Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA laid down an early marker in the MSBK250 A 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. The Malaysian rider produced an impressive display of pace and consistency across both Free Practice sessions to emerge as the rider to beat heading into Saturday’s Qualifying. Despite encountering a minor clutch issue during Free Practice 1, Irfan Haykhal showed remarkable composure to set the fastest lap of 2’27.049s before returning even stronger in the afternoon session. With improvements made to the motorcycle’s setup, he lowered the benchmark to an impressive 2’26.440s while recording the highest top speed of the day at 136.27kph, comfortably securing the top spot in the combined standings. While Irfan enjoyed a productive opening day, the battle behind him proved equally compelling as several title contenders showcased the depth of competition expected throughout the weekend. Indonesia’s championship leader, Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM, made significant gains in Free Practice 2 to climb into second overall with a best lap of 2’26.613s, just 0.173 seconds behind Irfan Haykhal. Having dominated the opening round of the season, the Indonesian once again demonstrated the consistency and speed that have made him one of the favourites in the championship battle. Vietnam’s Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM completed the top three after carrying over his strong pace from the morning session. His best lap of 2’27.164s from Free Practice 1 was enough to keep him among the leading contenders despite narrowly missing out on further improvements in the afternoon. TEAM ACR’s rider Nazirul Izzat Muhd Bahauddin also delivered an encouraging performance to finish fourth overall after posting a personal best of 2’27.548s in Free Practice 2, while Ahmad Afif Amran of RAPIDO YAMAHA FIVEZERO RACING TEAM rounded out the top five with a fastest lap of 2’27.743s. Irfan Haykhal said, “Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly today, and I’m grateful to finish the day at the top. We did face a minor clutch issue during Free Practice 1, but thanks to the hard work of my team, we managed to stay focused and still put together a competitive lap. In Free Practice 2, we concentrated on improving the bike’s setup, and I could immediately feel the difference and gain more confidence with every lap.” “Even though we finished fastest today, I know nothing is guaranteed because everyone will take another step forward in Qualifying. We’re still looking for a better setup than what we had today, and I believe there’s still more time to find. My goal is to keep improving, deliver another strong performance in Qualifying, fight for pole position and give ourselves the best opportunity for Race 1.” TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) 1. MD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’26.440s) 2. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (2’26.613s) 3. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM (2’27.164s) 4. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHD BAHAUDDIN – TEAM ACR (2’27.548s) 5. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – RAPIDO YAMAHA FIVEZERO RACING TEAM (2’27.743s)
Filipino rider Carlsen Jacob Solis of FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM stole the attention after dominated both Free Practice sessions to emerge as the fastest rider in the combined standings of the MSBK250 B category on the opening day of Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Carlsen maintained his impressive momentum from the season opener with a flawless performance throughout Friday’s practice sessions. After setting the benchmark in Free Practice 1 with a lap of 2’31.644s, the Filipino further raised the bar in Free Practice 2 by improving his pace to a session-best 2’30.665s, while also recording the highest top speed of the day at 132.44kph. His consistent pace placed him comfortably at the top of the combined practice classification, reinforcing his status as one of the leading contenders heading into Saturday’s crucial Qualifying session. Close behind was Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTROL POWER1, who enjoyed another encouraging outing after clocking the second-fastest time in both practice sessions. Kabilesh improved from 2’32.754s in Free Practice 1 to 2’31.500s in Free Practice 2, finishing just 0.835 seconds adrift of Carlsen in the overall standings. His steady progression highlighted the strong pace he has carried into Round 2 as he continues to establish himself among the front-runners in the category. Completing the top three was Ng Wei Shyang from MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM. Wei Shyang showed significant improvement over the course of the day, lowering his lap time from 2’39.019s in the opening session to 2’36.058s in Free Practice 2 to secure third overall. Carlsen shared, “I’m really happy with how today went because we managed to finish P1 in both Free Practice sessions, but for me, the work is far from over. Practice is all about understanding the bike, finding the right rhythm and identifying the areas where I can still improve. We collected a lot of valuable information today, and I believe there’s still more performance to unlock.” “My goal for tomorrow is simple – stay consistent, keep building my confidence lap after lap and fight for pole position. I know the competition will be even stronger in Qualifying, so I can’t afford to relax. Every lap matters, and I want to keep pushing myself to be faster while maintaining a good rhythm. Hopefully, everything comes together, and we can start Race 1 from the best possible position.” TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) 1. CARLSEN JACOB SOLIS – FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM (2’30.665s) 2. KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (2’31.500s) 3. NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (2’36.058s)
