THANAT TOOK COMMAND
Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026, topping the combined practice standings in the highly competitive MSBK600 category at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
Thanat showcased impressive pace and consistency throughout both Free Practice sessions, establishing himself as the rider to beat ahead of Saturday’s Qualifying and Race 1. After setting the benchmark in Free Practice 1 with a lap time of 2’11.579s, the Thai rider returned stronger in the afternoon session, lowering his best time to an impressive 2’10.686s while recording a top speed of 152.69kph.
His outstanding performance placed him at the top of the combined standings, with teammate Kitsada Tanachot completing a HONDA RACING THAILAND 1-2 after setting a best lap of 2’11.676s in Free Practice 2.
The battle for supremacy remained intense behind the Thai duo, with HONDA RACING MALAYSIA riders Muhd Helmi Azman and Khairul Idham Pawi showcasing strong pace on home soil. Helmi, who finished second fastest in Free Practice 1, continued his impressive form in the afternoon session to secure third overall with a best lap of 2’11.755s, just 0.079 seconds behind Kitsada.
Khairul also delivered a strong showing, improving his pace throughout the day to finish fourth overall with a time of 2’12.261s, further highlighting the strength and depth of the HONDA RACING MALAYSIA squad heading into the crucial weekend sessions.
Completing the top five was Malaysian rider Muhd Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi, who produced an encouraging performance in Free Practice 2 to secure fifth overall with a fastest lap of 2’13.370s.
Thanat shared, “Today was a very positive day for me, and I’m really happy to finish as the fastest rider. We are still learning because we are trying a new electronic setup, so every session is important for us to understand the bike better and find the right balance. The team has worked incredibly hard, and I’m grateful for their effort because they continue to support me and help me improve step by step.”
“This season, we want to fight for the championship. To achieve that, we cannot stop pushing. Today’s result gives us confidence, but tomorrow is a new challenge, and Race 1 will be completely different. I will give my best, stay focused and fight until the end.”
“The competition this round will be very strong, especially with the new riders from Honda Racing Malaysia. Helmi and Khairul are both very fast and experienced riders, so I know the battle will be tough. I will try to learn from them, challenge myself and give everything I have on track. We will keep pushing and fighting for the best result.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED)
1. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (2’10.686s)
2. KITSADA TANACHOT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (2’11. 676s)
3. MUHD HELMI AZMAN – HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’11.755s)
4. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’12.261s)
5. MUHD NAQIB RIFQI ZULHELMI – MALAYSIA (2’13.370s)