Category: Circuit Racing

MUGELLO, ITALY | 31 May 2026 – Malaysian rider Hakim Danish Ramli produced the finest result of his career by claiming a sensational third-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix, earning his maiden Moto3 World Championship podium.

The achievement was made even more remarkable considering the challenges he faced throughout the weekend. After suffering a heavy highside crash during practice, the AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSi rider was forced to begin his qualifying campaign in Q1. However, the determined Terengganu-born rider fought his way into Q2, secured second on the grid, and was later promoted to pole position following the withdrawal of Spain’s David Almansa.

When the lights went out at Mugello, Hakim immediately established himself among the front-runners, battling wheel-to-wheel with some of the world’s best young riders throughout the 17-lap contest. Despite dropping as low as eighth at one stage, he refused to give up and mounted an impressive comeback in the closing laps.

A perfectly executed final-lap charge saw Hakim break back into the podium positions, crossing the finish line in third behind Red Bull KTM Ajo duo Brian Uriarte and Alvaro Carpe.

The result not only marks Hakim’s first-ever Moto3 podium but also ends Malaysia’s 10-year wait for a podium finish in the category since Khairul Idham Pawi’s famous victory at the 2016 German Grand Prix.

💬 Reflecting on his historic achievement, Hakim said:

“Today, I finished third and achieved my first podium in the Moto3 World Championship. I’m extremely happy because I gave everything from the start until the finish line. I raced with a never-give-up mentality and stayed focused on fighting for a podium position.”

“The race was very intense, with constant position changes at the front. I knew one small mistake could change everything. Even when I dropped back in the final laps, I stayed calm, looked for overtaking opportunities, and thankfully it worked out in the end.”

“It wasn’t an easy weekend for me after crashing twice on Friday, but we managed to recover and qualify on the front row. To finish on the podium today makes all the hard work worthwhile. I hope this is just the beginning of many more successes to come.”

“Thank you to my family, my team, and everyone who has continued to support and believe in me.”

The 16 points earned at Mugello lift Hakim to 11th in the Moto3 World Championship standings with 43 points after seven rounds, further strengthening his status as one of Malaysia’s most promising talents on the Road to MotoGP.

From a painful crash on Friday to a place on the podium on Sunday, Hakim Danish’s Mugello breakthrough will be remembered as a defining moment in Malaysian motorsport. 🏁🇲🇾

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.

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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!

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Zaqhwan Zaidi & Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo