Hafizh Syahrin Makes It Eight Straight ASB1000 Wins at Mandalika

JDT Racing Team rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah continued his dominant 2026 campaign with another commanding victory in Race 2 of the Asia Road Racing Championship.

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Hafizh Syahrin continued his remarkable run in the ASB1000 class after securing his eighth consecutive victory in Race 2 of Round 4 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) 2026 at Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia.

The JDT Racing Team rider produced a controlled and calculated performance across the 15-lap race, overcoming a hectic opening lap before taking control of the race from Lap 2. Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. Honda Philippines made the strongest start, leading the field ahead of SWIFT GROW Racing Team’s Lachlan Epis and Mohammad Adenanta Putra of Astra Honda Racing Team.

Starting from fifth, Hafizh avoided the early chaos and quickly moved through the field. By the second lap, the Malaysian had taken the lead, while Epis subsequently crashed out of the race. Once at the front, Hafizh immediately increased the pace. He progressively lowered his lap times, recording a 1’36.332s on Lap 3 before setting an impressive 1’35.349s by Lap 6.

The pace allowed Hafizh to establish a comfortable advantage over Abe, while the battle for the final podium positions intensified behind them. Adenanta initially held third before Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia moved ahead on Lap 5. However, Zaqhwan’s podium challenge ended on Lap 8 after he lost front grip and crashed.

Anthony West of Motogo Yamaha Fusport Racing also retired from the race following an earlier incident on Lap 6. With Hafizh continuing to stretch his advantage beyond three seconds, the battle for third became the main focus of the closing stages.

A slight wobble from Adenanta on Lap 10 allowed Rocco Sessler of Forty Forged Asia Racing Team to move into third. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand then overtook Adenanta on Lap 12 to move into fourth.

Hafizh remained in complete control through the final laps, crossing the chequered flag in 24’03.193s to claim another ASB1000 victory. Abe finished second in 24’05.883s, while Sessler completed the podium in 24’06.545s, holding off late pressure from Nakarin.

Speaking after the race, Hafizh credited his race strategy for allowing him to escape the battles behind. “Seeing that chaos, I knew I had to control the race with my head. While the others were battling fiercely, I rode smart, stayed out of trouble, and capitalized on the right moments to make clinical passes,” he said.

The former MotoGP rider also explained that he deliberately changed his approach after Saturday’s race to prevent Abe from benefiting from his slipstream. “I decided to push the pace much earlier to break the tow and build a comfortable gap,” he added. 

Beyond the result, the victory carried additional significance for Hafizh, who dedicated the win to JDT Racing Team manager Razmin, who was hospitalised, as well as his team and family. He also expressed his appreciation to HRH Tunku Mahkota Ismail for his continued support of the team.

With another victory secured, Hafizh’s remarkable winning streak now stands at eight consecutive ASB1000 wins, further strengthening his position as the rider to beat in the premier class of the 2026 ARRC season.

Race 2 Top Five

1. Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah – JDT Racing Team – 24’03.193s
2. Keito Abe – SDG HARC-PRO. Honda Philippines – 24’05.883s
3. Rocco Sessler – Forty Forged Asia Racing Team – 24’06.545s
4. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat – Honda Racing Thailand – 24’10.417s
5. Mohammad Adenanta Putra – Astra Honda Racing Team – 24’14.379s