JDT Racing Team star Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah has been slapped with another fine by the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) officials, despite his spectacular victory in Race 1 of the ASB1000 category at the Chang International Circuit yesterday.

This marks the second consecutive round where the former MotoGP rider has faced disciplinary action, highlighting a string of technical and procedural infractions despite his flawless form on the track.

Following his win in Thailand—his third victory of the season—Hafizh was found to have violated track regulations by picking up a flag from the trackside during his celebratory lap after the race ended. As a result, ARRC officials imposed a fine of USD 500 (approx. RM1,900).

Hafizh was not the only rider penalized for this specific act. Six other riders across various categories, including Hiroki Ono, Wahyu Aji Trilaksana, and Rheza Danica Ahrens, were also fined the same amount for similar celebrations.

The championship leader is becoming a regular at the stewards’ office. During the season opener at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) last month, Hafizh was also fined USD 500 and handed a long-lap penalty. In that instance, he was penalized for slowing down abruptly near the finish line in Race 2, a move officials deemed dangerous as it nearly caused a high-speed collision.

Despite the off-track drama, Hafizh’s performance remains untouchable. He continues to lead the overall standings in the Asian Superbike 1000 (ASB1000) class, maintaining a perfect podium streak that mirrors his double-success in Sepang.

Broader Disciplinary Action

The stewards in Buriram were kept busy as several other riders faced sanctions for various offenses:

• Hiroki Ono (AP250): Fined USD 500 and handed a long-lap penalty for Race 2.
• Thanat Laoongpol (SS600): Handed a long-lap penalty for dangerous riding.
• Wahyu Nugroho (SS600): Ordered to start from the back of the grid for both Race 1 and Race 2 due to a tire regulation infringement during qualifying.

Hafizh Syahrin will look to put the financial setbacks behind him as he aims to extend his lead in the championship standings during today’s final sessions.