Hafizh Syahrin Clinches First ARRC Win of the Season at Motegi

JDT Racing Team rider bounces back from Race 1 DNF to triumph in a thrilling Race 2 battle against home favourite Keito Abe.

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Malaysia’s Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah delivered a stunning comeback at the Mobility Resort Motegi, claiming his first victory of the 2025 season in Race 2 of the ASB1000 class at Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC).

The JDT Racing Team star, who had to retire from Race 1, stormed back in style with a determined performance across 11 laps, finishing with a winning time of just 0.213 seconds ahead of Japanese challenger Keito Abe of the SDG HARC-PRO Honda Philippines team.

“I had a good start, but yesterday didn’t end well for me. I nearly lost all my confidence,” said Hafizh. “I wasn’t at 100%, but I managed to follow Keito closely and attacked on the last lap where I felt strongest. This win is for the whole team behind me.”

Starting from pole position, Hafizh launched off the line confidently, determined not to repeat Saturday’s disappointment. Despite Abe briefly snatching the lead on Lap 4, Hafizh patiently shadowed the Japanese rider before making a decisive move on the final lap, showcasing the racecraft that once made him Malaysia’s MotoGP pioneer.

Sho Nishimura of Japan Post Honda Racing completed the podium in third, followed by Thailand’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat and fellow Malaysian Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi.

Hafizh’s result propels him back into the ASB1000 title hunt as the championship heads to Round 4 at Mandalika Circuit, Indonesia, from August 29–31.

Top 5 – ASB1000 Race 2 (Motegi):

1. Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (JDT Racing Team) – 24’09.165

2. Keito Abe (SDG HARC-PRO Honda Philippines) – 24’09.378

3. Sho Nishimura (Japan Post Honda Racing) – 24’12.201

4. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat (Honda Racing Thailand) – 24’13.226

5. Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi (Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia) – 24’15.292