The Idemitsu FIM Moto4 Asia Cup fired back into life at Motegi with Race 1 bringing a last lap showdown, going the way of Championship leader Hayato Chishiki. The #16 pounced late on to deny Haruki Matsuyama a first career win whilst Waku Kunitate, having led most of the race, finished third.

Before the lights went out for the planned 13-lapper, there was drama for Pacharagorn Thonggerdloung, who seemed to stall the bike on the grid before he was pushed off. A delayed start followed and the Thai rider was given a double Long Lap Penalty in the now-reduced 12-lap encounter. Lights out and it was Judd Plaisted who was the initial early race leader before Kunitate and Kotaro Togashi took over at the front. Leading at Turn 9, Togashi suffered a big highside on exit and whilst walking away, dreams of victory at home were dashed.

As the race settled down, a front group of five consisted of Kunitate, Matsuyama, Chishiki, Thai star Teerin Fleming and Indonesian Resky Yusuf. Into the closing stages and it became clear the three Japanese were the ones in contention for victory and onto the last lap, Kunitate led until Matsuyama attacked into Turn 7. The #8 responded at Turn 9 but on the run into Turn 11, it was three abreast, with Chishiki coming out on top as they came out from under the bridge. A run to the line but the Championship leader couldn’t be stopped, forcing Matsuyama to wait again after a fifth podium whilst Kunitate was third.

Attention turns to tomorrow’s 13-lapper, with lights out at 08:45 local time (UTC +9)!