The Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup has been foundational to bringing the latest generation of talents from Asia & Oceania to the MotoGP™ paddock. Since 2014, riders between ages 14-17 have raced over five rounds on their identical Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup liveried Honda NSF250Rs mostly at MotoGP™ events.
The Cup is one of the most successful series on the Road to MotoGP™, with Ai Ogura & Somkiat Chantra becoming the first graduates to race in the MotoGP™ class in 2025. Recent champions Hakim Danish, Veda Pratama and Zen Mitani will make their full-time Moto3™ debuts in 2026. Three riders of different nationalities, all of whom took podium finishes during their first seasons racing in Europe after promotion from the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup at circuits they’d never raced at prior, showcasing the Cup’s progress in strengthening the level of riding in the region over the last decade. The Cup has become a true right of passage for all riders in the Middle East, Far East and Oceania on their Road To MotoGP™.
The format of the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup has stayed the same since it began in 2014. Riders from all over Asia & Oceania race independently on identical Honda NSF250Rs with the same livery rather than for separate teams. There are two races each round and the points system for the championship follows that of the World Championship classes.
The organisation provides all-encompassing support to the riders, from logistics and travel arrangements to mechanics helping with setup changes, maintenance & repairs to the motorcycles, and rider coaches on hand to give expert advice. The same-spec bikes with technical assistance along with using the Pirelli tyres, the same as those used in the other Moto4 Cup series and up the Road to MotoGP™, gives the riders the best possible opportunity to learn the necessary skills to grow into professional racers and ready for that next step to racing in Europe.
