Race 2 in MSBK1000 A category at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit today concluded at Round 3 of the 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship. After facing mechanical heartbreak during Race 1, Adam Norrodin of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT claimed his much-anticipated first victory of the season. At the start of the race, Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made a solid launch off the line to take the early lead. Adam quickly slotted into second position, while polesitter Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA settled into third. Behind the leading trio, veteran rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT held fourth, and Mohd Fahmi Abdul Wahaf of FGRT PROJECT ONE took fifth. The battle for the front was fierce right from the opening laps. On Lap 2, Adam made his first move to overtake Adenanta for the lead. He immediately backed this up on Lap 3 by setting a fast lap time of 2’09.468s. However, Adenanta was determined to stay in the fight, pushing his machine to 290.3kph on the straights to keep Adam in his sights. On Lap 4, the Indonesian rider responded with a blistering 2’08.400s lap, successfully reclaiming the lead from Adam. Meanwhile, Kasma closely monitored the battle from third, sitting just 0.633s behind. The pace continued to heat up on Lap 5. Although Adenanta was leading, Adam clocked the fastest lap of the race at 2’08.194s, closing the gap to a mere 0.308s. By Lap 7, Adenanta was pushing his bike to the absolute limit, reaching a top speed of 291.1kph in an attempt to break away. Yet, Adam remained glued to his rear wheel, trailing by just 0.120s. Further back in the field, Fahmi successfully overtook Law Kien Huey of KHSRT to reclaim the fifth position. The decisive moment arrived on Lap 8 when Adam executed a clean and calculated overtake on Adenanta to retake the lead. Once in front, Adam maintained a clinical and composed pace. Despite a massive final-lap effort from Adenanta, who pushed his bike to an incredible 295.1kph, Adam held firm. He crossed the finish line first with a time of 21’32.776s, with Adenanta finishing a close second at 21’33.374s. Kasma completed the tight podium, crossing the line at 21’33.483s. Adam shared, “To be completely honest, I have been dreaming of securing this victory for a very, very long time. While we have managed to reach the podium with a P3 finish in the past, finally achieving my very first win is an incredibly special and emotional milestone for me. We actually had a genuine chance to take the top spot yesterday during Race 1, but unfortunately, we encountered some unexpected mechanical issues with the bike that held us back. Despite that setback, our pace has been remarkably strong throughout the entire weekend.” “The team has done an absolutely phenomenal job behind the scenes to bounce back from yesterday. Their dedication has been unmatched, sometimes staying up and working late into the night until 1am just to ensure that the bike’s setup was absolutely perfect for today’s race. It just goes to show that relentless dedication and hard work truly do pay off in the end. I want to dedicate this victory to every single person in the team who has poured so much time, effort, and long hours into this project over such a long period. We finally achieved what we set out to do together. Hopefully, we can carry this momentum forward and repeat this fantastic result in the next round.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. ADAM NORRODIN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (21’32.776s) 2. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (21’33.374s) 3. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (21’33.483s) 4. AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (21’41.755s) 5. MOHD FAHMI ABDUL WAHAF – FGRT PROJECT ONE (22’36.043s)
Round 3 of MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit is concluded, Muhammad Idham Fathris Mazlan of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM showcased excellent late-race pace to secure the victory, but it was Santhiran A/L Naga Raju of RACEHUB RACING TEAM who claimed the Weekend Champion title. As the race began, Kamarul Izad Ishak of KHSRT surged to the front to take the early lead, with Santhiran closely following in second. Jeff Chong of B.A TUNING settled into third, while Fathris started his steady campaign from fifth position. On the second lap, Santhiran made his move, cleanly overtaking Izad to lead the pack. Meanwhile, Fathris began his climb up the field, slotting into third. Santhiran held the lead through the middle stages of the race, but the pressure behind him was constant. By Lap 4, Izad was just 0.500s behind the leader, waiting for an opportunity to strike. On Lap 6, both Izad and Fathris found their window, overtaking Santhiran to demote him to third. The momentum was clearly with Fathris, who then successfully passed Izad on Lap 7 to take over the race lead. Once in front, Fathris maintained a composed ride, holding off Izad for the final three laps to cross the finish line first at 22’41.117s. Izad secured a strong second place at 22’42.898s, while Santhiran safely crossed in third at 22’51.299s. Further back, Alvinderjitsingh from Malaysia made a late move on Lap 9 to overtake Jeff, securing fourth place. Despite finishing third in Race 2, Santhiran’s victory in Race 1 earned him enough points to be crowned the Weekend Champion. Santhiran shared, “To be completely honest, this victory comes down to pure, relentless hard work. Especially for this particular round, the team has put in an incredible amount of effort behind the scenes. We focused heavily on strategy, making sure that we rode smartly using our minds, tactics, and careful planning, rather than just acting on adrenaline or raw emotion out on the track.” “The race itself was exceptionally challenging. Within just the first three laps, I started to lose grip in my rear tire. I suspect it had something to do with the bike’s setup today, but rather than panicking, I knew I had to adapt and simply manage the race to survive. At one point, Izad overtook me, and shortly after, Fathris managed to get past me as well. It is always hard for a rider to give up positions, but I stayed calm, did some quick mental calculations regarding the points and standings, and realized that even by letting them pass safely, I would still secure P1 overall.” “To walk away as the back-to-back Weekend Champion is an absolutely incredible feeling. I am immensely happy and deeply proud of myself and what this team has accomplished. It has been a demanding journey, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me, especially my family, my wife, my friends, and all of my sponsors who make this possible. Finally, a huge thank you to MSBK for providing us with this amazing platform to race and showcase our talents.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. MUHAMMAD IDHAM FATHRIS MAZLAN – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (22’41.117s) 2. KAMARUL IZAD ISHAK – KHSRT (22’42.898s) 3. SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (22’51.299s) 4. ALVINDERJITSINGH – MALAYSIA (23’06.260s) 5. JEFF CHONG – B.A TUNING (23’07.942s)
The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered another spectacular showcase of racing this weekend for Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026. Race 2 of the MSBK600 category saw Muhd Helmi Azman from Malaysia claimed his second victory of the round. Off the starting line, Helmi made a bold and decisive move to take early control of the race. He was closely followed by Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA and Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi. The dynamic quickly shifted on Lap 2 when Khairul found an opening to overtake Helmi for the lead. Unfazed, Helmi fought back on Lap 3, setting a blistering fastest lap of 2’12.440s to reclaim the front position, establishing a slight 0.240s buffer over Khairul, while Farres began to drop back. The middle of the race saw Helmi maintained a narrow lead until Lap 6, when Khairul managed to slip past him once again. However, Helmi’s response on Lap 7 was the defining moment of the race. He decisively overtook Khairul and immediately increased his pace, quickly building an 0.833s gap. Further down the field, Ahmad Afif Amran of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA made a strategic move past Farres to secure third place. Over the final three laps, Helmi flawlessly extended his advantage. He crossed the finish line with a total time of 22’17.271s, boasting a comfortable 4.740s lead over Khairul, who secured second place, while Afif finished third at 22’31.772s. Helmi said, “To be completely honest, today’s race really pushed us to the limit. The weather was incredibly hot out there, making it very physically demanding. We also decided to try something a bit different heading into today. While we used the standard Sepang tires yesterday with great success, today we switched to a newer version of the tires. It wasn’t entirely smooth sailing, I really struggled to find the right rear tire grip, and the pace definitely didn’t come as easily as it did yesterday. However, we understand exactly why that happened, and it’s a valuable lesson for us to improve moving forward.” “Thorough preparation is everything in this sport, and I truly believe my bike is performing at a much higher level in terms of speed right now. Because of that, I am incredibly excited for the upcoming ARRC race in Mandalika. I’ll be putting in the work to prepare myself even better. A massive thank you to my entire team for their endless hard work, and to everyone who has continually supported and prayed for me. This win is for all of you.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. MUHD HELMI AZMAN – MALAYSIA (22’17.271s) 2. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – MALAYSIA (22’23.112s) 3. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (22’31.772s) 4. FARRES PUTRA MOHD FADHIL – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (22’38.853s) 5. KHAIRULAMIRIN YAHAYA – FKR CHV RACING (23’28.398s)