Muhd Ali Imran Mohd Dzul Hijri delivered a strong statement of intent in t The opening sessions of Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 saw Muhd Ali Imran Mohd Dzul Hijri of KEAT SENG MOTOR topped the Combined Practice classification for the BERJAYA SOMPO YAMAHA R15M RACE ELITES category at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. In Free Practice 2, Ali Imran secured the fastest overall lap time of the day with a 2’51.756s effort, marking an impressive improvement from his earlier session. His performance placed him ahead of a tightly packed field, with several young talents separated by less than two seconds. The opening Free Practice session saw Muhd Ikram Dani of EL CHONG MOTOR leading the way after clocking 2’52.859s, narrowly edging BLH RACING TEAM rider Muhd Farhan Naqib Mohd Faiz, who stopped the clock at 2’53.194s. Muhd Afiq Syazanie Muhd Zaini of HOCK LIONG, Nuzzul Ady Muhammad Sudin of M H MOTOR and Ali Imran completed the top five in the first outing. However, the momentum shifted in the second session as Ali Imran found the perfect rhythm around the 5.543km circuit. The KEAT SENG MOTOR rider set the pace with a 2’51.756s lap, while Ikram Dani continued his strong form to finish second fastest at 2’52.885s. Adam Danial Abdul Fattah of ANN SENG MOTOR impressed with the third-fastest time of 2’52.931s, followed closely by Farhan Naqib at 2’52.964s and Ashraff Zaquan Bin Zainal Raif of LIANG SOON MOTOR at 2’52.974s. Ali commented, “During Free Practice 2, I tried to close the gap to the front group. I allowed the other riders to move ahead first, then I focused on chasing them and studying their pace. Alhamdulillah, the strategy worked well and I managed to finish as the fastest rider today,” said Ali Imran. “Of course, this is only the beginning and there is still a lot of work to do. The pace between the riders is very close, so we need to remain focused and continue improving the bike setup. For tomorrow’s Race 1, my goal is to stay at the front from the start. If I can create a gap from the group and maintain my rhythm until the finish, that would be the ideal situation. I will give my best effort and fight for the strongest result possible for my team.” TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) 1. MUHD ALI IMRAN MOHD DZUL HIJRI – KEAT SENG MOTOR (2’51.756s) 2. MUHD IKRAM DANI – EL CHONG MOTOR (2’52.859s) 3. ADAM DANIAL ABDUL FATTAH – ANN SENG MOTOR (2’52.931s) 4. MUHD FARHAN NAQIB MOHD FAIZ – BLH RACING TEAM (2’52.964s) 5. ASHRAFF ZAQUAN BIN ZAINAL RAIF – LIANG SOON MOTOR (2’52.974s)
Progress rather than outright results has become the driving force behind AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT as Muhamad Adam Mohd Norrodin heads into Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026, determined to capitalise on the valuable lessons learned during the season opener and take another step towards the front of the MSBK1000 A category at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Although he narrowly missed the podium with two fourth-place finishes in Round 1, Adam demonstrated encouraging pace and consistency throughout the opening weekend, remaining in contention for the top three until the closing laps of both races. More importantly, the season opener provided the team with valuable technical data that has strengthened its ongoing development programme, giving Adam confidence that both he and the team are moving in the right direction ahead of the second round. A key factor behind AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT’s progress this season has been the involvement of experienced Malaysian rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, who has joined the team to strengthen its technical development efforts. Beyond his role as a rider, Azlan Shah has contributed his extensive racing experience by providing important feedback on the motorcycle’s setup, performance and overall direction. For Adam, the collaboration has already produced positive results, with the team making meaningful improvements after gathering crucial information during the opening round, particularly in challenging wet track conditions. “This season has been a new challenge for us, but having Azlan Shah join the team has been a big advantage because he brings a lot of experience and knowledge, especially when it comes to motorcycle development. His feedback has helped the team understand the bike better and identify areas where we can continue improving,” said Adam. “During Round 1, we collected a lot of valuable data, especially from the wet sessions where the conditions were difficult and unpredictable. Those experiences allowed the team to learn more about the motorcycle’s behaviour and find better solutions for the setup. To see the team secure two podium finishes during the opening round was a very positive result, and it gave everyone extra confidence that we are heading in the right direction. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the progress we have made so far has been very encouraging.” Reflecting on his own performance in Round 1, Adam admitted that while finishing fourth in both races showed strong competitiveness, there was also a sense of disappointment knowing that he had the pace to fight for a podium result. “Looking back at Round 1, I would say it was a positive weekend overall because I was able to stay competitive and fight for a podium position in both races until the end. That gave me confidence because it showed that we have the speed and potential to challenge the riders at the front.” “Of course, finishing fourth twice was not exactly the result I was hoping for because the podium was within reach. Unfortunately, luck was not on my side during that round, and sometimes small moments can make a big difference in racing. However, I don’t want to focus too much on what we missed. Instead, I want to take the positives