HELMI FOUND HIS RHYTHM
The MSBK600 category took to the track today for Round 3 of the 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Friday’s Combined Practice sessions highlighted a very clear objective for the fastest man on track: strict preparation for upcoming regional duties.
The opening day saw a closely contested session between two riders representing team MALAYSIA. In Free Practice 1, Khairul Idham Pawi set the initial benchmark with a time of 2’12.127s, narrowly edging out Muhd Helmi Azman who clocked a 2’12.252s. However, Helmi found a comfortable rhythm in the afternoon. During Free Practice 2, he posted a 2’11.670s on his third lap out of nine, reaching a top speed of 151.55kph. This effort secured him the fastest time in the Combined Practice standings, just slightly ahead of Khairul, who improved to a 2’11.865s in the same session.
Behind the leading duo, riders from HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA held firm in the middle of the top five. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil secured third overall with his Free Practice 1 time of 2’14.523s. His teammate, Ahmad Afif Amran, took fourth with a 2’14.893s logged during the afternoon session. Rounding out the top five was Khairulamirin Yahaya representing FKR CHV RACING, who recorded a 2’21.117s in Free Practice 2.
Helmi shared, “My primary purpose for competing in this round is to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming ARRC race next week at the Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia,” Helmi explained, showing the weight of his upcoming tasks. “During today’s sessions, I experimented with a completely new riding approach. At the same time, my mechanics brought in updated parts for us to test on track and gather critical performance data.
“We deeply needed these changes because, honestly, our performance during the previous round at this circuit was poor and quite frustrating. Fortunately, I can feel that the setup is much better this weekend, which gives me a real sense of relief. I am currently running a new ECU unit; although its operation is fairly similar to our previous setup, I still need to carefully study the data and analysis step-by-step with the team to maximize our improvements.
“The main target for this week is clear: we will go all-in to test the absolute maximum power and limits of the bike. I want to express my genuine, heartfelt appreciation to the entire team for their non-stop hard work. Getting everything ready to be fully competitive at the ARRC level is a tough, exhausting challenge, and I sincerely hope the effort we are putting in now translates into strong, positive results in Indonesia.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE
1. MUHD HELMI AZMAN – MALAYSIA (2’11.670s)
2. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – MALAYSIA (2’11.865s)
3. FARRES PUTRA MOHD FADHIL – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (2’14.523s)
4. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (2’14.893s)
5. KHAIRULAMIRIN YAHAYA – FKR CHV RACING (2’21.117s)