IRFAN LAID DOWN THE PACE
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)