Badly Ayatullah Converts Strong Pace Into First IM4AC Podium of 2026

The young rider, supported by PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM), finished third in Race 2 at Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi, Japan on Sunday, October 4, 2026, after battling in the leading group throughout the race.

“I got a good start and tried to find opportunities while studying where I could attack. Thankfully, I was able to secure my first IM4AC podium of the season,” Badly said after the podium ceremony, as quoted by Antara.

According to race statistics, the result marked Badly’s first podium appearance of the 2026 campaign. The rider from East Luwu, South Sulawesi, demonstrated competitive pace aboard the Honda NSF250R, consistently running among the leaders and even spending time at the front of the field.

The second race featured intense competition, with the lead changing hands several times. Badly remained in contention throughout and maintained his pace until the final corners, ultimately securing third place and a podium finish for Indonesia.

The achievement was particularly notable given the challenges he faced a day earlier. During Race 1 on Saturday, October 3, Badly was forced to retire due to a technical issue while competing near the front alongside his teammate, Resky.

Resky had been Astra Honda’s best qualifier after securing eighth position on the starting grid. He went on to finish fourth in Race 1, while fellow Honda riders Bintang Pranata Sukma and Maulana Malik crossed the line in sixth and seventh places, respectively.

In Race 2, Resky once again showed strong pace and initially finished fifth, while Bintang placed seventh. However, both riders later received penalties, dropping them to 10th and 11th in the final classification. Maulana finished 12th after encountering technical difficulties with his motorcycle.

AHM General Manager for Marketing Planning and Analysis Andy Wijaya praised the efforts of the company's young riders throughout the Motegi round.

“The podium earned by Badly, along with the determination shown by all of our riders, provides a positive foundation as they continue developing their skills and pursuing international racing achievements that can make Indonesia proud,” Andy concluded.

The Astra Honda riders will next compete in the fourth round of the 2026 Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup at Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit from October 9 to 11, where they will look to build on the momentum gained in Japan. ***