HAFIZH MADE IT 8 IN A ROW
Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM continued his unstoppable form in Race 2 at the Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia, delivering a flawless performance to claim his eighth consecutive ASB1000 victory in Round 4 of the LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026.
The 15-lap race began with a strong launch from Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES, who took the early lead ahead of Lachlan Epis from SWIFT GROW RACING TEAM and Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. Starting further back, Hafizh quickly analyzed the chaotic opening corners from fifth place. By Lap 2, Hafizh had sliced through the pack to take the lead, just before Lachlan crashed out of the race.
Once at the front, Hafizh immediately dropped the hammer. He set a series of blistering fastest laps, dropping from 1’36.332s on Lap 3 to an incredible 1’35.349s by Lap 6. This relentless pace allowed him to pull a comfortable gap over Keito. Behind them, a fierce battle for third unfolded between Adenanta and Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA. Zaqhwan managed to take third on Lap 5, but unfortunately lost front grip and crashed out on Lap 8. Anthony West of MOTOGO YAMAHA FUSPORT RACING also suffered an early exit on Lap 6.
As the race progressed, Hafizh extended his lead to over three seconds. The fight for the final podium spot intensified when Adenanta experienced a slight wobble on Lap 10. Rocco Sessler of FORTY FORGED ASIA RACING TEAM quickly capitalized, overtaking Adenanta to secure third place. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND also found his way past Adenanta on Lap 12.
Hafizh controlled his gap perfectly to the finish, crossing the line first at 24’03.193s. Keito maintained a solid pace to take second at 24’05.883s, while Rocco successfully fended off late pressure from Nakarin to secure third at 24’06.545s.
Hafizh shared, “Syukur Alhamdulillah, I suppose eight is my new lucky number! We put together a fantastic race today. We had a great launch off the line, but as expected, everyone was extremely aggressive into the first corner. Seeing that chaos, I knew I had to control the race with my head. While the others were battling fiercely, I rode smart, stayed out of trouble, and capitalized on the right moments to make clinical passes.”
“I knew Keito’s plan was to stick right behind me in my slipstream. Yesterday felt a bit like a game of cat-and-mouse, so today, I completely changed the strategy. I decided to push the pace much earlier to break the tow and build a comfortable gap.”
“Honestly, I carried a heavy amount of emotional pressure on my shoulders this weekend. Between Andi’s unfortunate injury, celebrating the birthdays of my father and my mechanic, and the difficult situation with our team manager, Razmin, who has been in the hospital, I desperately wanted to deliver something special. This victory is dedicated to Razmin. Ultimately, this is a true family win.”
“I also want to express my deepest gratitude to our big boss, HRH Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who is always by our side pushing us to our highest potential. Achieving eight consecutive wins demands an unbelievable amount of personal sacrifice from your time and your family. There isn’t much more to say right now, other than I am going to truly savor and enjoy this beautiful moment.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (24’03.193s)
2. KEITO ABE – SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (24’05.883s)
3. ROCCO SESSLER – FORTY FORGED ASIA RACING TEAM (24’06.545s)
4. NAKARIN ATIRATPHUVAPAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (24’10.417s)
5. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (24’14.379s)
ANUPAB SNATCHED VICTORY AT THE END
The SS600 category provided a spectacular finish to Race 2 at the Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia, with AnupabSarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM taking a brilliant victory in Round 4 of LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 after a last-lap incident completely altered the top three.
Race 2 in SS600 category at the Mandalika International Circuit during Round 4 of the LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026. Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM secured a brilliant victory after a dramatic final-lap incident completely reshaped the podium.
At the start, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA took the early lead, but Mckinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING quickly stole the spotlight. Launching from seventh on the grid, Mckinley surged forward to claim the top spot by the end of Lap 1. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING and Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND followed closely behind to keep the pressure high.
The lead changed hands frequently in the early stages. Wahyu reclaimed the front on Lap 4, setting a fast lap of 1’38.658s. However, Thanat responded immediately on Lap 5 with a 1’38.205s, taking the lead on Lap 6. Meanwhile, Anupabbegan his quiet but steady charge. After dropping to fifth early on, Anupab found his rhythm, dropping back-to-back fastest laps 1’38.074s and 1’37.929s to pull himself into second place behind Thanat by Lap 8.
On Lap 11, As Kasma made a decisive move to overtake Thanat for the lead, Thanat aggressively defended his line. Seizing the perfect opportunity, Anupab capitalized on their duel, slipping past both riders to take control of the race. Disaster struck on the final lap when Kasma and Thanatcrashed out together, shaking up the championship standings.
Anupab crossed the finish line to take the win at 19’44.949s. Mckinley held steady to finish second at 19’45.242s, while Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM completed the podium in third at 19’46.586s.
