ORATILWE’S ROAD TO RECOGNITION
Just six months ago, Oratilwe Phiri’s introduction to the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship was one he would rather forget. Entering Round 6 of the 2025 season at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, as a wildcard rider, the young South African endured a difficult weekend that ended with crashes in both Race 1 and Race 2, leaving him without a finish and without points.
Yet those painful moments would ultimately become the foundation of an impressive turnaround.
Returning to the championship in 2026 as a full-season rider with TVS Racing International Championship, Oratilwe has quickly emerged as one of the surprise contenders of the season. After two rounds, Oratilwe sits third in the overall championship standings, a remarkable achievement for a rider who was still learning the demands of ARRC competition just months earlier.
Looking back on his challenging debut, Oratilwe believes the lessons learned in Buriram have played a significant role in shaping his approach this season.
“The biggest lesson I learned from my debut was that I did not need to rush to get up to pace and that I should not let pressure affect me. At the time, I was putting a lot of pressure on myself because I wanted to prove that I belonged here. Looking back now, those crashes taught me the importance of staying patient, trusting the process and allowing my speed to come naturally. It was a difficult weekend, but it helped me become a better rider.”
The transition from racing in South Africa to one of Asia’s most competitive motorcycle championships has brought challenges both on and off the track. From adapting to unfamiliar circuits and racing environments to managing a demanding international travel schedule, every aspect of his career has required adjustment.
“The biggest changes have been the amount of travelling and the level of preparation required away from the circuit. I spend much more time flying and training than I did before. It has taken some getting used to, but it has also helped me become more disciplined and professional in everything I do.”
One of the highlights of his season so far came at Buriram, Thailand, during Round 2, where he secured an impressive third place finish in Race 1. While the result caught many by surprise, Oratilwe believes his wildcard experience at the Chang International Circuit played an important role in helping him achieve that breakthrough result.
“To be honest, I did not expect to be this competitive so early in my first full season, but that did not stop me from giving everything I had. I firmly believe that the wildcard experience helped me because I came into the race already knowing the layout of the circuit and understanding what to expect. Even though the results last year were disappointing, the experience itself was extremely valuable.”
His strong start has naturally increased both confidence and ambition.
“At the beginning of the season, my goal was mainly to learn, improve and gain experience. Now, with the confidence and pace I have found, my goals have changed slightly. I genuinely believe I can fight to finish inside the top three of the championship by the end of the season, and that is something I am working towards every day.”
For Oratilwe, the journey carries significance far beyond championship points and podium finishes.
“To me, it means a lot. It shows that all the hard work, sacrifices and effort are paying off. When people start recognizing what you are doing and believing in your potential, it gives you even more motivation to keep pushing forward and improving.”
His growing confidence has also been supported by a stronger sense of belonging within the TVS Racing setup.
“I am much more comfortable than I was at the beginning of the season. I am starting to feel at home with the team and the other riders. That comfort level allows me to focus more on my riding and continue building confidence every time I get on the bike.”
The next challenge comes at Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan, where Oratilwe will race for the first time in ARRC competition. Despite his impressive start to the season, the South African remains grounded about the task ahead.
“I am going into this race without setting my expectations too high. Motegi is a new circuit for me, so the priority is to learn quickly, adapt as fast as possible and collect as many points as I can throughout the weekend. If I can achieve a top five finish overall, I believe it will be another positive step forward in this season.”
WATCH ROUND 2 HIGHLIGHTS
RACE 1
RACE 2