Muhd Irfan Haykhal Amidi of HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM produced a sensational ride to claim victory in Race 2 of the MSBK250 A category after edging out Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril from Malaysia by a mere 0.001s in a breathtaking photo finish during Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Starting fourth on the grid, Haykhal wasted no time making his intentions clear. The Malaysian rider charged through the opening lap to overtake pole sitter Danial immediately joined the leading group alongside Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM and Indonesia’s Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM, with the front four quickly breaking away from the chasing pack. The race took an unexpected turn on Lap 2 when Danial was handed a long-lap penalty for a jump start. Despite the setback, the pole sitter refused to surrender, continuing to push at the front before serving his penalty on Lap 4. The penalty dropped him more than 3.400s behind the leaders, leaving him with a mountain to climb in the closing stages. As Haykhal, Nguyen and Irfan battled fiercely for the lead, Danial began an extraordinary recovery. Setting a blistering 2’23.08s lap before producing an even quicker 2’24.471s on the final lap, faster than his own pole-winning qualifying time of 2’24.874s, he rapidly erased the deficit and rejoined the fight for victory. The final lap delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the season. Danial launched an aggressive move on the inside to seize the lead before the front three exchanged positions repeatedly through the final corners. Exiting the last turn, Haykhal and Danial raced side by side towards the chequered flag, with the winner impossible to determine by eye. Although Danial initially appeared to have taken the victory as the pair crossed the finish line, the official result confirmed Haykhal as the winner by the narrowest of margins by just 0.001 seconds following a photo finish. Huu Tri completed the podium in third, while Irfan finished fourth after spending much of the race inside the leading battle. Malaysia’s Nazirul Izzat Muhd Bahauddin rounded out the top five after another consistent performance. Haykhal said, “Alhamdulillah, first of all I’d like to thank my family and everyone at HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM for preparing such a competitive machine for this race. The bike performed brilliantly throughout the weekend, and all the hard work from the team really paid off.” “From the very first lap, my strategy was to push as hard as possible and maintain the pace until the finish. On the final lap, Irfan Ardiansyah managed to overtake me at the last corner, so I knew I had to react immediately. I gave everything I had on the run to the finish line, and Alhamdulillah it was enough to secure the victory. This result is very important for my championship campaign, and I’ll continue pushing to fight for the overall MSBK250 title.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. MUHD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM (19’36.070) 2. DANIAL SYAHMI AHMAD SHAHRIL (19’36.071) 3. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM (19’36.579) 4. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (19’43.944) 5. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHD BAHAUDDIN (19’50.622)
The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit hosted Race 2 for the MSBK250 B category this weekend, in Round 3 of MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026. Ahmad Fazli Sham Ahmad Walat AFS46 RACING PROJECT BY BRAAAP secured his second victory of the weekend and taking home the coveted Weekend Champion title. As the lights went out, Fazli immediately asserted his dominance, taking the lead on the opening lap. Trailing just behind him was Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTROL POWER1, with Ng Wei Shyang of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM holding firm in third. Fazli wasted no time finding his rhythm, pushing his machine to extend a clear advantage early on. By the second lap, the race leader had already built a comfortable three-second gap over Kabilesh. The momentum continued to shift in Fazli’s favor as Lap 3 unfolded. He widened his lead to five seconds, setting a commanding pace at the front. Meanwhile, the battle for second place remained tense, with Wei Shyang keeping the pressure on Kabilesh, trailing by a mere 0.437s. The dynamic of the race changed significantly on Lap 4. Kabilesh was forced to serve a long lap penalty due to a jump start off the grid. As he diverted from the main racing line to serve his penalty, Wei Shyang capitalized on the opportunity, sliding smoothly into second place. Up ahead, Fazli continued to ride a lonely but highly focused race. By Lap 5, the race leader had extended his gap to a massive 7.380s ahead of Wei Shyang, who in turn had built a solid two-second buffer over the recovering Kabilesh. Heading into the final lap, Wei Shyang managed to shave the gap down slightly to 5.918s, but Fazli’s flawless early groundwork had already sealed the victory. Fazli crossed the finish line to take the chequered flag at 20’19.311s, capping off an excellent weekend. Wei Shyang secured a well-deserved second place at 20’26.196s, while Kabilesh settled for third, finishing at 20’46.254s. Fazli shared, “In Race 2 earlier, my start was quite good and everything went smoothly. My main intention at the beginning of the race was to try and catch up with the front pack, namely Group A. During the first and second laps, I felt I could still compete closely. However, going into the third and fourth laps, their pace was simply too fast and the gap started to widen.” “Honestly, I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t keep up with them, but I knew I had to think strategically. When I looked back and saw that the gap with the other Group B riders was already quite large and comfortable, I felt a bit relieved. I just focused on maintaining my speed and riding rhythm without making any mistakes. This victory means a lot to me and the entire team crew, so I just wanted to finish the race strongly to secure my spot at the top of the podium.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. AHMAD FAZLI SHAM AHMAD WALAT – AFS46 RACING PROJECT BY BRAAAP (20’19.311s) 2. NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (20’26.196s) 3. KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (20’46.254s)
The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered an incredibly close race this weekend for Round 3 of the 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship. Race 2 of the BERJAYA SOMPO YAMAHA R15M RACE ELITES category was defined by constant lead changes, massive group battles, and a thrilling final-lap shootout that saw Muhd Ikram Dani of BERJAYA MEGA emerge victorious. Right from the starting lights, Ikram made a bold launch to take the early lead, closely trailed by Ashraff Zaquan Bin Zainal Raif of GTMAX MOTORS and Ahmad Jebat Zulkarnain of BLH RACING TEAM. The slipstreaming nature of the Sepang circuit immediately took effect, forming a massive lead group of riders trading paint and positions. The battle for the front was relentless. By Lap 2, Muhd Farhan Naqib Mohd Faiz of FASROI M SB had drafted his way into the lead, while early contender Muhd Ali Imran Mohd Dzul Hijri of BOON HUA MOTOR unfortunately crashed out of the race. Ikram fought back to the front on Lap 3, but the lead was short-lived as Naqib reclaimed it on Lap 4. During this mid-race shuffle, Adam Harris Hafiz of LKT MOTOR put in a blistering fastest lap of 2’51.841s to briefly surge into third place. As the race entered its crucial closing stages, Zaquan took charge on Lap 5 and managed to hold his ground at the front through Lap 6. The tension peaked as the massive group crossed the line to begin the final lap. Lap 7 was a pure display of aggressive, tactical racing. Zaquan led the pack early in the lap, with Jebat, Muhd Afiq Syazanie Muhd Zaini of K SENG MOTOR, and Raja Abdurraqib Raja Norfatihah of KAVIN MOTOR all making moves. Despite dropping to fifth midway through the final lap, Ikram kept his composure. Utilizing the slipstream perfectly out of the final corners, Ikram surged forward to cross the finish line first with a time of 20’25.243s. Zaquan was edged out by mere fractions, taking second at 20’25.281s, while Nuzzul Ady Muhammad Sudin of LIANG SOON MOTOR executed a brilliant final sector to snatch third at 20’25.311s. Ikram expressed, “I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to all the crew members who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to give me such a great bike today. Racing in this category is incredibly close, and without their long hours, this wouldn’t be possible.” “I also want to extend a huge thank you to my family, whose unwavering support has always been my absolute pillar of strength, especially during the tougher weekends. To all my sponsors, thank you for constantly believing in my potential when it matters most.” “As for the race earlier, it was mentally exhausting. My main strategy was to take control of the pace by leading the pack right from the starting line all the way to the checkered flag. However, with the massive group we had, it took a lot of intense focus and consistency to survive the attacks from the riders behind me.” “The slipstreaming out there was aggressive, and dropping back on the final lap was stressful. But I kept my cool, trusted my lines, and pushed with everything I had left. Alhamdulillah, by the grace of God, the plan came together perfectly at the very end. I am incredibly grateful, relieved, and thrilled to walk away with this hard-fought victory.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. MUHD IKRAM DANI – BERJAYA MEGA (20’25.243s) 2. ASHRAFF ZAQUAN BIN ZAINAL RAIF – GTMAX MOTORS (20’25.281s) 3. NUZZUL ADY MUHAMMAD SUDIN – LIANG SOON MOTOR (20’25.311s) 4. MD FARHAN NAQIB MOHD FAIZ – FASROI M SB (20’25.339s) 5. AHMAD JEBAT ZULKARNAIN – BLH RACING TEAM (20’25.427s)
Race 1 of the MSBK1000 A category delivered an unpredictable and challenging contest during Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA capitalized on the early misfortunes of his main rivals to secure the victory. Despite starting from pole position, Kasma dropped to third off the line. Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made a brilliant start to snatch the lead, closely followed by Adam Norrodin of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT. The leading trio quickly pulled a two-second gap over the rest of the field by the second lap. However, the complexion of the race changed rapidly. Adam suddenly suffered a technical issue on Lap 2, forcing him to slow down and return to the pit, though he bravely rejoined later to salvage crucial points. This left Adenanta at the front, pushing the limits and setting the fastest lap of the race at 2’07.923s on Lap 3. Unfortunately, the relentless pace caught out the race leader, and Adenanta crashed at Turn 11, abruptly ending his charge. These back-to-back incidents promoted Kasma into a comfortable lead, with Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT moving up to second, albeit with a significant 10-second deficit by Lap 5. Mohd Fahmi Abdul Wahaf of FGRT PROJECT ONE settled into a lonely but solid third place. Further down the field, a steady battle for fourth unfolded, concluding on Lap 8 when Law Kien Huey successfully overtook Abhijith Satya Prasad. At the front, Kasma managed his pace carefully over the final laps, crossing the finish line at 21’44.659s. Azlan took second place at 21’53.436s, while Fahmi completed the podium with a time of 22’43.503s. Kasma shared, “Syukur Alhamdulillah, I am just so grateful to finally bring this home. I have to give a massive thank you to my team for preparing such a fantastic machine for this weekend. My start was actually a bit sluggish, and I found myself trailing behind Adenanta and Adam. When Adam had his technical problem, I just tried to shadow Adenanta. Then, seeing him crash out on Lap 3 was a shock, and suddenly I was leading the race.” “From there, it was all about focus, but it was far from easy. With about four laps remaining, I started feeling something unusual with my tires. Panic set in a little bit because I was genuinely afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish the race if I tried to maintain my constant lap times. I had to make the tough call to reduce my pace, manage the gap, and just focus on bringing the bike home in one piece. The relief of seeing the chequered flag was indescribable. It was a stressful finish, but an incredibly rewarding win.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (21’44.659s) 2. AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (21’53.436s) 3. MOHD FAHMI ABDUL WAHAF – FGRT PROJECT ONE (22’43.503s) 4. LAW KIEN HUEY – KHSRT (22’45.756s) 5. ABHIJITH SATYA PRASAD – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (22’46.445s)