from that experience, continue improving and use it as motivation to come back stronger in Round 2.” Heading into the second round, Adam and the AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT crew have continued working on improving the motorcycle package, with a particular focus on finding a stronger setup for dry track conditions. “Since Round 1, the team has been working very hard to analyse the data and improve the motorcycle setup. Our main focus for Round 2 is to be better prepared for dry conditions because we want to have a more complete package that allows us to perform consistently throughout the weekend.” “Every member of the team has been putting in a lot of effort behind the scenes, and I really appreciate their commitment. The development process is not always easy, but everyone is motivated because we know there is still more potential that we can unlock.” While the team has made progress, Adam acknowledged that there are still areas that require further improvement, particularly in terms of electronics and top-speed performance. “We are still facing some challenges with top speed, but our biggest focus remains the electronics package because we believe there is still significant room for improvement in that area. The electronics play an important role in helping us maximise the motorcycle’s performance, especially when fighting against strong competition,” Adam explained. “We know what areas we need to work on, and the team is continuing to search for the best solutions. Step by step, we are improving, and I believe the hard work will eventually translate into stronger results on track.” With the lessons from Round 1 and continued development behind them, Adam remains confident that AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT can once again challenge for podium positions in Round 2. “If everything comes together according to plan, Azlan Shah and I will once again aim to fight for podium positions, just like we did in Round 1. That is our target, and we believe we have the potential to achieve it,” said Adam. “The competition in MSBK1000 A is always very strong, so we know it will not be easy. But we are coming into this weekend with confidence, determination and a clear goal. I want to give my best for the team, continue improving with every session and hopefully reward everyone’s hard work with a strong result.”
Malaysian rider Santhiran A/L Naga Raju enters Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 with renewed confidence but a clear understanding of the challenges ahead after delivering a dream debut in the opening round of the season. Making his first-ever appearance in the championship, Santhiran exceeded expectations in the MSBK1000 B category by claiming two race victories and collecting the maximum 50 championship points at Round 1. The impressive result immediately placed him at the top of the standings, despite arriving at the season opener with the modest target of gaining experience and finishing inside the top five. For Santhiran, the perfect start was a moment he never expected. “Honestly, the result was a big surprise for me. Since this was my first time competing in MSBK, my main goal was simply to finish inside the top five and learn as much as possible. Everything was new to me, from the level of competition to the professional racing environment.” “I came into the weekend wanting to gain experience and enjoy the opportunity. To walk away with two race wins and maximum points was an incredible feeling. It gave me a lot of happiness and motivation, but at the same time, I know this is only the beginning and there is still a long season ahead.” Despite his strong start, Santhiran refuses to let the early success create unnecessary pressure or overconfidence. “Going into Round 2, I won’t take the results from the first round for granted. I know the other riders are very strong, and during the dry sessions, some of them were actually faster than me. That shows me there is still a lot of work to do.” “The confidence is definitely there, but I believe hard work and continuous improvement are more important. I need to keep learning, keep pushing, and stay focused on improving every time I go on track.” The Malaysian rider has also enjoyed his first experience competing in MSBK, describing the championship as an important platform for his growth as a racer. “So far, the experience has been amazing. MSBK gives me the opportunity to experience racing in a more professional environment, and I have learned so much from every session.” “It is physically and mentally demanding, but that is also what makes it exciting. The challenges push me to become a better rider, and I truly appreciate every opportunity to be part of this championship.” One of the key factors behind Santhiran’s success in Round 1 was his ability to remain calm and composed despite unpredictable weather conditions throughout the weekend. “I would say my mental strength played a big role. I am naturally a calm person, and I tried not to let the pressure affect me. I had a good launch from the grid, and after that, I kept reminding myself to stay calm, focus on the race, and avoid making unnecessary mistakes.” “In difficult conditions, having the right mindset is very important. I trusted myself, stayed patient, and focused on finishing the race.” While his dream debut has placed him among the early contenders, Santhiran believes there is still plenty of room for improvement before thinking about championship glory. “To be honest, I still have a lot to work on. I don’t think I have reached my peak yet, and I believe I can still improve in many areas. My focus is to continue learning and become more consistent throughout the season.” “As for the championship fight, I will take it one race at a time. Every rider is experienced and fast, especially during practice and qualifying, so I cannot underestimate anyone. I will continue giving my best and focus on my own progress.”
