Category: MSBK1000

HOME VICTORY FOR KASMA

Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA delivered a strong performance to secure victory in Race 2 of the MSBK1000 A category during Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. The race got off with Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT and Kasma made their moves from the front row, but it was Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who emerged ahead to take control of the opening lap. Adam Norrodin of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT slotted into fourth position, with Abhijith Satya Prasad of RACEHUB RACING TEAM completing the early top-five order. Adenanta maintained his advantage into Lap 2, with Kasma staying close behind and immediately searching for an opportunity to challenge. Despite an early attempt from the Yamaha rider, Adenanta defended his position strongly to keep the lead. However, Kasma’s pace continued to improve as the race progressed. On Lap 3, the Malaysian rider produced the fastest lap of the race at 2’08.231s before making a decisive move on Adenanta to take over the lead. From there, Kasma began building his advantage, setting another fastest lap on Lap 4 with a stunning 2’07.638s as he looked to break away from the chasing pack. Behind the leader, Adenanta continued his pursuit while Adam maintained third place ahead of Azlan, who remained within striking distance and constantly searching for an opportunity to move into the podium positions. Abhijith continued his consistent run inside the top five. By Lap 6, Kasma had extended his lead, with Adenanta trailing by 2.755s. Despite pushing hard, the Indonesian rider was unable to close the gap, although he recorded an impressive top speed of 291.90kph on Lap 9 in his attempt to challenge for victory. On final lap, Kasma remained composed at the front while Adenanta held second position and Adam faced intense pressure from his own teammate Azlan. Adam successfully defended his position until the chequered flag, securing the final podium spot. Kasma crossed the finish line victorious with a winning time of 21’29.916s, followed by Adenanta in second at 21’33.136s, while Adam completed the podium in third with 21’35.977s. Kasma stated, “Alhamdulillah, winning was definitely my target coming into this race. We knew Adenanta was not at 100% yet, especially after the injury he suffered during the Suzuka 8 Hours, but I see this as a good training opportunity for both of us as we prepare for ARRC Round 4.” “During the race, I wasn’t able to push as much as I wanted, and my pace was not quite at the level of my usual lap times. However, Alhamdulillah, I’m still very grateful to have secured the victory. The race was a good test for me, and it gave me valuable feedback on where we need to improve.” “A huge thank you to my team for their hard work, dedication and continuous support throughout the weekend. This victory gives us great confidence and motivation as we continue preparing for the next challenge ahead.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (21’29.916s) 2. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (21’33.136s) 3. ADAM NORRODIN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (21’35.977s)
4. AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (21’36.725s) 5. ABHIJITH SATYA PRASAD – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (22’37.452s)

SANTHIRAN, WEEKEND CHAMPION

Santhiran A/L Naga Raju of RACEHUB RACING TEAM continued his remarkable momentum in the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 by completing a flawless weekend at Round 2 of the championship, securing his second consecutive victory in the MSBK1000 B category at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Starting from the front row of the grid, Santhiran made a strong launch off the line to immediately take control of Race 2, leading the field into the opening corners ahead of Kamarul Izad Ishak of KHSRT and Jeff Chong of B. A TUNING. However, the race quickly saw changes in the order after Kamarul and Martin Noh of FGRT PROJECT ONE crashed out, reshaping the battle at the front. Santhiran remained composed despite the pressure behind him, maintaining his pace and controlling the race from the opening laps. By Lap 2, He Junpeng of SILVER STEED RACING TEAM moved into second position, with Jeff Chong following closely in third. The leading group continued to evolve as Junpeng later dropped out of the podium battle on Lap 4, allowing Alvinderjitsingh to move into third place. Santhiran continued to extend his advantage while Jeff Chong settled into second position. Behind them, Alvinderjitsingh, Theva Kumaran from Singapore and Wesley Lim Shing Shiong of RACEHUB RACING TEAM fought closely for the remaining top-five positions, with Wesley eventually moving ahead of Theva on Lap 8. On final lap, Santhiran maintained his focus and delivered a controlled performance to cross the chequered flag first with a winning time of 23’01.415s. Jeff Chong secured second place at 23’09.644s, while Alvinderjitsingh completed the podium in third with 23’21.442s. The victory marked Santhiran’s second win of the weekend, confirming him as the MSBK1000 B Weekend Champion for Round 2 and further strengthening his championship campaign. Santhiran shared, “I was quite nervous actually because previously I did not have the best pace in dry track conditions. Last round, it was wet all the way, so that was my week. This weekend, qualifying went really well as I went out early and managed to secure pole position in MSBK1000 B.” “Today, I was nervous because the weather was perfect and the faster riders were doing 2’15s and 2’16s. I thought they would catch me, but my target was to get a good launch and have a strong first two laps before settling into my own rhythm.” “Thankfully, with God’s blessings and the support from my family, those first two laps were fantastic. After that, I had clear track ahead of me and could focus on maintaining my pace. I saw some incidents happening behind, but for me it became a smooth and enjoyable race. I am extremely grateful to my team and everyone who supported me throughout this weekend. This result means a lot to us.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (23’01.415s) 2. JEFF CHONG – B. A TUNING (23’09.644s) 3. ALVINDERJITSINGH – MALAYSIA (23’21.442s) 4. WESLEY LIM SHING SHIONG – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (23’28.528s) 5. THEVA KUMARAN – SINGAPORE (23’29.519s)

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)

SANHTIRAN’S DREAM RUN CONTINUES

Malaysian rider Santhiran A/L Naga Raju of RACEHUB RACING TEAM continued his impressive momentum in the Round 2 of MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 by securing a hard-fought victory in Race 1 of the MSBK1000 B category at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. As the race started, Santhiran made a strong getaway to lead the opening lap. However, the battle at the front quickly intensified as Kamarul Izad Ishak of KHSRT mounted a strong challenge, taking over the lead on Lap 2. The opening laps saw constant position changes as Santhiran remained within striking distance of Kamarul, while Martin Noh of FGRT PROJECT ONE, He Junpeng of SILVER STEED RACING TEAM, and Jeff Chong of B. A TUNING fought closely behind. Santhiran showed patience and race maturity as he stayed behind Kamarul, carefully studying his rival’s pace before making his move on Lap 4 to reclaim the lead. However, the battle was far from over as Kamarul responded strongly on Lap 5, briefly returning to the front. With only 0.394s separating the two riders on Lap 6, the intensity continued to rise. Santhiran eventually made his decisive move on Lap 7, overtaking Kamarul once again and immediately began building his advantage at the front. Despite the changing track conditions following earlier rain, Santhiran remained composed and managed the tricky surface confidently. As the circuit continued to dry, the Malaysian rider improved his pace lap by lap, controlling the race until the chequered flag to claim the victory at 23’29.050s. Kamarul crossed the finish line in second place, just 3.674s behind the winner, while He Junpeng of SILVER STEED RACING TEAM completed the podium after a strong and consistent performance. Alvinderjitsingh from MALAYSIA and Jeff Chong of B. A TUNING rounded out the top five. Santhiran shared, “It was a really good race overall. I was happy with my qualifying performance earlier in the morning because I managed to go out just before the rain arrived, which allowed me to secure a strong starting position and build confidence for the race. My plan was to get a good launch and stay with the front group in the opening laps, and thankfully I managed to do that.” “I was able to race with the MSBK1000 A riders for about three laps, which was a great experience as I could learn from their pace and riding style. After that, I focused on my own rhythm and maintained a consistent pace. When Kamarul overtook me, I stayed behind him, studied his pace and waited for the right opportunity before making my move. Once I got ahead, I concentrated on maintaining my pace until the finish.” “The track conditions continued improving as the surface became drier, and my lap times kept getting better, which gave me more confidence to push. Overall, it was a very positive race, and this victory means a lot to me. I want to thank my family, friends, sponsors and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. Their encouragement gives me the motivation to keep improving and fighting for more strong results.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (23’29.050s) 2. KAMARUL IZAD ISHAK – KHSRT (23’32.724s) 3. HE JUNPENG – SILVER STEED RACING TEAM (23’49.270) 4. ALVINDERJITSINGH – MALAYSIA (23’57.470s) 5. JEFF CHONG – B. A TUNING (24’05.867s)