Race 1 of the MSBK1000 B category delivered a compelling story of patience and strategy during Round 3 of MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Santhiran A/L Naga Raju of RACEHUB RACING TEAM navigated a shifting leaderboard to claim his fifth consecutive victory, holding off a late challenge from Kamarul Izad Ishak of KHSRT. At the start, polesitter Chau Chi Chuen of B.A TUNING took the early lead, followed closely by his teammate Jeff Chong and Santhiran in third. The race saw its first major turning point on Lap 3 when Jeff suffered a crash. Remarkably, he managed to pick his bike up and rejoin the race in fourth position. The incident shuffled the front of the pack, allowing Santhiran to inherit the lead, with Muhammad Idham Fathris Mazlan of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM and Kamarul moving into second and third. The middle stages of the race settled into a steady rhythm. Santhiran controlled the pace from Lap 4 through Lap 6, with Idham and Kamarul waiting for their moment to strike. On Lap 7, Idham finally made his move, overtaking Santhiran to claim the front position. The defining moments of the race occurred on Lap 9. After patiently stalking the leader, Santhiran saw his opening and retook the lead. Idham, seemingly struggling with a mechanical issue, rapidly dropped down the order. This opened the door for Kamarul to sweep into second place, while a recovering Jeff Chong fought his way back into third. On the tenth and final lap, Santhiran held his nerve to cross the finish line first with a time of 22’53.347s, narrowly beating Kamarul by just 0.209s. Jeff completed an impressive comeback ride to take the final spot on the podium. Further back, Singapore’s Theva Kumaran made a late charge to finish fourth, with Wesley Lim Shing Shiong rounding out the top five. Santhiran expressed, “To be honest, qualifying was quite stressful and didn’t go as well as we had hoped because we were still trying to figure out a new suspension setup. I felt a lot of doubt creeping in. However, I got a fantastic launch off the line in the race and put myself right in the mix.” “When I was overtaken by Idham later on, I had to force myself not to panic. I decided to stay patient, calm my nerves, and just follow closely behind him. I knew that if I stayed within striking distance, an opportunity might present itself. Eventually, Idham seemed to run into a mechanical issue, which allowed me to take the lead back. Seeing the chequered flag was a massive relief.” “I really want to give a heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, and sponsors. They are my rock. They help keep my mind clear, which allows me to race with true peace of mind, enjoy these battles, and put up a strong fight out there. Looking ahead to tomorrow, I am definitely starting to feel the heavy pressure of keeping this win streak alive, but I am keeping my focus strictly on the overall championship picture. We have a healthy points gap right now, so my main goal for Race 2 is simply to ride smart, manage the risks, and secure another podium for the team.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (22’53.347s) 2. KAMARUL IZAD ISHAK – KHSRT (22’53.556s) 3. JEFF CHONG – B.A TUNING (23’10.185s) 4. THEVA KUMARAN – SINGAPORE (23’23.793s) 5. WESLEY LIM SHING SHIONG – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (23’28.277s)
The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered an exciting Race 1 in the MSBK600 category during Round 3 of MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026. Muhd Helmi Azman from Malaysia emerged victorious after an intense battle with Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi, claiming his first win of the season. At the race start, Khairul was quick off the line to take the lead, but he was soon overtaken by Ahmad Afif Amran of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA. Helmi settled into third, with Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA and Khairulamirin Yahaya of FKR CHV RACING close behind. The action heated up on Lap 2 when Khairul briefly retook the lead, only for Helmi to find an opening and sweep past both Afif and Khairul to take control of the race. By Lap 3, Helmi was pushing hard, setting a fast lap of 2’12.048s and reaching a top speed of 247.7kph. Khairul stayed right on his rear wheel, and the leading duo began to pull a one-second gap from Afif in third. Khairul responded on Lap 4, pushing his machine to 242.3kph to set the fastest lap of the race at 2’11.287s, closing the distance to a mere 0.198s behind Helmi. The middle of the race saw a tense exchange for the top spot. On Lap 5, Khairul successfully passed Helmi, but Helmi quickly answered to regain the lead. This intense back-and-forth allowed the pair to break away completely, leaving Afif over three seconds behind. During this fierce chase on Lap 6, Helmi reached a remarkable top speed of 255.9kph to keep the pressure on Khairul, who had momentarily taken the front position again. The turning point came on Lap 8 when Helmi made a decisive move to overtake Khairul. On the penultimate lap, Helmi put his head down, digging deep to stretch his advantage to 0.762s. He maintained his composure through the final lap to cross the finish line first at 22’06.286s. Khairul secured second place at 22’08.248s, while Afif took a comfortable third at 22’21.045s. Helmi shared, “To be honest, crossing the finish line first brings a huge wave of relief, but my main goal today wasn’t actually about securing the win. It was much more about finding a proper, genuine connection with this new machine and testing a few crucial new parts we installed on the bike.” “Going into this race, my mind was entirely focused on hitting my target lap times rather than worrying about my track position. It was nerve-wracking out there battling so closely, but I had to stay disciplined.” “Even though I ended up taking the victory today, deep down, I am still not fully satisfied with the lap times I recorded. I am constantly comparing my pace here to the incredibly high level of competition we face in the ARRC, which tells me we still have a lot of work to do. It keeps me grounded.” “For Race 2 tomorrow, my absolute target is to push even harder and improve my time further. I want to feel that perfect rhythm. Regardless of today’s result, I am incredibly thankful to my entire crew. They have been working tirelessly, pouring their sweat and passion into this bike. This weekend’s preparation is absolutely critical for our upcoming race in Mandalika next week, so I want to extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to the team and to everyone who continuously supports me.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. MUHD HELMI AZMAN – MALAYSIA (22’06.286s) 2. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – MALAYSIA (22’08.248s) 3. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (22’21.045s) 4. FARRES PUTRA MOHD FADHIL – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (22’26.295s) 5. KHAIRULAMIRIN YAHAYA – FKR CHV RACING (23’31.327s)
Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril from Malaysia delivered a composed and determined performance to claim his maiden victory of the season in Race 1 of the MSBK250 A category during Round 3 of MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. After securing pole position in Qualifying with a fastest lap of 2’24.874s, the Malaysian rider made a strong start to the race and immediately established himself among the front runners. However, the battle for victory remained wide open as Muhd Irfan Haykhal Amidi of HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM, Indonesia’s Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM, Vietnam’s Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM and Nazirul Izzat Muhd Bahauddin from Malaysia all remained within striking distance throughout the race. Haykhal briefly took control of the race after making his move at Turn 14, while Irfan Ardiansyah also challenged at the front after moving into second on the third lap. The leading group continued to exchange positions during the opening laps, highlighting the intense level of competition among the championship contenders. As the race entered its closing stages, Huu Tri mounted a strong charge to move into second place on Lap 6, keeping the pressure firmly on the race leader. Despite the constant challenges from his rivals, Danial maintained his composure and delivered a consistent pace to regain control when it mattered most before taking the chequered flag for his first victory of the 2026 season in 19’37.026s. Huu Tri secured his second place in just 0.022s behind the winner with the time 19’37.048s, another impressive ride for HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM, while Irfan completed the podium in third with his total time 19’37.132s. Haykhal finished fourth after leading part of the race, with Nazirul completing the top five following another competitive outing. Danial Syahmi commented “First of all, Alhamdulillah, I’m very grateful to finish Race 1 in first place. I’d like to thank my entire team for all of their hard work in preparing and setting up the bike, as well as my family and everyone who has continuously supported me.” “Our plan from the start was to create a gap as early as possible, but the riders behind were able to stay with me, so I decided to remain within the leading group and keep fighting throughout every lap.” “Towards the latter stages of the race, I chose to stay a little more relaxed behind the leaders because my hand wasn’t feeling at its best and I was experiencing some discomfort. Despite that, I’m thankful everything worked out, and I’m delighted to secure my first victory of the season.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. DANIAL SYAHMI AHMAD SHAHRIL – MALAYSIA (19’37.026s) 2. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (19’37.048s) 3. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (19’37.132s) 4. MUHD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM (19’37.526s) 5. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHD BAHAUDDIN – MALAYSIA (19’48.419s)
The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit hosted an eventful Race 1 for the MSBK250 B category during Round 3 of MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026. Ahmad Fazli Sham Ahmad Walat of AFS46 RACING PROJECT BY BRAAAP delivered a composed and consistent performance, recovering from a final lap to secure the well-deserved victory. Starting from pole position after a tight qualifying session where he clocked a 2’30.224s, Fazli immediately took control of the race. He led the pack into Turn 1, closely followed by Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTROL POWER1 and Ng Wei Shyang of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM. By the second lap, Fazli established a steady rhythm, pulling a two-second advantage over Kabilesh. As the race progressed to Lap 3, he doubled that gap to four seconds, utilizing his experience to manage the pace while Wei Shyang settled firmly into third. The grid spread out further on Lap 4, with Kabilesh struggling to match the leading pace. A key highlight of Fazli’s performance came on Lap 5, where he set an impressive lap time of 2’29.630s, cementing his position at the front. The running order of Fazli, Kabilesh, and Wei Shyang remained unchanged through laps six and seven. However, the final lap presented an unexpected challenge. A rider from the Group A category crashed at the first corner, leaving oil on the track. Fazli was caught out by the slippery surface and went down. Thanks to the massive gap he had meticulously built over the preceding seven laps, he was able to quickly pick up his bike and remount before his rivals could close the distance. Fazli crossed the finish line first with a total time of 20’36.281s. Kabilesh took second place at 20’45.001s, and Wei Shyang completed the podium at 20’50.445s. Fazli shared, “My start to the race was quite strong, and I managed to close right in on the Group A pack. I pushed hard to stick with them, and honestly, my pace wasn’t bad, although I did slowly drop back a bit as the race went on. While trying to keep up with the frontrunners, I also made sure to focus on maintaining a safe gap from the riders behind me in my own group. I felt completely in the zone, just hitting my marks lap after lap.” “Things took an unexpected turn on the final lap. One of the Group A riders crashed at the first corner and spilled oil on the track, which unfortunately caught me out and caused me to fall as well. My heart completely dropped in that moment. I thought all the hard work from the weekend was gone in a split second.” “Thankfully, adrenaline kicked in immediately. I was able to quickly pick the bike up and keep going. Because of the comfortable gap I had built earlier over the rider in second place, I managed to hold onto the lead and cross the finish line to claim the win. The relief when I saw the chequered flag was overwhelming. Alhamdulillah, despite the late scare, it is a really rewarding result for Race 1 today.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. AHMAD FAZLI SHAM AHMAD WALAT – AFS46 RACING PROJECT BY BRAAAP (20’36.281s) 2. KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (20’45.001s) 3. NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (20’50.445s)
