In today’s combined practice sessions at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Raiyan Khardanee Mohd Sanusi of T.K.WONG RACING set the fastest time in the YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass category during the opening round of the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP. In Practice 1, Ahmad Iqram Danish Ahmad Ghazali of BAN HWA MOTORSPORT led with a fastest lap of 2’53:495s. He was followed by Muhd Iman Fahmi Senin of KSENG MOTOR, who clocked 2’53:537s, and Muhd Afiq Mohd Hamdan of HK MOTOR in third with a time of 2’53:587s. In Practice 2, Raiyan Khardanee Mohd Sanusi of T.K.WONG RACING took the top spot with the fastest lap time of 2’52:618s, with a top speed of 115.60km/h. Iman secured second place with a time of 2’52:879s, just 0.261s behind Raiyan. Muhd Syahmi Aiman Mohd Shafie of UNITED RACJ RACING SPIRIT took third place with a time of 2’52:983s. Overall, Raiyan topped the combined practice results, with Iman and Syahmi rounding out the top three. Raiyan commented, “I was only focused on getting the feel and rhythm with the bike. I’m happy to be able to lead overall. I hope I can achieve a good result in tomorrow’s race.” Top 5 Fastest – Free Practice (Combined) 1. Raiyan Khardanee Mohd Sanusi – T.K.WONG RACING (2’52:618s) 2. Muhd Iman Fahmi Senin – KSENG MOTOR (2’52:879s) 3. Muhd Syahmi Aiman Mohd Shafie – UNITED RACJ RACING SPIRIT (2’52:983s) 4. Muhd Adam Shahzhriel Mohd Azhrel – SOON HUAT SENG BROTHERS (2’52:986s) 5. Muhd Afiq Mohd Hamdan – HK MOTOR (2’53:013s)
The opening round of the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit featured the Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA R15M Race Elites category practice sessions, where Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli of GTMAX topped the combined practice session. In Practice 1, Muhd Khairi Asyraf Mahmood of SINGDECA DYNAMIC set the fastest lap with a time of 2’50:947s. He was followed by Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak of XL MOTOR in second with a time of 2’51:051s, and Izam in third at 2’51:653s. In Practice 2, Izam set the fastest lap time of 2’48:542s, reaching a top speed of 118.40 km/h, to lead the group. Muhd Idil Fitri Mahadi of NEW CHEN MOTORSPORTS, who posted a time of 2’49:898s, finished 1:356s behind Izam in second, while Muhd Haziq Mohd Hamdan of SOON CHONG RACING TEAM took third with a time of 2’50:086s. Overall, Izam was the fastest across both sessions, with Idil and Haziq rounding out the top three. Izam commented, “I felt happy that I was able to set a good lap time. However, we need to refine our performance even more. I really hope that this momentum continues, as I’m eager to compete for a spot on the podium in Race 1.” Top 5 Fastest – Free Practice (Combined) 1. Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli – GTMAX (2’48:542s) 2. Muhd Idil Fitri Mahadi – NEW CHEN MOTORSPORTS (2’49:898s) 3. Muhd Haziq Mohd Hamdan – SOON CHONG RACING TEAM (2’50:086s) 4. Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak – XL MOTOR (2’50:117s) 5. Muhd Adie Putra Sukarno – WELLY ASSORTED RAWANG RACING TEAM (2’50:246s)
The season opener of the Aeon Credit MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship will be back this weekend at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. MSBK1000 A and MSBK1000 B riders are fuelled up to embark and embrace the twist of fate that comes with the new season. It was an exciting scene in the MSBK1000 A race category last season when Thai lad, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand defeated home-ground rider, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of Horizon Racing Team with a 174-point finish. With both of them out of the race for the coming round, it’s the much-needed advantage for Kasma Daniel who finished third last season with a 6-point difference to score the big sweep this season. Having said that though, the entry list with a total of 14 riders from 6 different countries may not be as easy as it seems. Kasma said, “I don’t think I have the advantage here as it is not as easy as it may seem because there are strong contenders like Azroy and he is known to be highly competitive especially on Sepang grounds. I will only stay focused on building the momentum and creating a consistent pace throughout the race. My preparations are the same, mostly revolving around fitness training and building my stamina. For the 1000cc machine, that is one of the most important criteria. As for the machine, many of us know that Yamaha has not produced a new R1 therefore the machine that I will be riding is the same like the last 2 years. So, the challenge is pretty heavy since Honda and BMW have come up with a new machine. Nevertheless, I will still be as competitive as possible and try to be on the podium in all the races.” As for the MSBK1000 B race category, a total of 6 riders from 3 countries will participate in the challenge. Last season’s championship lead, Md Fahmi of FGRT Project will take a leap into the MSBK1000 A race category whereas 1st and 2nd runner up, Md Azlly Shaari and Heng Si Kiat will not be participating in the coming round. Theva Kumaran of Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team and Alvinderjitsingh on the other hand will be back once again to make the most of their participation.
