Ryota Ogiwara has kickstarted his 2025 campaign in the best way possible as last year’s runner-up defended brilliantly to beat fellow Japanese star Seiryu Ikegami by just 0.054s in a Race 1 classic between the pair. Noprutpong Bunprawes stayed in touch of the top two for most of the race, but in the end took a famous P3 two seconds adrift to the delight of the Thai fans.

After the initial race start was red-flagged due to a multi-rider crash at Turn 9 on the opening lap, the restarted race – with a reduced distance of 10 laps – began in similar fashion at the front. Ogiwara vs Ikegami was underway from the off, with Bunprawes the only rider to stay in touch after the first couple of laps.

The Thai rider’s victory hopes faded in the final stages, as we witnessed a brilliant Buriram battle for the 25 points between the two Japanese stars. On the last lap, Ogiwara led until Turn 4. That’s where Ikegami pounced – a beautiful move up the inside at the rapid right-hander, before Ogiwara carved back through at Turn 7. Ikegami bit back at Turn 8 but the #14 ran wide, allowing Ogiwara back through.

And from there, the #16 held onto P1. Just. Less than a tenth split Ogiwara and Ikegami, as Bunprawes crossed the line in P3 to earn a first ATC podium in front of his adoring Thai faithful.

Some great late race pace saw Haruki Matsuyama claim P4 ahead of Alfonsi Daquigan and Badly Ayatullah, with India’s Sarthak Chavan picking up P7. Nelson Cairoli, Tanachat Pratumtong and Teerin Fleming rounded out the top in Race 1.