The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit witnessed one of the closest finishes of the season during Race 1 of the BERJAYA SOMPO YAMAHA R15M RACE ELITES category. Part of Round 3 of the 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, the race witnessed a masterclass in slipstream strategy, with Ashraff Zaquan Bin Zainal Raif of GTMAX MOTORS claiming his third consecutive victory by a thin margin of just 0.001s. Starting from pole position, Muhd Ikram Dani of BERJAYA MEGA made a bold launch to take the early lead. Zaquan and Raja Abdurraqib Raja Norfatihah KAVIN MOTOR quickly slotted in behind him. However, the nature of the machinery meant that breaking away was nearly impossible. By the end of the first lap, the trailing riders caught up, forming a massive lead group that would stay locked together for the entirety of the 7-lap sprint. The middle stages of the race were defined by constant position changes at almost every corner. Ikram, Zaquan, and Adam Hariz Hafiz of LKT MOTOR regularly swapped the lead. As the laps ticked down, more riders forced their way into the podium fight, including Mohd Arrfan Ashraf XL MOTOR, Nuzzul Ady Muhammad Sudin of LIANG SOON MOTOR, and Ahmad Jebat Zulkarnain of BLH RACING TEAM. Despite the intense battling, no single rider could pull a gap, setting the stage for a frantic final lap. On Lap 7, the aggression dialed up. Zaquan led early in the lap, but Abdurraqib managed to break through to the front. Hariz immediately fought back to challenge for the lead. Coming out of the final corner, it was a pure drag race to the line. Abdurraqib and Zaquan went side-by-side down the main straight. In a stunning photo finish, Zaquan crossed the line at 20’26.402s to take the win, just 0.001s ahead of Abdurraqib at 20’26.403s. Arrfan positioned himself perfectly to take third place at 20’26.460s. Zaquan shared, “During the race, my strategy was simply to keep pushing the pace, but it was incredibly tense out there. When you are racing in a group that big, one tiny error can drop you completely out of the podium spots. On the final lap, my heart was racing. I managed to stay patient and capitalize on a few slight mistakes made by the riders ahead of me, which allowed me to find the perfect slipstream to make my move.” “It was such a tight battle, and I was actually almost overtaken by Abdurraqib right at the line. Seeing him right beside me on the final straight took my breath away. I honestly wasn’t sure who won until I saw the timing screens.” “Looking ahead to Race 2 tomorrow, the pressure is definitely on, but my main goal is to maintain this exact same momentum and focus. I want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped me get here. My crew worked tirelessly all weekend to give me a flawless bike, and having the continuous support of my family and the fans gives me so much energy. This win belongs to all of them.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. ASHRAFF ZAQUAN BIN ZAINAL RAIF – GTMAX MOTORS (20’26.402s) 2. RAJA ABDURRAQIB RAJA NORFATIHAH – KAVIN MOTOR (20’26.403s) 3. MOHD ARRFAN ASHRAF – XL MOTOR (20’26.460s) 4. ADAM HARIZ HAFIZ – LKT MOTOR (20’26.478s) 5. MUHD IKRAM DANI – BERJAYA MEGA (20’26.634s)
Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 officially opened today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. In the MSBK1000 A category, Friday’s Combined Practice sessions saw Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA secured the top spot on the timing sheets. During Free Practice 1 in the morning, Kasma posted a formidable lap of 2’07.191s on just his second tour of the circuit, reaching a top speed of 156.89kph. This early benchmark proved strong enough to stand as the fastest overall time of the day. However, the afternoon session delivered one of the most interesting moments of the weekend so far. In Free Practice 2, Kasma and his closest rival, Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, recorded the exact same lap time down to the thousandth of a second. Both riders clocked a 2’07.759s on their fifth lap of the session, highlighting just how evenly matched the frontrunners are. Adenanta’s earlier FP1 time of 2’07.611s comfortably secured his position as second fastest in the Combined Practice. Behind the leading duo, veteran rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman from AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT steadily improved his pace throughout the day. He found his best rhythm in the afternoon, logging a 2’10.300s during Free Practice 2 to secure third overall. His teammate, Adam Norrodin, took fourth place based on his early FP1 time of 2’11.023s, while Mohd Fahmi Abdul Wahaf representing FGRT PROJECT ONE rounded out the top five with a 2’14.641s effort in the second session. Kasma expressed, “Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly today, and it is always a good feeling to end Friday on top of the timesheets. Free Practice 1 was quite positive and gave us a strong baseline right away. However, honestly, I am still not entirely satisfied with where we are.” “As a rider, you can feel when there is more speed left on the table, and right now, we haven’t quite unlocked the ideal lap time we know we are capable of reaching. The bike has a lot of potential, but we just need to find that perfect balance.” “Insyaallah, ahead of tomorrow’s Qualifying session, the team and I will carefully look at the data and fine-tune our setup to fix those missing pieces. We need to see how the bike responds to those small adjustments. The competition is incredibly close, as we saw in the afternoon, so we cannot afford to relax. I will be putting in maximum effort to push for a top starting position and fight for a spot on the podium tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (2’07.191s) 2. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (2’07.611s) 3. AZLAN SHAH KAMARUZAMAN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (2’10.300s) 4. ADAM NORRODIN – AMI SUZUKI MOTORSPORT (2’11.023s) 5. MOHD FAHMI ABDUL WAHAF – FGRT PROJECT ONE (2’14.641s)
The MSBK1000 B category took to the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit today for Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026. Friday’s Combined Practice sessions were defined by the steady and commanding pace of Jeff Chong, who overcame early setup challenges to firmly establish himself as the rider to beat ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying. Representing B.A TUNING, Jeff set the standard early in the day. During Free Practice 1, he found his rhythm quickly, posting a time of 2’15.030s on just his third lap out of seven, reaching a top speed of 147.78kph. This impressive morning run remained untouched for the rest of the day, securing him the top position on the Combined Practice timesheets. Behind him, the battle for the remaining top spots saw significant movement in the afternoon. Santhiran A/L Naga Raju of RACEHUB RACING TEAM made a vital leap during Free Practice 2. After finishing fourth in the morning, Santhiran shaved over a second and a half off his time to clock a 2’16.023s, moving him up to second place overall. Kamarul Izad Ishak of KHSRT held onto third place in the combined standings thanks to his steady 2’16.419s effort from Free Practice 1. Rounding out the top five were Chau Chi Chuen of B.A TUNING, who consistently hovered near the front and secured fourth overall with a 2’16.786s in FP2, and Wesley Lim Shing Shiong of RACEHUB RACING TEAM, who grabbed fifth place with a 2’18.125s in the afternoon session. Jeff said, “During Free Practice 1 today, I managed to find a very clean line right on my early laps. The overall connection with the bike was great from the moment I rolled out of the pit lane. Honestly, the suspension setup felt a bit too soft underneath me, making it slightly tricky to handle in the corners. But despite that discomfort, I pushed through and still managed to set the fastest lap time. It was a relief, but I knew we couldn’t settle if we wanted to stay ahead. “Heading into Free Practice 2, the team and I worked hard to adjust the setup to eliminate that soft feeling. The changes they made were exactly what I needed which gave me so much better feedback from the tires and really boosted my confidence to push the limits safely.” “Tomorrow’s Qualifying we aim to deliver an even better result. Racing at this level is always unpredictable, and the guys behind me are finding their pace, but I am going to push hard and fight with everything I have for the victory.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. JEFF CHONG – B.A TUNING (2’15.030s) 2. SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (2’16.023s) 3. KAMARUL IZAD ISHAK – KHSRT (2’16.419s) 4. CHAU CHI CHUEN – B.A TUNING (2’16.786s) 5. WESLEY LIM SHING SHIONG – RACEHUB RACING TEAM (2’18.125s)
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)
Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM continued his impressive form in the MSBK250 A category after finishing at the top of the combined practice standings on the opening day of Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. The Malaysian rider once again established himself as the rider to beat heading into Saturday’s Qualifying after delivering a strong and consistent performance across both Practice sessions. His blistering lap time of 2’25.349s set during Practice 1 remained unbeaten throughout the day, allowing him to maintain the top spot in the combined standings despite increased pressure from his rivals. Haykhal demonstrated excellent pace from the opening session by setting the benchmark early in Practice 1. Although he was unable to better his morning lap during Practice 2, his impressive pace proved enough to fend off the chasing pack, highlighting both his consistency and the team’s strong preparation ahead of Saturday’s Qualifying. While Haykhal maintained the advantage in the combined standings, the battle behind him intensified as several title contenders produced encouraging improvements throughout the day, setting the stage for a closely fought Qualifying session. Danial Syahmi Ahmad Shahril from Malaysia emerged as Haykhal’s closest challenger after topping Practice 2 with a best lap of 2’25.868s. The rider improved on his morning pace to secure second overall in the combined standings, finishing just 0.519s behind Haykhal’s benchmark. Indonesia’s championship leader, Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM, produced one of the biggest improvements of the day after lowering his lap time by more than a second in Practice 2. His effort elevated him from fourth in the opening session to third overall, finishing just 0.011s behind Danial in the afternoon session and reinforcing his status as one of the strongest contenders this weekend. Vietnam’s Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM retained his place among the leading contenders after carrying over his strong pace from the morning session, while Malaysia’s rider Nazirul Izzat Muhd Bahauddin also impressed by making significant gains in Practice 2 to secure a place inside the overall top five heading into Qualifying. Irfan Haykhal commented, “Alhamdulillah, today’s sessions went quite well. Compared to Round 2, the team and I made a lot of changes to the bike’s setup and brought several new components for this weekend. Throughout the practice sessions, we focused on testing each setup to understand which combination works best. Practice 1 was encouraging because I was able to set a competitive lap while riding on my own, so overall I’m quite satisfied with today’s performance.” “There’s still room for improvement, and together with the team we’ll continue working on the bike ahead of Qualifying. I’ll give my best tomorrow and hopefully we can fight for pole position before focusing on Race 1.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. MUHD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM (2’25.349s) 2. DANIAL SYAHMI AHMAD SHAHRIL – MALAYSIA (2’25.868s) 3. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (2’25.879s) 4. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (2’26.343s) 5. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHD BAHAUDDIN – MALAYSIA (2’26.352s)
Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 got underway today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. The focal point of Friday’s action in the MSBK250 B category was the impressive debut of Ahmad Fazli Sham Ahmad Walat. Riding for AFS46 RACING PROJECT BY BRAAAP, Fazli quickly familiarized himself with the track and his new machine, securing the fastest time overall in the Combined Practice sessions. Participating new racing category often requires a lengthy adjustment period, but Fazli found a comfortable operating window almost immediately. His standout moment came early in Free Practice 1. On just his third lap out of 12, he posted a time of 2’29.773s, reaching a top speed of 133.23kph. This lap proved unbeatable for the remainder of the day. In Free Practice 2, he continued his steady form, topping the session on his tenth and final lap with a 2’30.868s, proving his initial speed was no fluke. Behind him, a steady rhythm was established by Kabileh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTROL POWER1. Kabilesh secured second place overall with a 2’32.768s in FP1, hitting a top speed of 130.62kph. He followed this up with a consistent showing in the afternoon, logging a 2’33.074s during Free Practice 2 to maintain a strong hold on the runner-up spot for the day. Rounding out the top three was Ng Wei Shyang from MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM, who logged a 2’36.070s during his ninth lap in the morning session. Fazli commented, “If you look at today, it’s actually my first time competing in the MSBK250 category. I was placed in Group B, and even though I saw my lap time was the fastest, I am still not satisfied because I genuinely feel I can go even faster.” “The bike feels different from what I am used to, and stepping into this new class, I realize I need more mileage and a faster adaptation period to truly extract its maximum potential. It is a steep learning curve, and I feel a mix of frustration and eagerness because I know there is more speed to be found.” “God willing, I will give it my absolute best moving forward. Right now, my main target isn’t just about winning this group. It is to fight against my own lap times while also trying to keep pace with the Group A riders. That is where I want to be.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. AHMAD FAZLI SHAM AHMAD WALAT – AFS46 RACING PROJECT BY BRAAAP (2’29.773s) 2. KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (2’32.768s) 3. NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (2’36.070s)
The BERJAYA SOMPO YAMAHA R15M RACE ELITES category delivered one of the most closely contested sessions today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, as Round 3 of the 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship got underway. By the end of Friday’s Combined Practice, less than a tenth of a second separated the top two riders, setting the stage for a highly competitive weekend. Leading the timesheets was Ashraff Zaquan Bin Zainal Raif. Representing GTMAX MOTORS, Ashraff set his benchmark early in Free Practice 1. On his sixth lap out of seven, he posted a quick time of 2’49.508s, reaching a top speed of 117.72kph. This morning effort proved to be just enough to hold off the rest of the field for the remainder of the day. The afternoon session saw a strong push from Muhd Ikram Dani of BERJAYA MEGA. After finishing fourth in FP1, Ikram found significant improvements in Free Practice 2. He topped the second session on his third lap with a 2’49.580s and a top speed of 117.67kph. Despite his impressive pace, Ikram missed the overall top spot by a mere 0.072 seconds, settling for second place in the Combined Practice standings. Also showing strong progress in the afternoon was Ahmad Jebat Zulkarnain from BLH RACING TEAM. He logged a solid 2’50.894s in Free Practice 2, moving him up to third place overall. Raja Abdurraqib Raja Norfatihah of KAVIN MOTOR held onto fourth place based on his morning FP1 time of 2’51.340s, while Muhd Ali Imran Mohd Dzul Hijri representing BOON HUA MOTOR rounded out the top five with a 2’52.864s effort in the second session. Ashraff shared, “Alhamdulillah, I managed to secure the fastest lap time today, but it was honestly far from easy. When I saw how close the times were between me and Ikram, it really sank in just how intense the competition is this weekend. Looking at the field today, there are so many talented and incredibly fast riders out there pushing the limits.” “A gap of less than a tenth of a second is basically nothing. It means anyone can take the lead in the blink of an eye. For Qualifying and Race 1 tomorrow, I feel a healthy weight of pressure to maintain this momentum.” “I have to stay calm, trust my machine, and I am determined to give everything I’ve got on the track. I truly hope that tomorrow’s efforts pay off, that I can keep my nerves in check, and that victory goes my way.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE 1. ASHRAFF ZAQUAN BIN ZAINAL RAIF – GTMAX MOTORS (2’49.508s) 2. MUHD IKRAM DANI – BERJAYA MEGA (2’49.580s) 3. AHMAD JEBAT ZULKARNAIN – BLH RACING TEAM (2’50.894s) 4. RAJA ABDURRAQIB RAJA NORFATIHAH – KAVIN MOTOR (2’51.340s) 5. MUHD ALI IMRAN MOHD DZUL HIJRI – BOON HUA MOTOR (2’52.864s)
Fresh off a breakthrough performance at Round 2 earlier this month, HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM’s Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi enters Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend with newfound momentum and a drive for victory in the MSBK250 A class. Round 2 delivered a crucial turning point in Haykhal’s 2026 campaign. Having secured double runner-up finishes during the season opener behind overall points leader Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM, the young Malaysian finally broke through in the Race 1. Mastering the conditions with exceptional composure, Haykhal claimed his maiden victory of the season. He backed up the performance with P2 finish in Race 2, cementing his position as a primary contender for the championship title at his home circuit. Haykhal shared both his pride and the competitive hunger that drives him heading into the second half of the season, “The rain in Race 1 actually played right into our hands because it gave me complete confidence in the bike’s setup. During the race, I stayed patient behind the front-runners early on, felt out the track’s grip levels, and when the timing was right, I pushed hard to take P1. “ “Standing on the top step of the podium in front of the home fans meant everything to me and the entire HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM. In Race 2, I made a small mistake on the final lap while fighting for the lead and ran wide onto the grass, which cost us the win. I was naturally disappointed not to take a double victory, but staying on the podium kept our championship momentum alive.” The rivalry between Haykhal and Irfan has rapidly developed into the signature headline of the 2026 MSBK250 A season. With the experienced Indonesian rider out in front, Haykhal views their battles not as a hurdle, but as a vital catalyst for his ongoing evolution as a professional racer. “Competing against someone as sharp and consistent as Irfan forces me to elevate every single aspect of my race craft. The three-week break since Round 2 gave our team valuable time to analyze the data, recharge, and refine our approach.” “My confidence is higher than ever right now. Heading into Round 3 this weekend, our goal is to minimize mistakes, push for the top step of the podium in both races, and close down the championship point gap.” Can Haykhal capitalize on his momentum and take control in the races this weekend? Or will Irfan strike back? Round 3 will deliver the answer.
Stepping into the arena of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship is no small feat for any newcomer. For Ng Wei Shyang of Magic Papaya Racing Team, the 2026 season marks an exciting chapter as he makes his debut in the MSBK250 B category. Transitioning from standard training to the demands of full championship racing brought a mix of anticipation and nerves. “At the beginning of the season, I was quite anxious about how it would go,” Wei Shyang admitted. “Although most of my training mileage is done on a 250cc machine, riding it on a full-scale championship track is entirely different. It requires carrying significantly more speed.” Despite the steep learning curve, his performance on paper has been remarkably consistent. Across both Round 1 and Round 2 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Wei Shyang secured third-place finishes in every race, establishing a reliable baseline. While the compact three-rider grid in his class means he is regularly working to close the gap to the frontrunners, Wei Shyang maintains a grounded perspective on his achievements. “The truth is, with three riders in our category, my core focus isn’t just the podium spot, but actively closing the gap to the group in front and working toward fighting them wheel-to-wheel.” For the rookie, the biggest eye-opener has been witnessing the sheer corner-entry velocity of the leading riders. Refining his technique through demanding sections like Turns 5, 7, 11, and 12 remains a primary objective, as mastering these high-speed transitions requires a completely different approach compared to handling heavier 600cc lines. Heading into Round 3 this weekend, Magic Papaya Racing Team aims to introduce setup adjustments to make the bike even more competitive. Physically, Wei Shyang has maintained a rigorous regimen focused on strength and endurance during the break, while mentally staying calm and learning to embrace every emotion that comes with race day. Furthermore, navigating PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit’s notoriously unpredictable weather demands absolute adaptability. “We have our Dunlop rain tyres ready,” Wei Shyang said. “We had a chance to test them out last round, and even though conditions weren’t fully wet, those tyres gave us a tremendous amount of confidence.” With a clear plan for Sepang circuit’s tricky corners and a bike tailored to his style, Wei Shyang enters Round 3 ready to turn two rounds of learning into real progress.