Anupab shared, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to my team and everyone who has supported me through the highs and lows. Today’s race was incredibly challenging right from the beginning of race. I didn’t get the best launch and ended up losing ground early on, slipping back into fifth. It was frustrating, but instead of panicking, I decided to stay calm, and study the situation.”
“I was in a leading group filled with exceptionally fast riders. The pace at the front was absolutely relentless, so I used the bulk of the race to learn their lines and adapt my own riding with every passing lap. When it came down to the final laps, I knew it was time to put everything on the line. The biggest takeaway from today is just how fantastic our overall package is. I am genuinely so happy, relieved, and proud of how everything came together. I cannot thank my team enough for making this unforgettable result possible.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (19’44.949s)
2. MCKINLEY KYLE PAZ – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (19’45.242s)
3. HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (19’46.586s)
4. WAHYU NUGROHO – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (19’46.638s)
5. MUHAMMAD HELMI AZMAN – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (19’46.939s)
IRFAN CLAIMED EMOTIONAL HOME WIN
The AP250 category delivered an eventful Race 2 today at the Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia for Round 4 of the LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026. Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM navigated through intense battles to secure a brilliant home victory.
The race began with immediate disruption. Krittapat Keankum of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM took the early lead but slid out at Turn 1. This allowed Hiroki Ono of HONDA RACING VIETNAM to take charge, followed closely by Gerry Salim of MsGlowForMen Racing Team and Riichi Takahira of Tian yu Asia Racing MFZ. By Lap 2, Irfan made his move to take the lead, overtaking Hiroki, while Andi M. Fadly of Pro Power Antares MT Kawasaki settled into fifth position.
The middle sector of the race saw fierce competition and constantly shifting positions. On Lap 3, Muhammad Fadhil Musyavi of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA set a fast pace of 1’47.367s to move into third behind Gerry. The pace quickened further on Lap 5 when Aldiaz Aqsal Ismaya of YAMAHA BAF YAMALUBE AKAI JAYA clocked a 1’47.092s. On Lap 6, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM briefly took the lead before crashing a lap later. Hiroki also suffered a crash, removing another front-runner from contention.
In closing stages, Riichi assumed the lead. Irfan responded on Lap 8 with the fastest lap of the race at 1’46.919s. On final lap, Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM was leading the pack when Candra H of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA attempted an inside pass. The two collided and crashed out. With Krittapat, Hiroki, and Rheza all failing to finish, and Candra finishing down in P18, the top four riders in the championship standings lost valuable points.
Irfan claimed victory after crossing the line first at 18’00.799s. Riichi claimed his first career podium finish in second place at 18’01.193s, while Fadhil secured third at 18’01.350s.
Irfan stated, “That was an incredibly tough and physically demanding race right from the very first corner. The wind out on the circuit was exceptionally strong today, which made it extremely difficult to find a consistent rhythm, hit our braking markers, and manage the overall race pace. The conditions were so unpredictable, I had to stay patient and ride a highly tactical race.”
“My primary focus was simply to protect my track position, stay safely within the leading group, and conserve my energy and tyres for a final, decisive attack. I targeted the last lap to make my ultimate move, and to be able to execute that strategy perfectly and bring home the win is just an unbelievable feeling. The tension in those final corners was immense, but I managed to keep my focus intact.”
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible team for giving me a winning bike, as well as my family and everyone who has continually supported me. Finally, standing on the top step of the podium at a home race is a feeling like absolutely no other. To achieve this victory here at Mandalika, hearing the cheers from the passionate Indonesian fans, makes this one of the most special and emotional moments.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’00.799s)
2. RIICHI TAKAHIRA – Tian yu Asia Racing MFZ (18’01.193s)
3. MUHAMMAD FADHIL MUSYAVI – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (18’01.350s)
4. NGUYEN HUU TRI – YUZY ASIA TEAM (18’01.748s)
5. MUH. BADLY AYATULLAH M – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (18’01.981s)
HUSNI SEALED DOUBLE HOME VICTORY
Round 4 of LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 at the Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia watched Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 secured UB150 victory on home soil.
At the start, Husni executed a perfect launch to lead but was quickly overtaken by Md Syafiq Rasol of AEON CREDIT JQK ZYNERGYS CARDINALS. The pack soon formed into a large, tightly contested group. Unfortunately, early frustration hit Md Silmi Helsinky of ONE FOR ALL, who retired due to a machine problem.
By Lap 2, Husni reclaimed the front, followed by Akbar Abud Afdalah of SAE RACING TEAM and Dimas Juli Atmoko of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY. April King Mascardo of RACETECH YAMAHA PHILIPPINES RACING TEAM and Ahmad Darwisy Ahmad Sahir of YUZY ASIA TEAM rounded out the top five.
The order shifted on Lap 3 as M. Syirat Sauki of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM took the lead. Aditya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING and John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team moved up, but the tight corners claimed several riders, as Aditya, Darwisy, and John all crashed out.
