Category: MSBK1000

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)

ZAQHWAN STUNNED SEPANG IN LATE DRAMA

  Race 1 of the MSBK1000 A category at Round 1 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit saw Muhd Zaqhwan Zaidi from Malaysia seizing victory in dramatic fashion after a chaotic final lap. Zaqhwan made a strong start but was quickly shuffled back as Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT took control. By Lap 2, Azlan was leading at 272km/h, with Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA emerging as a key contender, while Adam Norrodin of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT and Zaqhwan remained in close pursuit. The battle intensified through the mid-race stages, with multiple lead changes between Azlan, Kasma, Adenanta, and Adam. Fastest laps tumbled—2’23.907s from Kasma, 2’22.366s from Azlan, and 2’22.124s from Adenanta—as the front group stayed tightly packed, reaching speeds of over 285km/h. In the closing laps, the fight reached its peak. Adam briefly took the lead on Lap 9 before being repassed by Adenanta, setting up a five-rider showdown heading into the final lap. Drama struck immediately when Adam crashed at Turn 1, followed shortly by Adenanta, handing the advantage to Kasma, with Zaqhwan right behind and Azlan in third. On the final corner, Zaqhwan made his move. Timing it to perfection, he overtook Kasma and powered to the line to win in 23’56.849s, just 0.071s ahead. Kasma settled for second, while Azlan completed the podium after a race-long fight at the front. Zaqhwan said, “Actually, in the first lap I didn’t feel confident. I was 50-50 and thought maybe I could only finish around fifth because it was hard to reach the front group. But in the last four laps, things got better. I caught up step by step, and I believed I could fight for the podium. I stayed patient, watched for their mistakes, and in the final lap, I took the opportunity.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. MUHD ZAQWHAN ZAIDI – MALAYSIA (23’56.849s) 2. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (23’56.920s) 3. AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (23’57.574s) 4. ADAM NORRODIN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (24’16.171s) 5. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (24’28.856s)

ZAQHWAN CONQUERED PRACTICE SESSION

  The MSBK1000 A category at the opening round of the MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, where Muhd Zaqhwan Zaidi from Malaysia emerged as the fastest overall in the combined practice sessions. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA led the way in Practice 1, setting the fastest lap time of 2’08.012s. He was followed by Zaqhwan in second with a time of 2’08.075s, and Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in third at 2’08.400s. In Practice 2, Zaqhwan further improved his performance, posting a best lap time of 2’06.535s, reaching a top speed of 157.70km/h to take the lead. Adenanta placed second after setting a lap time of 2’07.831s, 1.296s behind Zaqhwan. Kasma, meanwhile, posted the third-fastest lap time of 2’08.280s. With the combined results from both practice sessions, Zaqhwan was the fastest overall, while Adenanta placed second and Kasma took third. Zaqhwan commented, “I think the engine was quite good during Practice. We tested many things compared to last time, when we had some issues with the tyres and ECU. We needed to understand and solve those problems, and finally we managed to set a good lap time today. We will try to keep this momentum going into Qualifying and the Race. For sure, we will give our very best in every session.” TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) MUHD ZAQHWAN ZAIDI – MALAYSIA (2’06.535s) MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (2’07.831s) KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (2’08.012s) ADAM NORRODIN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (2’08.536s) AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (2’09.230s)

CHI CHUEN FASTEST ON DAY ONE

  The practice sessions in the MSBK1000 B category at the opening round of the MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, where Chau Chi Chuen of B.A TUNING topped the combined practice sessions. In Practice 1, Jeff Cheong of B.A TUNING set the fastest lap time of 2’16.793s, placing him in first position. Chi Chuen followed in second with a time of 2’17.884s, while Alvinderjitsingh from Malaysia took third place with a time of 2’18.867s. In Practice 2, Chi Chuen topped the session with the fastest lap time of 2’16.712s. Alvinderjitsingh came in second with a time of 2’18.165s, while Jeff finished in third place with a time of 2’18.768s. After the combined results, Chi Chuen emerged as the fastest overall, with Jeff in second and Alvinderjitsingh in third. Chi Chuen commented, “It’s my first year joining MSBK, but I have raced in Malaysia in another series before. For me, MSBK is really challenging and very competitive, and I’ve learned a lot here. I’m happy to have achieved a good result in Free Practice. In FP1, I was in second place while still getting used to the Dunlop tyres, which feel very good. In FP2, we tried some setup changes with the mechanics, and the team did a really good job. I was able to push a bit more and set a 2’16s lap. For tomorrow, I hope to maintain a similar momentum. My aim is to learn, not necessarily to be number one. If I can learn from more experienced riders, I’m already happy.” TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) Chau Chi Chuen – B.A TUNING (2’16.712s) Jeff Cheong – B.A TUNING (2’16.793s) ALVINDERJITSINGH – MALAYSIA (2’18.165s) SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – MALAYSIA (2’19.499s) TEUKU IRFAN AFFANDY – TRIPLE A MOTOEXPERT (2’19.764s)

AZLAN EMBRACES NEW CHALLENGE

In a move that has captured attention across the paddock, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman returns to the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) 2026 in the premier MSBK1000 A category, but this time, with an unexpected twist. Long synonymous with BMW machinery, Azlan’s switch to a Suzuki platform signals not just a change of bike, but a bold new chapter in a career built on experience, adaptability, and race-winning intelligence. For many, the image of Azlan on anything other than a BMW may have once seemed unlikely. Yet, for a rider of his calibre, evolution has always been part of the journey. What makes this transition particularly significant is not just Azlan’s role as a rider, but his value as a technical leader within the team. With years of top-level racing experience under his belt, Azlan brings with him a depth of knowledge that extends far beyond the throttle. It is something that proves invaluable in the highly competitive MSBK1000 A field. In fact, his presence within the team, AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT, goes beyond personal performance. Azlan has taken on a crucial role in guiding development and accelerating the progress of those around him, including fellow rider Adam Norrodin. Sharing insight into his responsibilities, Azlan explained, “My role within the team goes beyond just riding. I’ve been working closely with the crew to refine the overall setup and contribute to the development of the bike. There are always many areas that need to be understood and improved, especially when it comes to electronics and suspension. These are critical elements that can make a significant difference in performance. At the same time, I’ve been supporting Adam Norrodin to help him adapt more quickly by sharing my experience and working together on finding a stronger base setup. The goal is to help him reach a more competitive level as soon as possible, not just for the upcoming races, but also in the long term. For me, it’s about building something sustainable. When the team improves as a whole, the results will follow. I believe that by working together and continuously developing the package, we can become stronger with each round.” Azlan’s approach reflects the mindset of a seasoned rider who understands that success in modern superbike racing is no longer defined by individual brilliance alone, but by collective progress and technical precision. As he adapts to the Suzuki machine, questions remain on how quickly he can unlock its full potential in race conditions. However, if there is one certainty, it is that Azlan’s experience will play a decisive role, not just in his own campaign, but in shaping the trajectory of the entire team. In a championship where marginal gains can define the outcome, having a rider who can both perform and elevate those around him is a rare asset. And in 2026, Azlan may once again prove that his greatest strength lies not only in his speed, but in the legacy he builds within the team.