On June 28, 2026, Round 2 of the Asian Riders Friendship Race took place at Zhongshan Zhongsa International Circuit. A total of 15 riders competed on identical Aprilia GPR150 motorcycles. Intermittent rain throughout the day meant that practice, qualifying, and both races were held in wet conditions, creating a series of exciting and fiercely contested battles.
In Race 1, Pui remained among the leading group and even took the lead at one point, but suffered two crashes during the race. For Race 2, his original motorcycle could not be repaired in time following the incidents, forcing him to switch to another bike. Despite the challenge, he demonstrated remarkable speed and resilience, fighting his way back to finish second.
This time, we spoke with Pui about the story behind the race, his thoughts during the competition, and what he hopes to achieve at the next round.
Rider Profile
Name：Pui
Team：EnergyMoto 18
Race1：DNF
Race2：P2
Race 1 | Two Crashes, but Never Giving Up
── You were running with the leading group from the beginning of Race 1 and even took the lead at one point. What was the first thing that came to your mind when you crashed for the first time?
At that moment, all I wanted was to continue racing. I immediately picked up the bike, and fortunately, it was still running.
── What were you thinking when you picked up the bike and rejoined the race?
I believed that I could catch up again by making the most of my strength in wet conditions. I also thought I would have a chance to overtake the others and get back into the lead.
After the crash, Pui quickly rejoined the race. Using his impressive speed in wet conditions, he gradually closed the gap to the leading group. However, disaster struck again at T2 on the final lap, where he suffered a second crash.
── How did you feel when the second crash happened?
I was disappointed, of course. But I also clearly saw where my weaknesses were, and I know what I need to improve in the future.
On the final lap, he was already closing in on Hoi ahead of him, making the second crash particularly unfortunate. The incident also drew gasps from the spectators.
Race 2 | A Comeback on a Different Bike
Following the incidents in Race 1, his original motorcycle could not be repaired in time. Pui therefore had to switch to another bike for Race 2.
── How did the replacement bike feel in Race 2? At the beginning of the race, it seemed that you were still trying to find your rhythm.
I only had two laps to get familiar with the bike. Even when the race started, I still hadn't fully adapted to it. The downshifting feel and clutch position were different from what I was used to.
── Despite that, you eventually fought your way up to second place. Did you adjust your mindset or strategy during the race?
After the crashes in Race 1, I made an adjustment to my mindset. Fortunately, during the race, I realized that my pace was actually faster than the riders in first and second place. I could see myself getting closer and closer to them, so I decided to ride in a more relaxed way.
My strategy was simply to overtake whoever was in front of me, one rider at a time, and let things happen naturally.
As the race progressed, he gradually found his rhythm and continued closing the gap to the riders ahead. The tightly packed group from the early stages of the race began to stretch out as he pushed forward.
From Chasing Lap Times to Understanding What Racing Really Means
Lessons from a Wet Race
── What was the biggest challenge for you in this wet-weather race?
Without a doubt, it was myself. My performance wasn't consistent enough, and I was too focused on trying to set faster lap times.
── Overall, are you satisfied with your performance throughout the day?
I'm quite satisfied with my performance throughout the day. Even as the grip level of the wet track changed, I was able to push the bike close to its limits. I have no regrets. I just want to race with everyone again.
── After this experience, what would you like to improve for the next round?
I need to change the way I think about racing. I have to remind myself that the goal is to score points and achieve a good finishing position, not simply to set fast lap times. I need to become more consistent.
"Being fast doesn't necessarily mean you can win a race."
His words reveal a shift in how he understands racing.
In the past, his focus was always on setting new personal best lap times. Now, he is beginning to place greater importance on finishing races consistently, accumulating championship points, and securing strong results.
This change in mindset marks an important step towards becoming a more mature and complete rider.
Finally, a Message to His Supporters
The spectators were really lucky to witness such an exciting race. There wasn't a single dull moment from start to finish. But next time, I hope you'll see a more consistent version of me.
Editor's Note
wo crashes in Race 1, followed by a remarkable comeback to second place on a replacement bike in Race 2. Pui delivered plenty of thrilling moments throughout the weekend.
One statement from this interview stood out in particular:
"Racing isn't just about chasing the fastest lap time. It's about learning how to consistently score points and achieve good results."
For a rider who has always focused on setting new personal best lap times, this change in perspective represents more than just technical improvement. It reflects a deeper understanding of what racing truly means.
Two crashes and a motorcycle change made this a challenging weekend, but they also provided valuable lessons and experience.
At the next round, we look forward to seeing an even more mature and consistent Pui, and we can't wait to watch him deliver another exciting battle on track.