Furusato joins Aji in the 2026 IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Moto2 line-up

The IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia announces its exciting Moto2 line-up for the 2026 season, bringing together Taiyo Furusato and Mario Aji. Both riders will continue their journey within the Honda and Idemitsu development structure, representing the next wave of Asian talent ready to compete at the highest level of MotoGP’s intermediate class.

As in 2023, when they were teammates in Moto3, Furusato and Aji will reunite once again — this time in Moto2. Following his first Moto3 race victory in Malaysia, Japanese rider Taiyo Furusato makes the step up after a strong and promising season where he proved his consistency, maturity, and winning potential. Indonesian rider Mario Aji, who began the 2025 season with solid performances before being halted by a shoulder injury, is now on the road to back to that good momentum. Both riders are expected to show their true potential after a focused winter of preparation.

Strong structure, stronger ambition. With Furusato’s promotion and Aji’s renewed determination, the IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia will continue its mission to develop competitive Asian riders at world level. Supported by IDEMITSU and HRC, the project remains a cornerstone of Honda’s global racing vision — combining opportunity, hard work, and ambition to build the future stars of MotoGP like former IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia riders Ai Ogura or Somkiat Chantra.

Hiroshi Aoyama – Team Manager

“First of all, I would like to say thanks to IDEMITSU and all our sponsors. We are very happy to continue together for the next season. Today we announce our Moto2 line-up for 2026 — Mario Aji and Taiyo Furusato. For Mario, this will be his third season in Moto2, and we expect to see his progression as he gets closer to the top positions.

His teammate Taiyo Furusato will move from Moto3 to Moto2 — it’s a big step and a new challenge for him. We’re very happy to give him this opportunity and are excited to see how quickly he can adapt and show his speed in this category. We believe in their potential and want to give them the best support possible.

As always, both riders are young, talented, and have space to grow. As a team, we’ll give them our full support and guidance. Thanks to the great structure with IDEMITSU, the Asia Talent Cup, and the Junior Talent Team in Spain, we can keep this development pathway alive. It’s very important for us, and now we look forward to starting the new season together with motivation and confidence.”

Mario Suryo Aji  –   IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia

“I want to say thanks — a massive thanks — to HRC, Honda, and all the management who continue to trust me. There’s not much to explain: next year, yes or yes, it’s time to deliver. I need to prove that everyone who still believes in me made the right decision. I’m content, but I know that I need to work hard this winter to make the results count in 2026.

There are still two races left this season, and I’ll give everything to learn and absorb as many positive things as possible to prepare for next year. Thank you again for the opportunity and for the trust.”

Taiyo Furusato  –   IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia

“Well, obviously it’s a big change because I’ve been in Moto3 with my team for four years, and now this next step is clearly a positive one. It’s going to be a challenge, but that also makes me excited. I’ve never ridden a big bike before, so of course one part of me is nervous, but I’m really motivated and ready to work hard.

I’m looking forward to riding the Moto2 bike, learning as much as possible, and enjoying this new experience with the team. After my win in Malaysia, I’m even more confident and motivated. Now I just want to keep improving and prepare well during the off-season to arrive ready for this next chapter. Thank you so much for this opportunity, I will not let you down.”