Malaysian ace Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah delivered a statement performance at the third round of the 2026 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) after topping the combined practice classification in the Asian Superbike 1000cc (ASB1000) category at Mobility Resort Motegi.
Representing JDT Racing Team, Hafizh emerged as the fastest rider across all three practice sessions, clocking a best lap of 1:49.752 to finish ahead of a strong international field and underline his status as a leading contender for victory this weekend.
The former MotoGP rider demonstrated excellent pace throughout the day, consistently running at the front before producing the benchmark lap in Practice 1 that remained unbeaten across the combined standings.
His performance handed JDT Racing Team a significant boost heading into qualifying and the races, with Hafizh showing impressive speed around the demanding Motegi circuit.
Japanese rider Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO Honda Philippines secured second overall with a best time of 1:50.021, while Thailand’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat completed the top three on 1:50.100.
Malaysia enjoyed a productive opening day with several riders securing places inside the top ten.
Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia finished seventh overall after posting a best lap of 1:50.652, placing him less than a second behind Syahrin.
Meanwhile, fellow Malaysian Azroy Hakeem Anuar also showed encouraging pace for Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia, ending the combined sessions in ninth position with a best effort of 1:50.851.
The presence of three Malaysians inside the top ten reflects the nation’s growing strength in the premier class of Asian superbike racing.
JDT Racing Team enjoyed additional success through Indonesian rider Andi Farid Izdihar, who claimed eighth position overall with a best lap of 1:50.656.
The result places both JDT Racing Team riders firmly in contention as the championship enters a crucial phase of the season.
It was a more difficult outing for Malaysian rider Mohd Fahmi Abdul Wahaf of Forty Forged Asia Racing Team, who finished 16th overall with a best time of 2:00.327.
Despite the gap to the leaders, the practice sessions provide valuable data and track time ahead of qualifying and the race weekend.
Combined Practice Top 10 – ASB1000
| Pos | Rider | Nation | Team | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah | Malaysia | JDT Racing Team | 1:49.752 |
| 2 | Keito Abe | Japan | SDG HARC-PRO Honda Philippines | 1:50.021 |
| 3 | Nakarin Atiratphuvapat | Thailand | Honda Racing Thailand | 1:50.100 |
| 4 | Shota Ite | Japan | Akeno Speed.UMA Racing Yamaha | 1:50.166 |
| 5 | Kohta Arakawa | Japan | Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing | 1:50.289 |
| 6 | Lachlan Epis | Australia | Swift Grow Racing Team | 1:50.528 |
| 7 | Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi | Malaysia | Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia | 1:50.652 |
| 8 | Andi Farid Izdihar | Indonesia | JDT Racing Team | 1:50.656 |
| 9 | Azroy Hakeem Anuar | Malaysia | Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia | 1:50.851 |
| 10 | Kazuki Watanabe | Japan | Team Tatara Aprilia Asia | 1:50.853 |
Credit Photo : ARRC
