughout Practice and Qualifying session. In the end, it was Vicente who produced the decisive lap, clocking an impressive 2’05.190s to secure pole position for the opening race of the weekend.
South Africa’s Oratilwe Phiri set the early benchmark in Practice 1, stopping the clock at 2’06.171s while also recording the highest speed of the session at 202.627kph. The margin at the top was thin, with Vicente just 0.059s adrift in second, followed closely by fellow Spaniard Luis Miguel. Colombia’s Jhon A Lopez C and Portugal’s Pedrinho Matos completed a tightly packed top five, underlining the competitiveness of the field.
The momentum shifted in Practice 2 when India’s Chiranth Vishwanath stormed to the top with a 2’05.709s lap, becoming the first rider of the weekend to break into the 2’05s range. Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli secured second ahead of Luis Miguel, while Vicente remained firmly in contention despite ending the session fifth.
In Qualifying Group A, Portugal’s Pedrinho Matos stole the spotlight with a remarkable 2’04.976s lap, becoming the first rider of the weekend to dip below the 2’05s barrier, while Malaysia’s Md Naqib Rifqi secured second in the group ahead of Japan’s Jean Kento Turner.
Then, in Qualifying Group B, Vicente responded with a blistering 2’05.190s effort to claim the fastest combined time of the day. The result secured him pole position ahead of Pedrinho, whose earlier benchmark remained good enough for second overall.
The fight behind them was equally fierce. Colombia’s Jhon produced a standout lap to secure third on the grid, just 0.160s shy of pole position, while Chiranth maintained his strong momentum throughout the weekend to claim fourth. Luis Miguel completed a strong showing for Spain in fifth, ensuring two Spanish riders inside the top five. The final combined qualifying standings underlined the remarkable depth of talent in the field, with riders from different nations filling the first five grid positions and less than six-tenths of a second covering them all.
Vicente said, “I’m really happy to finish the day on pole position. We executed our strategy perfectly today. The team made several modifications to the bike throughout the sessions, and we knew we had the pace to put in a fast lap if everything came together. It wasn’t just about being quick, but also about managing the session well and choosing the right moment to push, and we did exactly that. The feeling with the bike improved every time we went out on track, so I’m very pleased with the work we have done so far. Tomorrow is a new challenge, but I believe we have a strong package and the potential to fight for the victory. Of course, the competition is very close, so we need to stay focused and keep working hard. For now, I’m just enjoying the moment and looking forward to the races. It has been a great start to the weekend, and hopefully we can continue this momentum tomorrow.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED QUALIFYING
1. VICENTE PEREZ SELFA – SPAIN (2’05.190s)
2. PEDRINHO MATOS – PORTUGAL (2’05.337s)
3. JHON A LOPEZ C – COLOMBIA (2’05.350s)
4. CHIRANTH VISHWANATH – INDIA (2’05.519s)
5. LUIS MIGUEL – SPAIN (2’05.704s)
