The Final Showdown
BURIRAM, Thailand – The curtain is poised to fall on the electrifying 2025 Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) season at the iconic Chang International Circuit. As the teams arrive for the final round (Round 6) on December 5-7, the focus is squarely on the premier Asia Superbike 1000 (ASB1000) class, where a mere 11 points separate the top four riders in what promises to be one of the most nail-biting title deciders in ARRC history.
The Chang circuit, a stage known for speed and drama, will host two final races, each offering 25 crucial points to the winner, setting the scene for a true winner-takes-all grand finale.
The Home Hero's Advantage: Nakarin Atiratphuvapat
Leading the charge is Thailand's own Nakarin Atiratphuvapat (Honda Racing Thailand), who holds a fragile four-point lead with 152 points. Nakarin has been the picture of consistency, capitalizing on rivals' misfortunes to take the top spot after a dramatic Race 2 collision between his main competitors at the previous round in Sepang.
Crucially, Nakarin is a master of his home track, having dominated the opening round here in April with a commanding double victory. The roaring support of the Thai fans will be a powerful force as he defends his lead against the aggressive Malaysian assault.
The Malaysian Mavericks: Hafizh Syahrin & Zaqhwan Zaidi
Breathing down Nakarin's neck are the Malaysian stars. Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (JDT Racing Team), the former MotoGP rider, sits in second place with 148 points. Hafizh has proven his world-class pace with multiple wins this season, but his championship hopes were momentarily derailed by the last-lap incident at Sepang. Armed with the Ducati Panigale V4R, Hafizh is renowned for his blistering speed and will be desperate for redemption and his first ASB1000 crown.
Adding to the drama are two more contenders locked in a tie for third: Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi and Keito Abe, both with 141 points. Zaqhwan, a multi-time ARRC champion and Malaysian racing stalwart, is only 11 points adrift. The internal rivalry and external pressure mean the margin for error is non-existent.
The Math of Destiny
With 50 points available, the championship is wide open:
Nakarin (152 pts) needs a consistent weekend, aiming for at least two podiums to keep the chasing pack at bay.
Hafizh (148 pts) must win at least one race or finish ahead of Nakarin in both to take the advantage.
Zaqhwan & Abe (141 pts) have no choice but to push for double victories and hope the top two falter.
The final two races promise a spectacular fusion of tactical genius, raw speed, and high-risk overtakes. With the fate of the 2025 season hanging in the balance, the Chang International Circuit is set to host a weekend of unforgettable Asian road racing history.
Beyond ASB1000: Titles on the Line
The action won't be limited to the premier class. The final round will also determine the champions in the:
Supersports 600 (SS600): A hotbed of rising stars where the fight for glory is notoriously close.
Asia Production 250 (AP250): The all-out brawl of the junior category, guaranteed to produce paint-swapping finishes.
Underbone 150 (UB150): The fan-favourite class where pack racing and slipstream battles define the race.
The engines roar on Friday, December 5th, with final race action concluding on Sunday, December 7th. All eyes are on Buriram, where the 2025 Asian road racing champions will be crowned.