KASMA RAISED THE BAR

Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA delivered a strong opening performance in the MSBK1000 A category after dominating the combined practice standings on the first day of Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Kasma set the pace in both Free Practice sessions, showcasing impressive speed and consistency despite continuing to adapt to significant updates made to his machine ahead of the weekend. Kasma began Friday’s sessions by topping Free Practice 1 with a lap time of 2’08.611s before raising the benchmark further in the afternoon session. The Malaysian rider produced the fastest lap of the day in Free Practice 2 with a blistering 2’07.508s effort, while also recording the highest top speed in the category at 156.5kph. His dominant performance placed him 0.951 seconds clear at the top of the combined standings, giving HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA a strong start. However, the fight behind Kasma remained highly competitive, with Indonesia’s Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM emerging as the closest challenger after a strong showing in Free Practice 2. The Indonesian rider improved throughout the day to secure second overall with a best lap of 2’08.459s. AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT continued to demonstrate strong pace with two riders inside the top four. Adam Norrodin, who finished second fastest in Free Practice 1, secured third overall with a best time of 2’09.255s, while teammate Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman completed the top four after setting a lap of 2’09.838s in Free Practice 2. Osama Mareai of OSAMA RACING TEAM rounded out the top five overall after recording a best lap of 2’12.427s during the opening practice session. Kasma commented, “Alhamdulillah, today’s Free Practice results were positive, and I’m grateful that we were able to finish the day in a good position. However, we still haven’t found the perfect setup yet because there have been many changes to the motorcycle, especially with the engine and the upgraded winglet.” “The new winglet is something that we need to understand properly because it’s not just about installing it and immediately getting the best performance. We need to find the right balance, understand how it affects the bike and adjust the setup to suit my riding style. Today was challenging because the feeling of the bike was different, and I needed time to adapt and regain full confidence.” “However, this is only Free Practice, and we still have Qualifying tomorrow where we can continue working and improving. The team has done a great job, and I appreciate all their effort in helping me adapt to these changes. We will keep pushing, analyse today’s data and try our best to improve further tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) 1. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (2’07.508s) 2. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (2’08.459s) 3. ADAM NORRODIN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (2’09.255s) 4. AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (2’09.838s) 5. OSAMA MAREAI – OSAMA RACING TEAM (2’12.427s)

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)

ADAM EYES TO TURN POTENTIAL INTO PODIUMS

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.”

SANTHIRAN CHASING PROGRESS, NOT JUST POINTS

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.”  

ADENANTA BOUNCED BACK IN RACE 2

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)

SANTHIRAN WEEKEND CHAMPION

Round 1 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit continued to deliver unpredictable drama, as Race 2 of the MSBK1000 B category unfolded in wet and challenging conditions. The race was initially delayed when a sudden change in weather during the warm-up lap triggered a red flag, forcing riders back to the pits. With rain intensifying, Race Direction declared a delay as teams quickly switched to wet tyres, setting up a shortened seven-lap sprint on a slippery and unpredictable surface. As the race started, Jeff Cheong of B.A TUNING launched strongly to take the holeshot, with Santhiran A/L Naga Raju from Malaysia close behind in second. Chau Chi Chuen, also of B.A TUNING, settled into third, followed by Teuku Irfan Affandy of TRIPLE A MOTOEXPERT. By Lap 2, Santhiran began to apply pressure on Jeff at the front, while the battle behind intensified as Wesley Lim Shing Shiong of SAVITAR TEAM ASIA moved up into fourth, tightening the leading group. The order briefly stabilised on Lap 4 with Santhiran leading Jeff, followed by Chi Chuen, and Wesley. Lap 5 proved crucial when Wesley capitalised on an opportunity to overtake Chi Chuen for third, reshuffling the podium fight. However, the changing wet conditions continued to test the riders, with constant position battles through Lap 6. Heading into the final lap, Santhiran held firm at the front, showing exceptional control and consistency under pressure. Jeff remained within striking distance but was unable to launch a decisive attack. Behind them, Chi Chuen fought back to secure third ahead of Wesley, while Alvinderjitsingh stayed in contention. At the chequered flag, Santhiran secured his second win of the weekend in 19’03.694s, confirming his status as Weekend Champion. Jeff Cheong finished second in 19’20.125s, just 0:394 seconds behind, while Chau Chi Chuen completed the podium in 19’32.575s. Santhiran said, “The conditions were really tricky after the rain, so I focused on staying consistent and avoiding mistakes. Jeff had strong pace early on, but once I found my rhythm, I managed to control the race. I’m really happy to take two wins this weekend and become the Weekend Champion. Big thanks to my team for the great setup in wet conditions. A big thanks to my brothers who supported me as sponsors for this race.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – MALAYSIA (19’03.694s) 2. JEFF CHEONG – B.A TUNING (19’20.125s) 3. WESLEY LIM SHING SHIONG – SAVITAR TEAM ASIA (19’32.575s) 4. CHAU CHI CHUEN – B.A TUNING (19’38.041s) 5. ALVINDERJITSINGH – MALAYSIA (19’58.964s)