At the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026, we captured a rather intense moment between FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM rider Carlsen Jacob Solis and his coach, Malaysian rider Mohd Ramdan Rosli. In the paddock, Carlsen looked fiercely serious, heavily frowning as his coach spoke. Fearing a mid-practice meltdown, we showed Carlsen the photo and asked exactly what they were arguing about. “Haha! I wasn’t arguing with Coach at all, and I certainly wasn’t trying to look scary!” Carlsen laughed. “Coach was breaking down exactly which turns I needed to attack to improve my lap time. I was just concentrating incredibly hard because I didn’t want to miss a single drop of his advice. Honestly, I was just praying I wouldn’t forget it all by the very next session!” Behind that fierce concentration lies a deep, emotional bond. Reflecting on their two years together, Carlsen’s tone shifted to genuine gratitude. “He has completely transformed my pace, my consistency, and my race craft. There is still a massive mountain to learn, but he pushes me relentlessly and builds my confidence from the ground up.” While Ramdan is known for his strict track demeanor, Carlsen sees another side. “On track, he’s dead serious because he wants greatness for me. Off track, he is remarkably relaxed. He believes in me even on my absolute worst days, ensuring I grow as both a rider and a person.” When asked for one final message to his mentor, Carlsen said, “I don’t say it nearly enough, but thank you for always believing in me, especially when I make mistakes. I am deeply grateful for your endless positivity. And… I’m truly sorry if I sometimes give you extra grey hairs!”
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 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)
Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND produced a masterclass performance in Race 2 of the MSBK600 category, converting his strong pace into a dominant victory during Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Starting from the front of the grid, Thanat immediately stamped his authority on the 10-lap encounter with a brilliant launch, grabbing the holeshot and leading the field into the opening corner. Following closely behind at the start were Muhd Helmi Azman and Khairul Idham Pawi of HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, with Kitsada Tanachot of HONDA RACING THAILAND and Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA completing the early top five. Thanat maintained a 0.771s advantage over Khairul on Lap 2 before delivering an even stronger pace. On Lap 3, the Thai rider set the fastest lap of the race with a time of 2’11.388s, while Helmi moved ahead of Khairul to take second position. The leading trio immediately began creating a gap of more than two seconds over Kitsada in fourth. On lap 4, Thanat improved his fastest lap again with a 2’11.349s effort, while Helmi remained his closest challenger. By Lap 5, Thanat had stretched his advantage to 2.540s, and the gap continued to grow as the race progressed. At the halfway point, Thanat’s pace proved untouchable. The HONDA RACING THAILAND rider extended his lead to 3.477s on Lap 6 and continued to increase the margin lap after lap. Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium positions intensified, with Kitsada eventually moving ahead of Khairul on Lap 7 to claim third place. Thanat continued his flawless rhythm, opening a 4.814s advantage over Helmi on Lap 8 before extending the gap beyond seven seconds by the final lap. Meanwhile, the battle behind remained competitive, with Farres and Muhd Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi from Malaysia exchanging positions before Naqib’s race ended following a crash on Lap 9. Entering the final lap with a comfortable advantage, Thanat maintained his focus to cross the finish line first in 22’06.296s, securing a dominant victory. Helmi completed a strong ride for second place with a time of 22’12.363s, while Kitsada finished third at 22’13.073s. Khairul and Farres completed the top five. Thanat said, “The conditions were very hot today, and it was definitely a challenging race. My target before Race 2 was to try and maintain a 2’10s pace, but it was not easy because I had some movement from the rear tyre and also some moments with the front tyre. I had to manage the bike carefully, stay focused and keep improving my lap times every time I went out on track.” “I kept pushing as hard as I could and tried to maintain my rhythm until the end. Winning this race feels really special because it was not an easy one. I’m very happy with the result, and I want to thank my team, my mechanics and everyone who has supported me. Their hard work and encouragement gave me the confidence to fight for this victory.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (22’06.296s) 2. MUHD HELMI AZMAN – HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (22’12.363s) 3. KITSADA TANACHOT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (22’13.073s) 4. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (22’18.796s) 5. FARRES PUTRA MOHD FADHIL – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (22’29.937s)
Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM produced a sensational final-lap comeback to snatch victory in Race 2 of the MSBK250 A category during Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, emerging victorious from a dramatic three-way battle. The race began with a brilliant start from Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, who immediately launched into the lead ahead of Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM and Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM. Muhd Akif Abdullah of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA and Muhd Haziq Muhd Fairues of OSAMA RACING TEAM completed the early leading group. Haykhal quickly settled into his rhythm, but Irfan remained firmly attached to his rear wheel, with the gap between the two separated by just 0.085s on Lap 2. Behind them, Huu Tri and Haziq engaged in their own battle for third place, while Ahmad Afif Amran of RAPIDO YAMAHA FIVEZERO RACING TEAM began his charge after moving ahead of Akif. The intensity increased as Huu Tri set the fastest lap of the race on Lap 3 with a time of 2’25.563s, while Haykhal and Irfan continued their battle at the front. However, drama struck when Akif crashed out of contention, ending his race prematurely. By Lap 5, the leading trio of Haykhal, Irfan and Huu Tri had closed up, with just 0.440s separating them. Afif then made his move, overtaking Huu Tri to join the fight for the podium, while Nazirul Izzat Muhd Bahauddin of TEAM ACR climbed into the top five. The final laps saw Haykhal maintained the lead, but Irfan began searching for an opportunity, while Afif stayed within striking distance waiting for his chance. Entering the final lap, Irfan made his move at Turn 1 to take the lead from Haykhal, with Afif also advancing into third after overtaking Huu Tri. Haykhal responded immediately, reclaiming the lead as the trio charged towards the finish line. Afif attempted a final attack at the last corner but ran wide, allowing Irfan to regain the advantage and power across the line first in 19’35.995s. Haykhal secured second place just 0.293s behind the winner with a time of 19’36.288s, while Afif completed the podium in third after another impressive performance, finishing at 19’36.514s. Irfan commented, “From the very beginning, I focused on maintaining my race pace and staying consistent throughout the race. I knew the key was to stay calm, avoid unnecessary risks and save my strongest push for the final lap. When the opportunity came, I trusted my feeling, made my move and fought until the very last corner. It was an incredible battle because everyone was pushing at the limit, but I believed in my strategy and never gave up. “I’m extremely grateful to my team and all my mechanics for their endless hard work, support and confidence in me. They have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to give me a competitive bike, and this victory is a result of everyone’s effort. Standing on the top step after such a close race makes this moment even more special, and I hope we can continue this momentum for the rest of the season.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (19’35.995s) 2. MD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM (19’36.288s) 3. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – RAPIDO YAMAHA FIVEZERO RACING TEAM (19’36.514s) 4. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (19’36.759s) 5. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHD BAHAUDDIN – TEAM ACR (19’49.767s)
Carlsen Jacob Solis of FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM capped off a flawless weekend by completing a dominant double victory in the MSBK250 B category during Race 2 of Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, securing his first clean sweep of the season and earning the coveted Weekend Champion title. Having already tasted success in Race 1, the Filipino rider once again showcased his composure and outright pace, controlling the eight-lap contest from lights to flag. Carlsen asserted his authority at the start, launching perfectly off the line to seize the holeshot ahead of Kabilesh, while Ng Wei Shyang of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM settled comfortably into third as the leading trio immediately established themselves at the front of the field. The order remained unchanged through the opening laps as Carlsen dictated the pace, with Kabilesh shadowing the race leader and looking for an opportunity to close the gap. Behind them, Wei Shyang maintained a consistent rhythm, comfortably holding third while the leading pair gradually pulled clear. By Lap 3, Kabilesh had reduced the deficit to just 1.390s, briefly raising hopes of a late challenge. However, Carlsen responded by immediately increased his advantage to 1.668s on the following lap before continuing to stretch the gap with a series of smooth laps. Carlsen never allowed his rival a realistic opportunity to mount an attack. Maintaining relentless consistency through Laps 5, 6 and 7, he controlled the race from the front before delivering one final push on the last lap. The race leader increased his pace once more, decisively pulling away as Kabilesh struggled to match his speed, while Wei Shyang remained unchallenged in third to complete the podium. After eight commanding laps, Carlsen crossed the finish line in 20’12.428s to secure his second victory of the weekend. Kabilesh followed in second with a time of 20’27.930s, while Wei Shyang completed the podium in third after clocking 21’07.153s. The victory marked Carlsen’s first double win of the 2026 campaign and crowned him the MSBK250 B Weekend Champion. Carlsen said, “It’s been an incredible weekend, and I’m really grateful to come away with another victory and complete the double. Coming into Race 2, I knew it wouldn’t be easy because everyone was pushing hard, especially Kabilesh, who kept the pressure on in the early laps. My focus was to stay calm, manage the race and avoid making any mistakes. Once I found a good rhythm, I concentrated on building the gap little by little without taking unnecessary risks.” “Huge credit goes to everyone in FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM because they’ve worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to keep improving the bike. Every adjustment we made gave me more confidence on track, and without their dedication this result wouldn’t have been possible. This isn’t just my victory, it’s a reward for the whole team. Winning both races and becoming Weekend Champion is a fantastic feeling, and it gives us great momentum heading into the next round.” TOP 3 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. CARLSEN JACOB SOLIS – FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM (20’12.428s) 2. KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (20’27.930s) 3. NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (21’07.153s)