After making an encouraging debut in the highly competitive MSBK600 category, Malaysian rider Muhd Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi heads into Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 determined to build on the valuable lessons gained during the season opener at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Stepping up to the 600cc class for the first time in his racing career, Naqib demonstrated promising pace and maturity throughout Round 1 despite facing the steep learning curve that comes with handling a significantly more powerful machine. The Malaysian rider adapted quickly with consistent improvements in every session, culminating in an impressive third-place finish in Race 2 that placed him third overall in the championship standings. While a podium finish would normally be considered a successful start to the season, Naqib remains grounded and believes there is still considerable work to be done before he can consistently challenge the front-runners in the championship. Reflecting on his debut weekend in the MSBK600 category, Naqib described Round 1 as an important learning experience that boosted both his confidence and understanding of the motorcycle. “Overall, I think my performance in Round 1 was quite positive. It was my very first time racing a 600cc machine, so every session became a valuable learning opportunity for me. There were many new things I had to adapt to, from understanding the bike’s characteristics to managing the additional power and weight compared to what I had raced before. What made me happy was seeing my progress session after session. Every time I went out on track, I felt myself becoming more comfortable, more confident, and able to push a little harder. Of course, there’s still a long journey ahead, but Round 1 gave me a strong foundation to build on.” Despite standing on the podium in Race 2, Naqib admitted he was not completely satisfied with the result, believing there is still a gap between himself and the championship’s leading contenders. “I’m grateful for the podium because it’s always special to finish inside the top three, but honestly, I’m not fully satisfied with the result. I know there were circumstances that worked in my favour, especially after Kitsada suffered an injury during warm-up. I don’t want to rely on luck to achieve podium finishes. I want to earn them purely through performance and pace. During the opening laps, I managed to stay with Thanat and Khairul, and that experience was incredibly valuable. Watching how they approached different corners, where they braked, and how they carried their speed gave me a lot to learn. Racing alongside experienced riders like them motivates me because it shows me the level I need to reach.” Currently sitting third in the championship standings, Naqib knows the next step is improving both his physical condition and his ability to fully control the demanding MSBK600 machine over race distance. “To fight consistently with riders like Thanat and Khairul, I know I need to become stronger physically. The 600cc bike requires much more strength to control, especially during hard braking, fast direction changes, and over a full race distance. At the same time, I also need to improve my stamina because racing in Malaysia’s hot weather is extremely demanding. When you’re physically stronger, you can stay focused for longer, make better decisions, and continue pushing at your maximum pace until the chequered flag. That’s one of my biggest priorities right now.” After battling unpredictable weather conditions during the opening round, Naqib hopes Round 2 will provide more favourable conditions while anticipating another intense contest among the championship’s leading riders. “Round 1 was challenging because the changing weather made every session unpredictable. As riders, we always have to adapt quickly, but of course everyone hopes for stable conditions. I think Round 2 is going to be another exciting battle because every rider will come better prepared after learning from the opening round. The competition is going to be even closer, and that’s something I’m really looking forward to. Hopefully, we’ll have good weather so everyone can race at their full potential and give the fans an exciting weekend.” Although capable of adapting to changing conditions, Naqib admits he feels most comfortable racing on a dry circuit where every rider has the opportunity to push to their absolute limit. “Personally, I prefer racing on a dry track. In dry conditions, everyone has the confidence to push as hard as possible, and that’s where I enjoy competing the most. It becomes a real test of skill, bravery, consistency, and racecraft. Fighting against strong riders in those conditions pushes me mentally and physically, and I believe that’s the best environment for me to continue improving as a rider. Every close battle teaches me something new and helps me become stronger for the future.” Looking ahead to Round 2, Naqib’s focus extends beyond results, with his primary objective centred on continuous improvement as he continues adapting to life in the MSBK600 category. “For Round 2, my biggest target is to keep improving every time I go out on track. I want to understand the bike even better, improve my riding technique, and continue reducing my lap times. At the same time, I want to challenge the front riders more consistently and see how close I can get to them. I’m not putting unnecessary pressure on myself because I know this is still part of my learning process, but I want to leave the weekend knowing I’ve taken another big step forward. If I can keep improving in every session, I’m confident the results will eventually come.”
NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM rider Irfan Ardiansyah arrives at Round 2 of MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 full of confidence after delivering a flawless performance in the season opener, where he claimed victory in both races to collect the maximum 50 championship points. The Indonesian rider established himself as the early championship leader in the MSBK250 A category after showcasing impressive pace, consistency and composure throughout the opening weekend. Building on the momentum from his third-place finish in the overall standings last season, Irfan now heads into Round 2 determined to continue his strong form while remaining focused on the bigger picture. Reflecting on his perfect start to the season, Irfan credited the achievement to the collective effort of his entire team. “Of course, it’s a very positive way to begin the season. Winning both races and collecting the maximum 50 points is always satisfying, but this result wasn’t achieved by me alone. It was the product of everyone working together throughout the weekend. The team did an excellent job preparing the bike, making the right decisions and supporting me in every session.” “I’m really grateful for the effort everyone has put in because success like this only comes when the rider and the team work as one. This result gives us a great foundation for the season, but we all know there’s still a long way to go.” Although he enters Round 2 with a perfect championship tally, Irfan remains grounded and is determined not to let the early success affect his approach. “We’ll see what happens in Round 2, but my mindset hasn’t changed. I don’t want to think too far ahead or put unnecessary pressure on myself. My focus is simply on continuing the good work we’ve already started and bringing the same level of performance that we showed in Round 1.” “I just want to stay focused on myself, keep improving every time I go out on track and make sure we’re fully prepared for another competitive weekend. If we continue doing the right things, the results will take care of themselves.” Round 1 presented its own challenges, with changing weather conditions testing both riders and teams throughout the weekend. Nevertheless, Irfan remained one of the most consistent performers on the grid, thanks largely to the team’s technical preparation. “The first thing is always having a good bike setup because that gives you confidence in every condition. When the bike is working well, it’s much easier for the rider to understand what it’s needs and how to adapt when the conditions change.” “Throughout the weekend, the team and I worked really well together to find the right setup, and that allowed me to feel comfortable and stay calm even when the weather wasn’t ideal. Once you have that confidence in the bike, you can focus completely on your riding and making the right decisions on track.” Having finished third overall in last year’s championship, Irfan admits that his ambitions are much higher this season, even if he is taking a measured approach. “It’s still very early in the championship, but my goal is to become the champion this year. That’s what motivates me every time I get on the bike.” “At the same time, I know championships aren’t won in the opening round. You have to build them step by step, so my approach is to take it one round at a time and collect as many points as possible at every opportunity. If we can stay consistent throughout the season, we’ll give ourselves the best chance of achieving our goal.” Despite enjoying a dream start, Irfan believes the championship fight is only just beginning and knows there is still plenty of work ahead. “I believe in myself, my team and everything we’ve been working towards. The most important thing now is to stay focused on what I’m doing and not become distracted by anything else.” “We’ve started the season well, but every new round is another challenge. I know I have what it takes to fight for the championship, but I also know that I have to keep working hard because nothing comes easily in this sport.” With the MSBK250 A grid expected to become even more competitive as the season progresses, Irfan refuses to single out any particular rival. “Honestly, everyone is strong this season. Every rider and every team has the ability to improve, and that’s what makes the championship exciting. I respect all of my competitors because I know they will all be pushing hard to win.” “For me, it doesn’t really matter who my biggest challenger is because I’ll always prepare in the same way. I’ll give my maximum in every session, every qualifying and every race. That’s all I can control, and that’s exactly what I plan to do again this weekend.”
MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 resumes this weekend at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, where RACR CASTROL POWER1 rider Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan is determined to continue the momentum from an impressive season opener. Kabilesh heads into Round 2 as one of the championship’s leading contenders after a remarkable performance in the opening round, where he secured victory in Race 1 before finishing second in Race 2. The results earned him 45 championship points, leaving him tied at the top of the standings and setting the stage for what is shaping up to be an intense title battle. What makes his Round 1 achievements even more remarkable is that they came despite an injury sustained during the opening Free Practice session. “Round 1 was definitely a positive way to start the season, but to be honest, I still don’t feel like I was able to give my 100 percent. I broke my thumb during FP1, and from that moment onwards, it became very difficult to use both the throttle and the front brake properly throughout the weekend. Every session was challenging because I had to manage the pain while still trying to stay competitive. “Despite everything, we managed to come away with a win in Race 1 and a second-place finish in Race 2. I’m really proud of what we achieved because it reflects the incredible effort from the entire RACR CASTROL POWER1 team. Everyone worked hard to make the bike as comfortable as possible for me, and together we were able to maximise our results. Those performances have given us plenty of confidence heading into Round 2, and hopefully, with my thumb recovering well, I’ll be able to ride closer to my full potential this weekend.” With the championship standings incredibly tight, Kabilesh currently shares the championship lead with Carlsen, but the youngster remains calm and focused on his own objectives rather than getting distracted by his closest rival. “Carlsen is a really good rider and someone I respect because he has great pace and is always competitive. But honestly, I don’t see him as a threat in a way that changes my approach. My main focus has always been on improving myself, delivering my best performance every time I get on the bike and staying consistent throughout the season. If I can keep doing that, then I believe the results will naturally follow.” The strong start marks a significant turnaround from 2025, when Kabilesh endured one of the most difficult periods of his racing career after suffering a broken right femur. The injury prevented him from scoring any points in the opening two rounds before gradually rebuilding his confidence from Round 3 onwards. “Last season was probably one of the toughest moments I’ve experienced in racing. Breaking my right femur was a massive setback, both physically and mentally. Recovering from an injury like that takes a lot of patience, and coming back to the level where you can fight at the front again is never easy. “That’s why this year’s start means so much to me. To be back on the podium, fighting for victories and leading the championship again is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me how much hard work the team and I have put in over the past months. It also motivates me to keep working even harder because I know we are capable of achieving even more.” With several riders demonstrating race-winning pace in Round 1, Kabilesh believes consistency will ultimately decide who lifts the championship trophy at the end of the season. “The competition this year is very close, and I think that’s what makes the championship exciting. Every point is going to matter because the gap between the riders is so small. For me, consistency will be the key. My objective is to maximise the points available at every round, avoid unnecessary mistakes and keep finishing at the front. Over the course of a long championship, that’s what usually makes the biggest difference.” Reflecting on the lessons learned from the season opener, Kabilesh believes the team’s mindset will continue to be their biggest strength. “The biggest takeaway from Round 1 is our focus and determination. Even when things didn’t go according to plan because of my injury, everyone stayed calm, believed in the process and kept pushing until the very end. That’s the mentality we want to carry into Round 2 because there will always be challenges, and it’s how you respond to them that really matters.” As Round 2 approaches, the RACR CASTROL POWER1 rider has set a clear target for the weekend. “My hope is to score the maximum points possible and remain consistent throughout the entire weekend. Every session is important, from practice to qualifying and both races. If we can stay focused, keep improving with every outing and perform at our best, I believe we can come away with another strong result and continue building our championship campaign.”
