AZLAN RETURNED TO WINNING FORM
After a year away from the top step of the podium, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT made a triumphant return with a spectacular victory in Race 1 of the MSBK1000 A category during Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
Starting from pole position after setting the fastest qualifying time of 2’15.670s, Azlan launched strongly at the race start and took control of the race lead. Behind him, Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM slotted into second place, followed by Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA, while Azlan’s teammate Adam Norrodin settled into fourth. The leading group quickly formed an intense battle.
On Lap 3, the dynamics of the race changed when Adenanta served his Long Lap Penalty, allowing Kasma and Adam to move forward. With Azlan continuing to lead, Kasma began applying increasing pressure from second position, setting a series of fastest laps in pursuit of the race leader. Kasma’s impressive pace saw him reduce the gap dramatically, recording a 2’14.244s lap on Lap 5 to move within just 0.114s of Azlan.
Despite the relentless pressure from Kasma, Azlan remained calm and defended his position with precision. As the race entered its final stages, the battle intensified further, with Adam and Adenanta also fighting closely for the remaining podium positions.
On the final lap, Kasma continued to challenge for the victory, setting the fastest lap of the race at 2’10.884s, while Adam attempted to make a move but was unable to break through. Azlan held his ground until the chequered flag to secure an emotional victory with a total race time of 22’26.031s.
Kasma finished just 0.717s behind in second place with 22’26.748s, while Adam completed the podium for AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT after crossing the line in 22’26.957s. Adenanta and Mohd Fahmi Abdul Wahaf of FGRT PROJECT ONE completed the top five.
Azlan commented, “It feels amazing to win again after such a long time away from the top step. Since taking a one-year break, this victory means a lot to me and the whole team. It’s a very special feeling because we have worked so hard to come back stronger.
“The race was extremely challenging because the conditions were difficult, with some parts of the track wet and others dry. It was not easy to find the perfect rhythm, so I had to stay focused, manage the bike carefully and make sure I didn’t take unnecessary risks.
“My strategy was to stay close to the front, understand the conditions and wait for the right moment. At one point, I saw Kasma making a move to overtake me, but I managed to fight back, regain the position and from there I pushed even harder until the chequered flag.
“Alhamdulillah, this victory was beyond my expectations because I expected the battle to continue all the way until the final corner. I want to congratulate Kasma and all the riders for such a great fight today. Most importantly, I want to thank my team for preparing an amazing bike, especially in these difficult conditions. Their hard work and support made this victory possible.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (22’26.031s)
2. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (22’26.748s)
3. ADAM NORRODIN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (22’26.957s)
4. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (22’27.414s)
5. MOHD FAHMI ABDUL WAHAF – FGRT PROJECT ONE (23’26.446s)