MARTIN STAYED AHEAD
Martin Noh of FGRT PROJECT ONE made an early statement of intent in the MSBK1000 B category after topping the combined practice standings on the opening day of Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
Martin showcased strong pace and adaptability throughout both Free Practice sessions to emerge as the rider to beat heading into Saturday’s Qualifying. He set the fastest time in both sessions, underlining his consistency and confidence as he continues to chase a strong result in one of the most competitive categories on the grid.
Martin began the day by setting the benchmark in Free Practice 1 with a lap time of 2’16.273s before raising the pace further in the afternoon session. Despite experiencing a crash at Turn 4 during Free Practice 2, he bounced back strongly to record the fastest lap of the day with a 2’15.595s effort, while also clocking the highest top speed in the category at 147.16kph.
His performance placed him 1.537 seconds clear at the top of the combined standings, giving FGRT PROJECT ONE a strong foundation heading into the crucial Qualifying session.
B. A TUNING’s rider Jeff Chong emerged as Martin’s closest challenger, finishing second overall with a best lap of 2’17.132s set during Free Practice 1. Jeff showed impressive consistency throughout the day, remaining among the front runners in both sessions as he continues his pursuit of a strong weekend result.
RACEHUB RACING TEAM’s Santhiran A/L Naga Raju also delivered another encouraging performance after securing third overall with a best lap of 2’17.315s in Free Practice 2. Fresh from his impressive debut performance earlier in the season, where he immediately established himself as a contender, Santhiran continued to demonstrate his growing confidence and speed in the MSBK1000 B category.
KHSRT rider Kamarul Izad Ishak completed the top four overall, while RACEHUB RACING TEAM’s Wesley Lim Shing Shiong rounded out the top five after setting his best time in Free Practice 1.
Martin stated, “I’m really happy to finish as the fastest rider today. It feels great to be able to show strong pace, especially here at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit with my team. However, the day was not completely easy because I had a crash at Turn 4 during Free Practice 2, and we are still working on understanding the Dunlop tyres better.”
“The feeling with the tyres is different, so we need more time and more laps to fully adapt and find the best combination with the bike. Every session is important because we are learning and improving step by step. I want to thank my team for their hard work, commitment and continuous support throughout the day.”
“Our target now is to keep improving the bike setup and prepare as well as possible for Qualifying. The goal is to start Race 1 from the front of the grid, so tomorrow will be another important challenge. We will give our best, stay focused and fight for the best possible position.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED)
1. MARTIN NOH – FGRT PROJECT ONE (2’15.595s)
2. JEFF CHONG – B. A TUNING (2’17.132s)
3. SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (2’17.315s)
4. KAMARUL IZAD ISHAK – KHSRT (2’17.481s)
5. WESLEY LIM SHING SHIONG – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (2’18.022s)