For most motorcycle riders, the journey begins at a young age. From riding pocket bikes, slowly climbing the ranks through years of racing experience. But for Mohd Fahmi Abdul Wahaf of FGRT PROJECT ONE, the road into professional racing began differently. There were no junior championships. No childhood racing background. No early years spent on circuits. Instead, Fahmi’s journey began in 2022 with a purchase that would unexpectedly change the course of his life, with a Ducati Panigale V4. “First of all, I got involved in motorsports after buying my first superbike, a Ducati Panigale V4, in 2022,” Fahmi recalled. “I attended my very first track day in July 2022. After experiencing track riding for the first time, I realised that simply riding during track days was no longer enough for me. Something inside me wanted more. That was when I decided to join riding classes with Coach Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, and that marked the true beginning of my journey in racing.” What started as curiosity quickly evolved into commitment. Fahmi still remembers his first riding lesson with former national rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman on 22 September 2022, a moment he now sees as the turning point of his racing career. “At the beginning, my goal was simply to learn the correct riding techniques for track days,” he explained. “But over time, under Coach Azlan’s guidance, I improved and became more confident on the bike. Eventually, I shared my dream of becoming a racer with him, and he took my ambition seriously. From that moment onward, the training became much more intense and focused because we were no longer preparing just for track days, we were preparing for racing.” Unlike many riders in the paddock who began racing at a young age, Fahmi entered the sport later in life and directly into superbike racing, a path he admits came with its own challenges. “Yes, my journey is definitely different from most professional riders,” he said. “I started at a much later age, but age has never stopped my passion for motorsports. Every rider faces challenges in this sport. Some riders are naturally gifted and adapt very quickly. For me, I relied more on determination, discipline, hard work, and consistent training to reach this level.” That determination soon led him to the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, the platform that would ultimately shape his racing career. Fahmi made his debut in the MSBK1000 A category during Round 4 of the 2023 season at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit on 17 December 2023, which became a moment that remains unforgettable. “At that time, my best lap time at Sepang was around 2’19:000s,” Fahmi recalled. “Back then, I joined races mainly to gain experience and learn as much as possible. I was also very fortunate to begin my racing journey with FGRT PROJECT ONE, a team that gave me the opportunity and support during the early stages of my career.” But the rider who entered the grid then is vastly different from the one competing today. “Now, my mindset is completely different. Today, I race to compete with other riders and fight for podiums, victories, and championships.” While the journey has been rewarding, it has also demanded sacrifices. “The biggest challenges for me are fitness, time, and energy management,” Fahmi admitted. “At my current age, I have to compete against younger riders and full-time professional racers. At the same time, I also have responsibilities outside racing, including my career and family commitments. Because of that, I need to work even harder to remain competitive at this level.” Yet, through hard work and persistence, Fahmi’s progress in MSBK has opened doors far beyond Malaysia, earning him an opportunity to race in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Still, Fahmi never forgets where it all truly began. For him, MSBK was not just another championship. It was the platform that transformed a newcomer with zero racing experience into a rider capable of competing at a professional level. And for those who believe it may be “too late” to pursue a dream, here’s Fahmi’s message to all: “I believe there is no such thing as ‘too late’ in any field, including racing. The most important things are passion, dedication, consistency, and the willingness to work hard for your dreams.”
Round 1 of the 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered a thrilling wet-weather showdown in Race 2 of the MSBK1000 A category, where Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM produced a composed and decisive performance to secure victory and bounce back from a difficult Race 1. The race was initially delayed after a red flag was shown during the warm-up lap due to a sudden change in weather. With rain intensifying, Race Direction called teams back into the pits as they quickly switched to wet tyres, setting up a shortened seven-lap sprint on a fully soaked circuit. When the race finally got underway, Muhd Zaqhwan Zaidi from Malaysia immediately surged into the lead, setting a strong early pace despite the treacherous conditions. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA followed in second, with Adenanta settling into third ahead of Adam Norrodin and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT. By Lap 2, Zaqhwan was pushing at extreme pace, reaching 282km/h, but Adenanta remained close in the fight, just 0.276s behind. On Lap 3, Azlan made a significant move into second place with a fastest lap of 2’28.075s, closing rapidly on the leader, while Adenanta stayed steady in third and Adam continued a lone ride in fourth. Zaqhwan responded on Lap 4 with another fastest lap of 2’27.266s, but Azlan stayed within striking distance. Lap 5 saw Azlan push harder again with a 2’25.738s lap, tightening the battle at the front as Adenanta and Adam gradually edged closer to the lead group. The decisive moment came on Lap 6 when Azlan briefly took the lead, only for Adenanta to immediately counter with a clean and calculated overtake to seize first place. From there, he controlled the final lap under intense pressure. Adenanta crossed the line in 17’14.132s to claim victory, followed by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman in 17’16.001s and Muhd Zaqhwan Zaidi in 17’16.937s after a late charge. Adenanta said, “This weekend both races were wet, and it’s my first experience in these conditions in this category. Yesterday I had good pace but crashed on the last lap. I learned from that—today I stayed calm, improved lap by lap, and managed the tyres better. In the final laps, I knew I could push. Alhamdulillah for the win. This is important for my experience, and now I’m ready for Round 2 of ARRC in Buriram.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (17’14.132s) 2. AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (17’16.001s) 3. MUHD ZAQWHAN ZAIDI – MALAYSIA (17’16.937s) 4. ADAM NORRODIN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (17’17.188s) 5. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (17’25.305s)