ZAQUAN’S PERFECT FINAL MOVE
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)