The first two races of the season are about to get underway at the spectacular Chang International Circuit
The Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC) gets underway at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, from 28th February to 2nd March, alongside MotoGP™. The 4.554 km track, known for its long straights, heavy braking zones, and tight corners, is set to challenge the next generation of MotoGP™ stars as they kick off the 2025 season.
Pre-Season Test: Getting Up to Speed
Held from 20th to 22nd February, the pre-season test delivered fast laps, learning curves, and plenty of promise. Under hot, dry conditions, riders focused on fine-tuning setups, understanding the Chang layout, and getting to grips with ATC procedures.
The standout? Ryota Ogiwara (JPN). Now in his third ATC season and last year’s runner-up, he smashed the lap record by half a second, clocking an eye-watering 1:45.539. Right on his tail were Seiryu Ikegami (JPN), Alfonsi Daquigan (PHL), and local favourite Noprutpong Bunprawes (THA).
Riders didn’t just chase lap times—they dug into tyre choices, fuel loads, and setups. Two race simulations gave a glimpse of the grid dynamics, with Diego Lozano and his team guiding riders through lines, strategies, and the fine details that count.
A Grid Full of Potential
This year’s lineup sees 22 riders from 10 nations, with 12 rookies stepping up to the plate. Among them is Chen Shiyu (CHN), the only female rider on the grid, ready to carve her name into the ATC story.
Returning names like Ogiwara, Ikegami, Daquigan, and Bunprawes bring the experience, but with a field this deep, there’s no predicting who’ll shine when the lights go out.
Round 1: Get Ready to Watch
Track action starts Friday, 28th February, with free practices and qualifying. Racing kicks off on Saturday, 1st March, with Race 1 at 09:00 UTC, followed by Race 2 on Sunday, 2nd March, at 02:35 UTC. Both races will be streamed online—don’t miss the chance to watch the next generation go all out.
The grid’s set, the pace is fast, and the season starts now. Let’s race!