Ashraff Zaquan Bin Zainal Raif of LIANG SOON MOTOR delivered another masterclass in racecraft to complete a sensational clean sweep in the BERJAYA SOMPO YAMAHA R15M RACE ELITES category, claiming his second victory of the weekend during Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Zaquan made a superb launch off the line to seize the early advantage, immediately coming under pressure from Muhd Irish Shazwan of ALL BIKES, while Muhd Farhan Naqib Mohd Faiz of BLH RACING TEAM also established himself among the leading contenders. By Lap 2, Zaquan continued to dictate the pace, but the chasing pack was reshuffled as Muhd Ikram Dani of EL CHONG MOTOR climbed into second ahead of Ahmad Jebat Zulkarnain Md Nazrun of ENG LUM RACING TEAM, with of Adam Danial Abdul Fattah ANN SENG MOTOR moving into fourth. The race intensified on Lap 3 when Raja Abdurraqib Raja Norfatihah of LKT MOTOR briefly broke clear from the pack and clocked the fastest lap of the race with a time of 2’52.995s. However, his advantage proved short-lived as the packed front group quickly reeled him back in. Zaquan remained firmly in contention alongside Naqib, Adam Hariz Hafiz of XL MOTOR and Shazrel Aqief Hakimy of BEN HUAT MOTOR in the battle for supremacy. Abdurraqib again looked poised to escape on Lap 4 after stretching his lead to 0.573s over Hariz, while Shahuzzaifie Adli Shafendi of SOON CHYE MOTORS occupied third ahead of Naqib and Muhd Afiq Syazanie Muhd Zaini of HOCK LIONG. Yet the relentless slipstream battle ensured no advantage lasted for long. Hariz emerged at the front on Lap 5 ahead of Jebat and Adam Danial, but the order continued to change almost every corner. Every attempt to break away was immediately answered by the chasing riders, creating an intense drafting contest that carried into the closing laps. Zaquan reclaimed the lead on Lap 6 ahead of Naqib, Ikram and Hariz before the final lap. As the leading contenders fought wheel-to-wheel for victory, drama struck at the final corner when Ikram and Adam Danial crashed while battling for podium positions. Adam Danial managed to remount and finish the race, but Ikram was forced to retire, ending what had been an outstanding charge. Zaquan crossed the finish line first in 20’29.051s and complete a memorable double victory. Jebat secured second place with a time of 20’29.771s, while Shazrel completed the podium just 0.753s behind the winner in 20’29.804s. Zaquan shared, “Alhamdulillah, I’m truly grateful to complete the double victory this weekend. Going into the race, my strategy was to stay with the leading group without pushing too hard too early because I knew the race would only be decided in the closing stages.” “At one point, I started losing touch with the front riders, and I knew I had to give everything I had to close the gap. I kept believing, stayed calm and focused on making the right move at the right time.” “On the final lap, heading into the last corner, I saw an opportunity under braking and committed fully. I managed to carry the momentum onto the exit, accelerated past the others and crossed the line first. It’s an incredible feeling to win again, and I’m very thankful to my team for giving me such a competitive bike. This double victory means a lot and gives me even more confidence for the rounds ahead.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. ASHRAFF ZAQUAN BIN ZAINAL RAIF – LIANG SOON MOTOR (20’29.051s) 2. AHMAD JEBAT ZULKARNAIN MD NAZRUN – ENG LUM RACING TEAM (20’29.771s) 3. SHAZREL AQIEF HAKIMY – BEN HUAT MOTOR (20’29.804s) 4. ADAM HARIZ HAFIZ – XL MOTOR (20’29.857s) 5. MUHD ALI IMRAN MOHD DZUL HIJRI – KEAT SENG MOTOR (20’29.880s)
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)
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)
Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND mastered the wet track condition at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit to secured victory in Race 1 of the MSBK600 category during Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026. Starting the race from pole position after setting the fastest qualifying lap of 2’09.688s, Thanat made a strong getaway and immediately established himself at the front of the field as light rain created a challenging wet condition race. Behind Thanat, was Khairul Idham Pawi of HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA, and Kitsada Tanachot of HONDA RACING THAILAND exchanged positions before Kitsada moved into second place and began his pursuit of his teammate at the front. By Lap 2, Thanat had already created a 1.520s advantage, showing impressive pace and consistency despite the difficult conditions. The Thai rider continued to increase the gap on Lap 3 after setting the fastest lap of the race at 2’24.701s, while the battle behind intensified as Muhd Helmi Azman of HONDA RACING MALAYSIA charged forward and began closing the distance to the leaders. Helmi’s relentless pace saw him record consecutive fastest laps, including a 2’23.491s on Lap 4 and 2’23.315s on Lap 5, reducing Thanat’s advantage to just 1.540 seconds. However, Thanat remained composed at the front, carefully managing his tyres and maintaining his rhythm as the race entered its decisive stages. The fight for the podium continued when Kitsada and Helmi traded positions, with Kitsada eventually moving back into second position on Lap 7. Despite the pressure from his teammate behind, Thanat kept control of the race and crossed the chequered flag first with a total race time of 24’04.675s. Kitsada followed closely behind to complete a memorable HONDA RACING THAILAND one-two finish, finishing just 1.035s behind his teammate at 24’05.710s. Muhd Helmi Azman secured third place for HONDA RACING MALAYSIA with a time of 24’13.886s, while Khairul Idham Pawi and Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil completed the top five. Thanat said, “I’m really happy to take the win today. It was a very difficult race because the track conditions were constantly changing, with some sections dry and others still wet. It wasn’t easy to find the right rhythm, so my main focus was to stay calm, manage my pace and remain consistent throughout the race.” “I tried not to think too much about what was happening behind me. I just focused on my own riding, finding the best feeling with the bike and making sure I didn’t make any mistakes because the conditions were very tricky.” “On the final lap, I actually thought about letting Kitsada take the victory because today is his birthday. But then I thought, maybe I should keep the points for the championship instead! I was ready if he wanted to make a move, but he didn’t overtake me, so I’m happy to keep the win.” “It’s a fantastic result for the team, especially with a one-two finish. I want to thank everyone behind this achievement for their hard work and support. Tomorrow will be another challenge, but we will continue fighting and give our best to fight for another victory.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (24’04.675s) 2. KITSADA TANACHOT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (24’05.710s) 3. MUHD HELMI AZMAN – HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (24’13.886s) 4. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (24’28.876s) 5. FARRES PUTRA MOHD FADHIL – HONG LEONG YAMAHA MALAYSIA (24’38.870s)
Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit saw Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA emerged victorious in a wet-weather Race 1 of the MSBK250 A category. Starting the race from pole position after setting the fastest qualifying time of 2’25.163s, Haykhal immediately showed strong pace despite the light drizzle that greeted riders at the start. The Malaysian rider made a brilliant launch to move into the lead, but the battle at the front quickly intensified as Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM, Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM, Muhd Haziq Muhd Fairues of OSAMA RACING TEAM and Muhd Akif Abdullah of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA challenged for the top positions. On Lap 2, Irfan moved ahead to take control of the race, while Haykhal remained close behind before reclaiming the lead on Lap 3 with the fastest lap time of 2’39.671s. However, Irfan launched a strong comeback on Lap 4, overtaking both Akif and Haykhal to return to the front, while Haziq continued to impress with a clean and consistent ride to remain within the leading group. The intense battle continued throughout the race, with Haykhal and Irfan repeatedly exchanging positions. On Lap 5, Haykhal returned to the lead before Irfan responded once again at the first corner on Lap 6. Despite the constant pressure from behind, Haykhal remained calm and focused, managing his pace while adapting to the difficult track conditions. Haykhal began to find his rhythm and increased his pace. Setting the fastest lap of the race with a 2’37.570s on the final lap, the Haykhal pushed his machine to the limit to secure the chequered flag with a winning time of 21’22.722s. Irfan Ardiansyah crossed the finish line just 1.142s behind to claim second place, while Akif completed the podium after another strong performance. Pillarisetty Sai Rahil of RACR CASTROL POWER1 and Ahmad Afif Amran of RAPIDO YAMAHA FIVEZERO RACING TEAM completed the top five. Haykhal said, “First of all, I want to thank my entire team for giving me such a competitive bike today. Racing in these conditions was incredibly challenging because the rain arrived just before the start, and we didn’t have the perfect wet setup. That meant I had to change my riding style, stay patient and adapt as quickly as possible with every lap.” “From the beginning, I wanted to be at the front, but I also knew that making mistakes in these conditions would be very costly. I stayed calm, followed the riders ahead, studied where they were strong and where there were opportunities. Once I found my rhythm, my confidence kept growing and I knew I could start pushing harder.” “The fight for the lead was intense because everyone was pushing to the limit, and every overtake had to be calculated carefully. On the final lap, I gave absolutely everything I had, and seeing the chequered flag first after such a demanding race is an amazing feeling. This victory means a lot to me, my team and everyone who has supported us. It’s a fantastic way to start the weekend, but we’ll stay focused because there is still another race ahead.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. MD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM (21’22.722s) 2. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (21’23.864s) 3. MUHD AKIF ABDULLAH – HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM (21’25.851s) 4. PILLARISETTY SAI RAHIL – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (21’28.422s) 5. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – RAPIDO YAMAHA FIVEZERO RACING TEAM (21’29.950s)
