IZAM WON, KHAIRUL CHAMPION

Race 1 of Round 4 in the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP’s MSBK600 category at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered an intense battle, with Md Izam Ikmal Izamli of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA narrowly claiming victory over Khairul Idham Pawi of HONDA RACING MYS. Despite finishing second, Khairul’s consistent performance throughout the season earned him the overall 2025 MSBK600 championship title.

At the start, Izam surged to the front, leading the race ahead of Cao Viet Nam of HONDA RACING VIE TEAM in second, and Khairul Idham Pawi in third. Farres Putra Md Fadhil of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MYS slotted into fourth, with Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of HONDA RACING MYS in fifth.

By Lap 2, Viet Nam overtook Izam to take the lead, while Khairul set the fastest lap of 2’13.044s on Lap 3, moving into second and chasing the Vietnamese rider. Izam remained in third as Irfan crashed out of the race. Lap 4 saw Khairul seize the lead from Viet Nam, with Izam quickly reclaiming second by overtaking from the inside line and closing in on Khairul. Farres maintained a solid fourth position.

As rain began to drizzle on Lap 6, the intensity between Khairul and Izam only increased. Both riders exchanged positions multiple times, with Khairul gaining advantage in the corners and Izam pulling ahead on the straights. By the final lap, the two riders were neck-and-neck, trading overtakes nearly every turn. In a breathtaking finish, Izam edged Khairul by just 0.043s to cross the line in 22’25.027s. Khairul completed a hard-fought second in 22’25.070s, while Viet Nam secured third in 22’32.113s.

Although finishing second in Race 1, Khairul’s season-long consistency allowed him to collect 127 points, 29 points ahead of Farres, and secure the overall 2025 MSBK600 championship title.

Izam said, “Today’s race was incredible. The weather changed mid-race, and I didn’t expect some corners to be wet, which made the track quite slippery. I couldn’t push 100 percent. Khairul also had strong pace here. At the start, I had a gap on him, but I tried to close in. At the same time, I began losing rear tire grip, so I had to adjust my strategy to prevent him from pulling away. The last lap was unbelievable. I didn’t expect him to overtake me in a corner, but Alhamdulillah, I managed to fight back, overtake him, and secure the win today.”

Khairul said, “At the start of the race, I had a decent start, but I lost a few positions. I chased back and managed to stay at the front. But when the rain started, I played it safe. By the time Izam caught up behind me, I knew I had an advantage in the corners, but on the straights, I couldn’t match his speed. Nevertheless, I am still grateful to have earned this championship title.”

SIC AND TWMR WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO AEON CREDIT (M) BERHAD FOR THE SUPPORT RENDERED THIS WEEKEND DURING AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP.

TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. MUHD IZAM IKMAL IZAMLI – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MYS (22’25.027s)
2. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – HONDA RACING MYS (22’25.070s)
3. CAO VIET NAM – HONDA RACING VIE TEAM (22’32.113s)
4. FARRES PUTRA MOHD FADHIL – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MYS (22’32.274s)
5. ZHOU FENGLONG – CHINA (23’43.619s)