On Lap 5, Ilham Elsan Efendi of ONE FOR ALL moved to the front. The pace quickened as Akbar set a fastest lap of 1’55.267s, improving it on Lap 6 to 1’55.181s. The lead constantly changed hands, with April and Nazirul Izzat Muhammad Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM also taking turns at the front.
Lap 7 saw Husni manage a 0.554s breakaway. Heading into the final lap, Syirat closed the gap to lead the group. However, Husni patiently executed a perfect slipstream to cross the line first at 15’33.175s. Syirat took second at 15’33.225s, while Dimas secured third at 15’33.530s.
Husni said, “I am deeply grateful for this victory, and I want to extend a massive thank you to my entire team. Going into the race, my strategy was to stick to my usual riding style, keep pushing the pace, and focus intensely on defending my track position. It was a very fierce battle, but I tried to manage the situation calmly.”
“Alhamdulillah, entering the final two laps, I found the opening I needed. On the final lap through Turn 3, I took a quick glance and realized I had pulled a slight gap. That gave me a huge surge of adrenaline, and I immediately twisted the throttle to increase my speed.”
“In the closing stages, I saw Syirat making a hard charge. Instead of letting it disrupt my rhythm, I used his move to my tactical advantage. He became the perfect target, I tucked in right behind him, used his slipstream for maximum top speed, and executed a perfect slingshot pass to take the lead. It was a thrilling finish, and I am absolutely overjoyed!”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. HUSNI ZAINUL FUADZY – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (15’33.175s)
2. M. SYIRAT SAUKI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (15’33.225s)
3. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (15’33.530s)
4. AKBAR ABUD AFDALAH – SAE RACING TEAM (15:33.686s)
5. ILHAM ELSAN EFENDI – ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 (15’33.955s)
VICENTE BAGGED THE HAT-TRICK
Race 2 of TVS Racing International Championship category at the Mandalika International Circuit in Round 4 of the LFN FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026 saw Vicente Perez Selfa from Spain claimed a spectacular hat-trick victory after a tense final-lap showdown.
At the start, Luis Miguel from Spain took the early lead, followed closely by Portugal’s Pedrinho Matos, Vicente, and Malaysia’s Mohd Ramdan Rosli. By Lap 1, Vicente took charge of the group, but the order rapidly shifted on Lap 2 as Pedrinho, Luis, and Ramdan all pushed past him. Ramdan successfully secured the lead on Lap 3, prompting Vicente to respond with a 1’45.288s fastest lap. Vicente smoothly reclaimed the front on Lap 4, while India’s Sarthak Chavan temporarily took fifth place from Japan’s Jean Kento Turner.
Pedrinho passed Vicente on Lap 5 and held a slim 0.040s lead as they crossed the line for Lap 6. Sarthak unfortunately slowed with an issue, allowing Jean to recover the fifth spot. While Vicente moved back to the front on Lap 7.
Pedrinho led into the final lap. In a frantic battle, Ramdan and Luis both overtook Vicente, dropping the Spanish rider to fourth. However, Vicente remained patient until the final turn. Utilizing a bold exit strategy, he perfectly slipstreamed past Ramdan, Luis, and Pedrinho on the final straight, crossing the finish line first at 14’12.052s. Pedrinho took second at 14’12.312s, narrowly edging Luis at 14’12.323s in third. Ramdan finished fourth, while Jean held off a late charge from Malaysia’s Md Naqib Rifqi to finish fifth.
Vicente shared, “The track conditions out there today were definitely an improvement, but it was still a very challenging race for us. We decided to try a slightly different direction with the bike’s setup, and honestly, I didn’t feel completely comfortable with it. Because of that missing feeling, I just didn’t have the raw speed to put together a fast single lap or pull away from the pack.”
“Knowing I was missing that ultimate pace, I had to rely heavily on my racecraft. I stayed patient, sit right behind the leader in second place, and study their lines. I managed the tires perfectly, waiting until the final lap to finally make my ultimate push. To execute that plan perfectly and still take the victory feels absolutely incredible!”
“Winning a race when you aren’t feeling 100 percent comfortable on the bike makes this achievement even more rewarding. I am so deeply happy and proud of this result. I want to share this joy with my amazing team for all their hard work, our loyal sponsors, and of course, my family. This victory belongs to all of us!”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. VICENTE PEREZ SELFA – SPAIN (14’12.052s)
2. PEDRINHO MATOS – PORTUGAL (14’12.312s)
3. LUIS MIGUEL – SPAIN (14’12.323s)
4. MOHD RAMDAN ROSLI – MALAYSIA (14’12.626s)
5. JEAN KENTO TURNER – JAPAN (14’20.788s)
| RACE 2 WINNERS | DAY 3 | ROUND 4 SEASON 2026 |
