Daquigan Closes his ATC campaign with a Podium and Laps Led in Both Races

The 6th and final round of the 2025 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup was held at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit from October 24-26.

The weekend did not start as planned but it gradually improved. “Friday was not good. Not the best Friday. Ready for any condition tomorrow,” said Alfonsi Daquigan.

And indeed he was ready on Saturday as as he set the 3rd quickest qualifying lap in the morning at P3 on the grid behind the two Japanese riders Ogiwara and Ikegami who are fighting for the overall championships.

In Race 1 that afternoon, Daquigan proved to everyone that his amazing Indonesian double was not a fluke as he was at the front the whole time dogfighting with the two top Japanese. He was 2nd with 5 laps to go and actually led the race for almost 2 laps and looked like he was ready to win again, until Ikegami made a push to win with 3 laps to go. Ogiwara, who desperately wanted to clinch the title that day, followed him. But in the end Daquigan was also targeting to secure 3rd place in the standings as he settled for P3 and the last podium spot.

He once again proudly put the Philippine flag on the FIM ATC podium for the third consecutive race! By finishing in P3 at the Malaysian GP, Daquigan also clinched 3rd place overall in the 2025 championship, another historic achievement for the 15-year-old!

“Race done and dusted! P3 in the championship secured. On the podium again! Something is missing but I’m ready for tomorrow,” he said.

After the podium he agreed to a side bet that if he wins tomorrow, he’ll shave his head!

Race 2 was an up and down race for Daquigan. He spent the first half of the race in 6 or 7th position but impressively moved into the lead with 3laps to go. For a lap, it looked like Daquigan was on course for another victory, but the competitiveness of the ATC showed as the top 7 riders shuffled positions again and Daquigan was dropped to 7th place with only 2 laps to go.

In the final 2 laps, it seemed that he lost the ability to return to the front maybe due to worn tires. At the end he finished in P7.

Well done Fonsi! Congratulations for a great ATC campaign this 2025!

photos from Asia Talent Cup