Malaysian rider Muhammad Helmi Azman delivered a sensational performance to claim victory in Race 1 of the Supersports 600cc (SS600) category during the opening round of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 20226 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit.
Representing Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia, Helmi completed the 10-lap race (55.430 km), narrowly edging Thailand’s Anupab Sarmoon from Yamaha Thailand Racing Team by just 0.293 seconds in a dramatic finish.
The intense battle at the front saw Indonesia’s Herjun Atna Firdaus of Astra Honda Racing Team secure the final podium position after crossing the line 3.980 seconds behind the race winner.
Indonesia continued to feature prominently in the race, with Wahyu Nugroho finishing fourth for Yamaha Racing Indonesia, while the Philippines’ McKinley Kyle Paz completed the top five for Hong Leong Yamaha Racing.
Another Indonesian rider, Fadillah Arbi Aditama from Astra Honda Racing Team, finished sixth ahead of Malaysian contender Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, who secured seventh place for Hong Leong Yamaha Racing.
Thailand’s Thanat Laoongplio placed eighth for Honda Racing Thailand, while Malaysia’s Md Izam Ikmal finished ninth representing Victor Racing Team.
Rounding out the top ten was Indonesian rider Dimas Ekky Pratama of MsGlowForMen Racing Team.
The race also saw several riders fail to finish. Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Pawi, also competing for Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia, was forced to retire after completing eight laps. China’s Zhao Tianhao and Thailand’s Kitsada Tanachot were also listed as DNF, while Indonesia’s Muhammad Faerozi Toreqo did not start the race.
Helmi’s victory marks a strong start for the Malaysian contingent in the championship, particularly for Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia, which celebrated a home triumph in front of the Sepang crowd.
Credit Photo : ARRC