The 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIOSHIP (MSBK) is turning up the heat with the arrival of reigning MSBK600 champion, Muhammad Helmi Azman, in the premier MSBK1000 category. Riding for Honda Racing Malaysia, Helmi’s promotion to the literbike class comes off the back of a near-flawless 2024 campaign—one that saw him clinch seven wins out of eight races to secure the MSBK600 crown in dominant fashion. Now, the ever-determined 25-year-old is ready to take on a new challenge at full throttle. “Looking back at the 2024 season, I can say it was a perfect year for me in MSBK600. The team and I were always focused on race pace, and every weekend, our target was to finish on top. The team worked really hard on the machine and the setup to make the bike more comfortable and easier for me to ride. It was a season full of teamwork, consistency, and good energy. I’m really proud of what we achieved together,” Helmi reflected with a smile. For Helmi, stepping up to the MSBK1000 category is more than just a promotion It’s the next step in his career journey. “This is a really good opportunity for me, and I’m very thankful to Honda Racing Malaysia for trusting me with this step forward. It’s a big moment for my future as a rider, and I will work really hard to make the most of it. I want to grow, learn, and be competitive in the top class,” he said. Transitioning from a 600cc machine to a 1000cc superbike, Helmi is embracing the challenge with open arms. “The 1000cc bike is obviously more powerful and heavier than the 600cc bike. The riding style is completely different, so I have to adapt quickly. I’m focused on getting the right feeling with the bike and understanding how to ride it well. I’m still in the learning process, but I’m giving my best every session,” he explained. Helmi’s preparation has been limited. “To be honest, I haven’t had a proper test on the 1000cc bike yet. My main experience came from riding at the Suzuka 8 Hours last year, so I’m using that mileage and experience to build my rhythm now,” he shared. Coming into the new season as the 600cc champion also brings a unique pressure, but it’s one Helmi welcomes. “I definitely put some pressure on myself because I want to fight at the front, and I believe I can do that. But at the same time, I know I need time to fully understand the bike and get into the rhythm. It’s all about balancing expectations and growth,” he added. As for his targets in his rookie MSBK1000 season? Helmi keeps it simple and ambitious. “I want to fight for the podium in every race. That’s the goal. And of course, I’m dreaming of being the champion again this year. I’ll keep pushing with the team to make it happen.” Whether it’s about learning, adapting, or chasing the top step of the podium, one thing’s for sure, the #1 plate holder from MSBK600 isn’t here just to make up the numbers. He’s here to win.
The season opener of the Aeon Credit MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship will take the grounds of the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. The MSBK600 race category will see the thrilling actions of highly competitive riders embracing the challenges of the circuit. Season 2024 saw Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team wowing the crowd with a straight 25-pointer in all the races except in Round 3, Race 2 where he succumbed to fourth position. But with the Malaysian rider out of the entry list for this season after claiming a two-consecutive championship title, the race category will now see the rise of other riders including Khairul Idham Pawi of Honda Malaysia Racing and new entry and PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix’s Wira KBS Champion, Farres Putra of Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia. Commenting on this entry, Farres said, “This is my first time riding on the 600cc machine and I have no idea what to expect as of now. I have done some research based on previous races and all I can say for now is that I would do my best. I have done some practices aboard the bike thought to understand the required setup but beyond that, not having the race experience first-hand may pose some expected challenges. In the race category, there will be many professional riders which will definitely add on to the challenge. The upside though, I get to learn from them. There is no real target on my part for now. Yamaha factory has been understanding enough to know that this is my first time however, on my part, I will learn as fast as I can, adapt where possible and do my best.” Apart from that, the MSBK600 will also be a highlight with the participation of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing riders like Cao Viet Nam from the Asia Production 250cc race category and Anupab Sarmoon from the SuperSports 600cc race category. Chinese Taipei rider, Chiang Chih Ying who made fourth last season will also be back for another year of challenge.
Round 1 of the Aeon Credit MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship is happening at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. The MSBK250 A and MSBK250 B will be back on track to stimulate the racing scene with its interesting entry list. Last season saw Irfan Ardiansyah of Honda NWN SCK Racing Team breaking through to take the big sweep in the MSBK250A race category with five podiums including two wins. This season, the Indonesian lad will be back once again alongside 24 riders from 7 different countries to mark his excellence in what will be one of the most challenging race categories in the championship. The question remains: Will Irfan be able to ward off the pressure in the face of highly competitive riders? Commenting on the race, Irfan said, “My goal is the same. I want to be the challenge among the front troops and be at the top. Definitely I want to try for the championship title once again. I think this season will be more competitive compared to last season so there needs to be precision. There is certainly no room for errors. Each year, the race category seems to be getting tougher. The entry list for this season looks challenging but most importantly, I need to stay positive and always believe in myself that I can do it like last season. Sepang circuit is a complete circuit and I enjoy riding there. It has some hilly parts and a long corner which I really like.” MSBK250 B race category on the other hand will watch two ladies, Siti Norsyafiyah of FKR CHV Racing and Saidatul Zakirah of Lady Boss Racing Team competing alongside the male counterparts from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China and Chinese Taipei. Last season, Rakha Bima of Honda NWN SCK Racing Team marked victory with a total of 115 points however with the Indonesian rider out of the entry list for Round 1, the riders may have found a different motivation to accelerate further in their games. A total of 9 riders will make up for the MSBK250 B race category. Among the riders who have showcased excellent skills and will graduate into the MSBK250 A race category from last season are 1st runner up, Md Naqib Rifqi who will team up with Honda Racing Malaysia and 3rd runner up Kabilesh Rajni of Team RACR Castrol Power1.
Round 1 of the Aeon Credit MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship will take place at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Md Izam Ikmal is thrilled to keep his championship momentum from last season and fight off the highly competitive troop in the Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA R15M Race Elites race category. It is a tough feat racing in a race category with a large troop swamping in at the same time but Izam was fearless in taking risks and careful to not make any errors. That resulted in victory at the top spot for Izam last season with a total of 92 points to his name however, the race category being an unpredictable one adds on to the challenge more so with highly competitive riders in the entry list like Arash Tsunami and Abdullah Qayyum who both took the second and third place respectively with a total of 90 and 71 points. Leaving dexterity aside, the other challenge would be the type of machine which is comparatively different from the underbone machine that the riders are familiar with. The riders who are mostly an extension of the PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship may be extremely skilled with the underbone machines however, it takes additional effort and capacity to adapt to a different riding technique required in this race category. Who will be the next promising rider in the race category? Izam said, “For this season, I will just be extra careful since I have other targets as well in the PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix and IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. For MSBK, I will utilise it as a training ground to enhance my riding techniques and but at the same time train up to ensure that I am on par with the other contenders. I want to make the cut once again for sure. For me, in terms of the machine, I don’t find any difference between the underbone and tank machine. I can adapt pretty quickly. Also, since I am riding the AP250 in ARRC, this would not be much of a problem for me. I believe I have the experience that is needed for this race category but whatever said and done, it also boils down to the situation during the race. So, let’s see how it goes.” As for Arash, he said, “For me, the challenges this season may be far greater than the last but I am all out to give the fiercest competition I can to the other riders. Of course, there is also the challenge of the machine especially that I am more suited to the underbone machine. As such, racing on a tank machine means handling my riding techniques which is different especially when entering the corners because the machine gets heavier. My weakness is probably the qualifying session but again, I will do my best to get the best lap time. My strength I think are the strategies on the last lap – I am pretty good at following the front group.” Qayyum on the other hand said, “Last year was super intense and everyone brought on their A-game. This year too, I am expecting an even tighter battle especially with the new talents coming in and everyone levelling up. For me, consistency and bike setup are key and of course, handling the pressure too counts. There is a big difference between riding the underbone machine and a tank bike – it is all about agility and quick handling, also, it is faster, heavier and more demanding especially on braking. I believe that I am good at adapting. I learn the tracks and setups quickly and I am also very focused during race. There are weaknesses as well. I am still working on launching more aggressively and not losing out in the first few corners. I have to work hard on closing the gap.”
Round 1 of the Aeon Credit MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship will take place at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. YAMAHA Y16ZR Race Masterclass returns this season with 29 riders in the entry list. Last season saw Md Adib Arsyad taking three wins and two podiums before bagging the victorious title with a total of 117 points to his name. With him taking a bold stance in the YAMAHA R15M Race Elites race category this season and out of the equation of YAMAHA Y16ZR Race Masterclass, it’s an opportunity for 1st runner up, Ahmad Iqram Danish to pull the strings in the inevitable nip and tuck of the race category and race to the top. Commenting on the upcoming race, Iqram said, “With Adib out of the equation, we have lost one contender – it could be both good and bad depending on how we see it. But I think there won’t be much of a difference in terms of competitiveness. We race on a big circuit ground which means all riders have a winning chance. The machine is a good one as it is compatible with my riding style. For us, the riders especially, who are still learning to ride on a big track, this is a good bike to learn on. The track too is a training ground that helps us work within the race line which is one of the important elements in racing. It is not that fast but not that slow too. The most important thing is optimising the machine that fits my riding techniques. To me, all riders are on par but I believe Akid and Jebat would be my main rivals as they work with very good strategies. They are also quite bold. My goal this season is to take the championship title.” While the rest of the top five riders remain the same and will be back for another season, the race category is bound to get feisty especially with new entries. The number of riders may differ from the last season with nine riders lesser but the race category which will utilise the underbone machine at 155cc will see riders optimising between slip-stream to make the cut, which makes up for its unique proposition. Jebat Zulkarnain, 2nd runner up of Season 2024 who will also be riding in the YAMAHA R15M Race Elites said, “This season will definitely be a challenging one especially with many new experienced riders with great calibre. But I am bucking up on my side especially with fitness and training sessions. Most importantly, I trust in my abilities 100%. I will give my best and make sure that there are no regrets. My goal is to be the overall champion or worse comes to worst, podium in each race.” Raiyan Khardanee on the other hand said, “While there are many experienced riders which raises the benchmark on a yearly basis, the most important thing for me is to make sure that the strategies work well with us. In terms of the machine, I know that all machines will be in its best condition, made for best optimisation. The preparations are very important. On my side, I have been doing endurance and speed training to maintain consistency. My goal is to make it on top.”