Carlsen Jacob Solis of FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM delivered a commanding performance in challenging wet conditions to secure victory in Race 1 of the MSBK250 B category during Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. The riders were tested with light rain drizzled across the circuit before the race start. Despite the tricky conditions and reduced grip levels, Carlsen remained composed from the opening lap, controlling the pace and keeping his rivals at bay throughout the eight-lap encounter. Carlsen made a perfect getaway to lead the field into the opening corners, followed closely by second-place starter Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTROL POWER1 and Ng Wei Shyang of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM in third. Carlsen quickly found his rhythm and began building an advantage. By Lap 3, the FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM rider had stretched his lead to two seconds over Kabilesh, with Wei Shyang maintaining a steady pace in third. As the race progressed, Carlsen continued to demonstrate excellent control and consistency, managing both the challenging weather conditions and the pressure from behind. Lap after lap, the leading order remained unchanged, with Kabilesh and Wei Shyang unable to close the gap as Carlsen expertly navigated the wet track. Despite the difficult conditions, Carlsen stayed focused until the chequered flag, completing a flawless ride to take the MSBK250 B Race 1 victory with a total race time of 22’10.142s. Kabilesh crossed the line in second place with a time of 22’40.303s, while Wei Shyang secured the final podium position for MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM in 23’24.462s. Carlsen commented, “I’m very happy to get P1 today. It feels great to start the weekend with a victory, especially when the conditions were not easy. The rain made the track very challenging, and my bike was wobbling quite a lot, so I had to stay calm, be careful and trust my feeling on the bike.” “The most important thing was to maintain my rhythm and avoid making mistakes because one small error could change the result. I focused lap by lap, tried to manage the conditions and keep the bike under control until the finish line.” “This win gives me a lot of confidence, but the job is not finished yet. Tomorrow will be another challenge, and I want to keep the same focus, maintain this momentum and fight for another strong result in Race 2. A big thank you to my team for giving me a great bike and supporting me throughout this weekend.” TOP 3 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. CARLSEN JACOB SOLIS – FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM (22’10.142s) 2. KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (22’40.303s) 3. NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (23’24.462s)
Ashraff Zaquan Bin Zainal Raif of LIANG SOON MOTOR claimed victory in Race 1 of the BERJAYA SOMPO YAMAHA R15M RACE ELITES category today, in 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 3’17.055s, Zaquan immediately launched himself into the lead when the lights went out. However, the race quickly turned into a fierce battle as a large group of riders fought closely together, with the lead changing hands multiple times throughout the race. Muhd Irish Shazwan of ALL BIKES initially followed Zaquan at the front, while Muhd Ikram Dani of EL CHONG MOTOR and Muhd Farhan Naqib Mohd Faiz of BLH RACING TEAM remained among the leading contenders. With no rider able to break away, the opening laps saw intense position swaps as riders searched for every possible opportunity to move up the order. On Lap 2, Raja Abdurraqib Raja Norfatihah of LKT MOTOR surged into the lead, pushing Zaquan and the chasing pack into an intense battle. Mohd Arrfan Ashraf of BOON HUA MOTOR also joined the fight at the front, while Naqib and Muhd Afiq Syazanie Muhd Zaini of HOCK LIONG continued to apply pressure. The battle remained wide open throughout the race, with Afiq taking control on Lap 4 before Zaquan reclaimed the lead on Lap 5. Raja Abdurraqib, Muhd Ikram Dani and Adam Danial Abdul Fattah of ANN SENG MOTOR also took turns at the front, competing for the front position. In the final lap, the intensity reached its peak as multiple riders remained within striking distance of victory. Zaquan positioned himself perfectly and launched his final attack coming out of the last corner, producing a strong exit to edge ahead and cross the finish line first with a winning time of 20’35.070s. BLH RACING TEAM’s Muhd Farhan Naqib Mohd Faiz finished just 0.039s behind in second place, while Raja Abdurraqib Raja Norfatihah of LKT MOTOR completed the podium in third after another impressive performance. Muhd Ikram Dani of EL CHONG MOTOR and Ahmad Jebat Zulkarnain Md Nazrun of ENG LUM RACING TEAM completed the top five. Zaquan said, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire Yamaha crew, Coach Zamri and everyone who has supported and helped me throughout this journey. Their hard work, guidance and commitment gave me the confidence to perform at my best today,” said Zaquan. “In Race 1, my strategy was to stay within the top five and remain patient while saving my energy for the final moments of the race. I focused on maintaining my position, studying the riders around me and preparing myself for the last lap. Coming out of the final corner, I managed to get a strong exit and make the most of the opportunity, which allowed me to cross the line in first place.” “This victory means a lot to me because it was the result of teamwork, preparation and never giving up. I’m really grateful for everyone who has my back, and I hope we can continue building on this momentum and achieve more strong results together.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. ASHRAFF ZAQUAN BIN ZAINAL RAIF – LIANG SOON MOTOR (20’35.070s) 2. MUHD FARHAN NAQIB MOHD FAIZ – BLH RACING TEAM (20’35.109s) 3. RAJA ABDURRAQIB RAJA NORFATIHAH – LKT MOTOR (20’35.191s) 4. MUHD IKRAM DANI – EL CHONG MOTOR (20’35.262s) 5. AHMAD JEBAT ZULKARNAIN MD NAZRUN – ENG LUM RACING TEAM (20’35.288s)
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 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)
Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026, topping the combined practice standings in the highly competitive MSBK600 category at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Thanat showcased impressive pace and consistency throughout both Free Practice sessions, establishing himself as the rider to beat ahead of Saturday’s Qualifying and Race 1. After setting the benchmark in Free Practice 1 with a lap time of 2’11.579s, the Thai rider returned stronger in the afternoon session, lowering his best time to an impressive 2’10.686s while recording a top speed of 152.69kph. His outstanding performance placed him at the top of the combined standings, with teammate Kitsada Tanachot completing a HONDA RACING THAILAND 1-2 after setting a best lap of 2’11.676s in Free Practice 2. The battle for supremacy remained intense behind the Thai duo, with HONDA RACING MALAYSIA riders Muhd Helmi Azman and Khairul Idham Pawi showcasing strong pace on home soil. Helmi, who finished second fastest in Free Practice 1, continued his impressive form in the afternoon session to secure third overall with a best lap of 2’11.755s, just 0.079 seconds behind Kitsada. Khairul also delivered a strong showing, improving his pace throughout the day to finish fourth overall with a time of 2’12.261s, further highlighting the strength and depth of the HONDA RACING MALAYSIA squad heading into the crucial weekend sessions. Completing the top five was Malaysian rider Muhd Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi, who produced an encouraging performance in Free Practice 2 to secure fifth overall with a fastest lap of 2’13.370s. Thanat shared, “Today was a very positive day for me, and I’m really happy to finish as the fastest rider. We are still learning because we are trying a new electronic setup, so every session is important for us to understand the bike better and find the right balance. The team has worked incredibly hard, and I’m grateful for their effort because they continue to support me and help me improve step by step.” “This season, we want to fight for the championship. To achieve that, we cannot stop pushing. Today’s result gives us confidence, but tomorrow is a new challenge, and Race 1 will be completely different. I will give my best, stay focused and fight until the end.” “The competition this round will be very strong, especially with the new riders from Honda Racing Malaysia. Helmi and Khairul are both very fast and experienced riders, so I know the battle will be tough. I will try to learn from them, challenge myself and give everything I have on track. We will keep pushing and fighting for the best result.” TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) 1. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (2’10.686s) 2. KITSADA TANACHOT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (2’11. 676s) 3. MUHD HELMI AZMAN – HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’11.755s) 4. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’12.261s) 5. MUHD NAQIB RIFQI ZULHELMI – MALAYSIA (2’13.370s)
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)
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)
Round 1 of the 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit saw Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND produce a flawless performance in Race 2 of the MSBK600 category, securing a dominant lights-to-flag win to complete a perfect weekend. Thanat immediately took control from the start, launching into the lead ahead of Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi and Muhd Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi, with China’s He Jun Peng settling into fourth. From the opening laps, the Thai rider looked composed and confident, setting the rhythm of the race while Khairul remained his closest pursuer. By Lap 3, Thanat stamped his authority with the fastest lap of 2’12.865s, gradually extending his advantage while Khairul stayed within 1.066 seconds. However, as the race developed, the gap steadily increased. By Lap 7, Thanat had stretched his lead to 2.776 seconds, with Khairul struggling to maintain consistency under heavy braking into the technical sections. The decisive phase came in the closing laps, where Thanat continued to edge away from the chasing pack. By Lap 8, the gap had grown to 3.318 seconds, effectively sealing the outcome. With clear air ahead, he controlled the pace and brought the bike home comfortably to win in 22’21.178s. Behind him, Khairul Idham Pawi settled for second place in 22’25.779s after a demanding race managing tyre and braking performance, while Muhd Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi secured third in 22’41.805s. He Jun Peng of China completed the top four, rounding out the leading group. Thanat shared, “I’m very happy with this race. We tried to pull away from Khairul and managed to win. The wind was very strong, especially in Sectors 2 and 3, so it was difficult to push because the bike could slide. But I felt confident, and I’m ready for Round 2 of ARRC. I know I’m strong, but I still need to improve further.” TOP 4 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (22’21.178s) 2. KHAIRUL IDHAM PAWI – MALAYSIA (22’25.779s) 3. MUHD NAQIB RIFQI ZULHELMI – MALAYSIA (22’41.805s) 4. HE JUN PENG – CHINA (24’07.648s)