Qabil Irfan Ends Malaysia’s Moto4 Podium Drought

Qabil Irfan secures second place in Thailand’s Moto4 Asia Talent Cup opener, ending Malaysia’s podium drought and moving into third overall in the 2026 standings.

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Malaysia is back on the Moto4 podium and it took grit, composure, and a fearless Sunday charge from Qabil Irfan Azlan to make it happen.

At the season opener of the Moto4 Asia Talent Cup at Chang International Circuit, the Terengganu-born rider delivered a stunning runner-up finish in Race 2, ending Malaysia’s wait to see the Jalur Gemilang flying on the podium once again.

And he earned every inch of it.

A Weekend of Growth

Saturday’s qualifying hinted at potential. Despite minor technical issues, Qabil secured second on the grid, a strong statement to start the season.

Race 1, however, was a learning curve. Competing at this level for the first time, Qabil admitted he approached it strategically, observing the pace and racecraft of the front runners. A small mistake at the start set him back, and despite fighting his way through the pack, he crossed the line in sixth.

Encouraging, but not yet enough. Sunday was a different story. “I decided to fight from the start,” he said and that shift in mindset changed everything.

The Defining Moment

Mid-race in Race 2, drama struck.

Under intense pressure from the leading group, Qabil was forced off the racing line and briefly lost control. For a split second, it looked like Malaysia’s podium hopes were slipping away.

But what followed defined his maturity as a racer. He calmly gathered the bike, rejoined the track, and immediately resumed his attack. No panic. No hesitation. Just focus.

From there, he rode with precision and aggression, securing second place with a time of 26:56.174, just 2.2 seconds behind Japan’s dominant winner, Hayato Chishiki, who completed a clean sweep of both races in Thailand.

Qabil also held off another Japanese challenger, Kotaro Togashi, in a tense battle to the chequered flag.

More Than a Trophy

This podium carries weight beyond personal achievement.

It ends Malaysia’s drought in the Moto4 Asia series, the last Malaysian to stand on the podium being Farish Hafiy Farid Sezli in 2024.

For Qabil, it’s validation. For Malaysia, it’s momentum. With 30 championship points, he now sits third overall. Chishiki leads with 50 points, while Waku Kunitate holds second with 33 only three points ahead of Qabil.

The gap is close. The title fight is alive.

A Team Effort

Elsewhere in the Malaysian camp:

• Muhammad Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi showed resilience, bouncing back to finish 12th in Race 2 and secure valuable points.
• Qayyim Razin Razali endured a challenging weekend, finishing 16th in both races but continuing to gain vital experience.

Eyes on Qatar

What stood out most in Buriram wasn’t just the result, it was the transformation.

From cautious observer in Race 1 to aggressive contender in Race 2, Qabil demonstrated growth in real time. The composure to recover from an off-track moment and still fight for a podium is the mark of a serious championship challenger.

Round 2 heads to Qatar on 12 April. If Thailand was the statement, Qatar could be the confirmation.

Malaysia is no longer chasing the front pack. It’s running with them.