Yamaha Thailand Racing Team is set to compete at ARRC Sepang - "Tee-Anupap" sets fastest time to lead SS600 – "Idea" finishes top three in AP250 signaling a 2026 championship challenge.
The continental speed competition, the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship, is set to kick off its first round of the season from 10-12 April at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. The recent "Official Test" on 8 April saw riders compete amid hot weather, serving as a crucial trial before the official season opening.
This year, Yamaha Thailand Racing Team continues with the same rider lineup, led by "Tee" Anupap Samul, riding the YAMAHA YZF-R6 number 500. Last season, he was the runner-up in Asia's SuperSport 600cc (SS600) class with points equal to the champion, demonstrating top-tier Asian-level potential.
Meanwhile, "Idea" Kritphat Khuankham, a rising star on the YAMAHA YZF-R3, finished last season as runner-up in Asia Production 250cc (AP250) and is fully committed to chasing the championship this year. The season opener also features "Gas" Theeranai Thaptim, number 36, competing with a wildcard entry in AP250 to gain experience on the Asian stage.
The Sepang test, marking the first time in several years the circuit opens the season, saw "Tee-Anupap" overcome early technical issues swiftly. He then surged to lead the test with a best lap of 2 minutes 9.444 seconds, edging out main rival Kasuma Daniel Kasmayudin from Hong Leong Yamaha Racing by just 0.096 seconds.
In the Asia Production 250cc class, Yamaha riders focused on fine-tuning their setups for maximum readiness. "Idea-Kritphat" secured third place with a lap time of 2 minutes 25.895 seconds, just 0.558 seconds behind the leader. "Gas-Theeranai" completed testing in 13th place with a lap time of 2 minutes 28.099 seconds.
The 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship will begin official practice on Friday, 10 April, followed by qualifying and the first race on Saturday, 11 April, and the second race on Sunday, 12 April. Racing fans can watch live broadcasts on the Asia Road Racing Championship Facebook Fanpage.