Category: Circuit Racing

Ducati wrapped up the 2026 MotoGP Sepang Test in style, with Álex Márquez fastest on Day 3 at the Sepang International Circuit, leading a commanding final-day showing for the Italian manufacturer.

Álex Márquez topped the timesheets on his Gresini Ducati, ahead of brother Marc Márquez, while Francesco Bagnaia completed a Ducati lockout of the top three as the final official pre-season test in Malaysia came to a close.

While Ducati’s pace set the benchmark, one of the most watched storylines remained Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s MotoGP adaptation. The World Superbike champion completed another solid day with Prima Pramac Yamaha, focusing on braking technique, electronics and Michelin tyre behaviour as he continues his transition to the premier class. Though outright lap times were not the priority, Toprak’s steady progress added intrigue to Yamaha’s 2026 campaign.

Elsewhere, Pedro Acosta continued to impress for KTM, while Honda logged valuable mileage as it builds towards the new season. After earlier technical setbacks, Yamaha returned to full running on Day 3, prioritising data collection and reliability across both its factory riders and Toprak’s programme.

With the Sepang Test complete, attention now shifts to final preparations before the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season, with Ducati emerging as the early reference — and all eyes watching how quickly Toprak can shake up the grid.

Yamaha’s 2026 MotoGP pre-season test in Malaysia took an unexpected turn as the factory team halted all running on Day 2 at the Sepang International Circuit due to a technical issue with its new M1 V4 engine.

The stoppage came after Fabio Quartararo’s bike stopped on track following an earlier crash that had left him with a broken finger. Engineers soon discovered a technical problem with the new V4, prompting Yamaha to keep all riders — including Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Toprak Razgatlioglu — in the garage for safety while the issue was investigated.

Technical director Massimo Bartolini said the precise cause remains unclear, underlining the need for caution before returning to track action. The pause cost Yamaha valuable test time, especially as rivals continued development in mixed conditions, and added a dramatic subplot to the early 2026 MotoGP season.

The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) has announced its 2026 Championship Calendar, with the season set to begin in April and feature six rounds across Asia.

Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing, said the 2025 season reinforced ARRC’s growth through strong partnerships, rider development and fan engagement, while expressing optimism for the year ahead. He added that Season 2026 will include regulatory refinements aimed at ensuring fair competition and raising performance standards in line with global best practices.

FIM Asia President Stephan Carapiet described 2025 as a defining season, acknowledging the challenges faced and praising the collective effort of partners, teams, riders and officials in driving the championship forward.

With six rounds scheduled at familiar circuits, ARRC enters the 2026 season with renewed motivation, a stronger competitive platform and a continued focus on talent development across Asian motorsport

Malaysian hero Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah thrilled the home crowd with a dominant victory in Race 1 of the ASB1000 class at the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025, held at Sepang International Circuit.

Racing under blistering 41°C heat, the JDT Racing Team rider led from the start and never looked back. Rivals Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi tried to challenge, but crashes and tyre wear reshuffled the pack. Hafizh managed the tough conditions with skill, crossing the line in 25’26.781s, ahead of Zaqhwan and Thailand’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat.

“The last four laps were really tough managing the front tyre,” Hafizh said. “When Keito crashed, I told myself to stay calm and enjoy the moment. This win is for the team, my family, and all the fans who came to support.”

Top 5 – Race 1 (ASB1000)
1️⃣ Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah – JDT Racing Team
2️⃣ Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi – Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia
3️⃣ Nakarin Atiratphuvapat – Honda Racing Thailand
4️⃣ Lachlan Epis – Savitar Racing Asia
5️⃣ Maiku Watanuki – Team TATARA Aprilia

Fadillah Arbi Aditama Targets Another Win at Sepang Round 5

Indonesian rider Fadillah Arbi Aditama from Astra Honda Racing Team continues his outstanding run in the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) 2025 season. After a stunning double-win at the Mandalika Circuit, Fadillah remains at the top of the Asia Production 250cc standings, holding a 37-point lead over Krittapat Keankum of Yamaha Thailand Racing Team.

From a spectacular season-opening hat-trick to a solid recovery on home soil, Fadillah has shown consistency, speed, and maturity beyond his years. As the championship moves to Sepang International Circuit, the 19-year-old Indonesian rider aims to strengthen his championship lead in front of passionate Malaysian fans.

“Despite the point gap, I’ll go all out at Sepang,” said Fadillah. “There’s nothing better than a double-win. We’ve learned a lot this season — every challenge and setup teaches us to be stronger. The goal is clear: the championship title.”

With strong rivals including Krittapat Keankum, Izam Ikmal (Victor Racing Team), Irfan Ardiansyah (Maeztro NWN SCK Honda Racing Team) and Galang Hendra Pratama (Yamaha BAF Yamalube Akai Jaya MBKW2 Racing Team), Round 5 at Sepang Circuit promises high-speed action and fierce competition.

Can Fadillah extend his winning streak and edge closer to the 2025 Asia Road Racing Championship title? All eyes will be on Sepang this weekend.

Malaysia has once again made its mark in international motorsports as Zaqhwan Zaidi and Azroy Hakeem Anuar, together with their teammate Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, secured a Top 10 finish at the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours 2025 endurance race.

While a P10 result may seem modest to some, in the context of one of the world’s most competitive and grueling motorcycle endurance events, it is a remarkable achievement. The Suzuka 8 Hours is known not only for its intense level of competition but also for being a true test of skill, stamina, and teamwork.

This year’s race was even more historic, as it marked the first time two Malaysian riders competed in the same team at Suzuka 8 Hours. Zaqhwan was called in as a last-minute replacement for Andi Farid Izdihar, who is still recovering from injury — and he delivered under pressure.

Behind these achievements lies the tireless work of individuals like Zulhelmi Amy, a key figure who has spent years quietly paving the way for Malaysian riders to gain international exposure and opportunities.

While the spotlight often shines only on podium finishes, this Top 10 result at Suzuka 8 Hours is a milestone worthy of celebration. It reflects not only the talent of our riders but the dedication and sacrifice that have brought them this far.

Congratulations to all the riders and teams for proudly representing Malaysia on the world stage!

Zaqhwan Zaidi & Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo

The 2025 PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship reached an exciting climax at Round 5 in Terengganu, where Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin delivered an emotional victory in the CP150 category. Starting from second on the grid, Kasma fought fiercely through multiple crashes and a red-flagged restart to overtake pole-sitter Ahmad Afif Amran on Lap 12. Crossing the finish line just 0.034 seconds ahead, Kasma dedicated the hard-fought win to his mother on her birthday.

In the CP125 race, Md Izam Ikmal Izamli showcased smart racecraft to claim the top spot after a tactical battle. Despite early challenges, Izam overtook rivals in the closing laps and held off a strong challenge from Md Farid Hakimi.

The Wira KBS race saw Md Akif Abdullah execute a decisive last-lap move to snatch victory from Farres Putra, marking his second win of the season.

With thrilling races and close finishes, the championship battle heats up as riders push for more victories in the coming rounds.

Next up: Round 6 will take place at the Sepang International Circuit (South) on 16-17 August 2025. Fans can look forward to more intense racing action at one of Malaysia’s premier motorsport venues.