SANTHIRAN IMPRESSED ON DEBUT

The MSBK1000 B season opener at MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered a controlled but competitive race, as Santhiran A/L Naga Raju from Malaysia produced a composed ride to claim victory after early drama.

From the start, Santhiran took control ahead of both B.A TUNING riders, Jeff Cheong and Chau Chi Chuen, in second and third. The race was briefly unsettled early on when Teuku Irfan Affandy of TRIPLE A MOTOEXPERT crashed, reshaping the opening order and allowing the leaders to pull clear.

By Lap 3, Santhiran led Jeff, with Chi Chuen, Alvinderjitsingh from Malaysia, and Tee Wee Jin of MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM following. The front group settled into rhythm as the battle shifted into strategy.

Lap 4 saw Alvinderjitsingh progress while Wesley Lim Shing Shiong of SAVITAR TEAM ASIA moved into fifth, tightening the midfield fight.

On Lap 5, Alvinderjitsingh passed Chi Chuen for third, but Chi Chuen responded on lap 6 to reclaim the position. Wesley remained steady in fifth as the fight continued behind.

From Lap 7, Santhiran controlled the pace under pressure from Jeff, with Chi Chuen securing third and Alvinderjitsingh and Wesley completing the top five.

At the flag, Santhiran took victory at 26’05.242s, Jeff finished second at 26’05.636s, and Chi Chuen completed the podium at 26’13.330s. Alvinderjitsingh and Wesley rounded out the top five.

Santhiran shared, “This is my first time racing in MSBK, to be honest, it was stressful and tense because everyone here is very experienced. For me, coming in as a first-timer, I would consider myself an amateur. Then the weather suddenly changed and it became a wet race. The other thing is, I’ve never used wet tyres before. I didn’t even have a set before this. So the sighting lap was actually my first ever experience using wet tyres in my life. But I gradually gained confidence. My crew did a very good job setting up the bike, and everyone supported me with motivation, so I just did my best. I didn’t have big expectations, I was only aiming for a top five, but the weather worked in my favour and everything went well today. I’m hoping for the best tomorrow, and good luck to everyone.”

TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1

1. SANTHIRAN A/L NAGA RAJU – MALAYSIA (26’05.242s)

2. JEFF CHEONG – B.A TUNING (26’05.636s) (10 LAPS)

3. CHAU CHI CHUEN – B.A TUNING (26’13.330s)

4. ALVINDERJITSINGH – MALAYSIA (23’58.594s) (9 LAPS)

5. WESLEY LIM SHING SHIONG – SAVITAR TEAM ASIA (24’18.255s)