Mario Suryo Aji places fourth at first round of FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship
Circuito do EstorilThe Asia Talent Team riders have a strong showing at Estoril, Portugal, with Aji crossing the line just 60 thousandths of a second off the podium, Matsuyama in sixth and Buasri in fifteenth.
The Asia Talent Team made a great start to the 2021 FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship in the first race of the season, which took place at Estoril in Portugal. Mario Suryo Aji fought back to finally bring his Honda home in fourth place, just 60 thousandths of a second off the podium, whilst Takuma Matsuyama, also in the front group, took the chequered flag in sixth. Tatchakorn Buasri made progress on raceday to break into the points, finishing fifteenth.
Eighth on the grid, when the lights went out Aji remained in the Top 10, but lost contact with the front group on the opening laps. He kept a good pace going throughout the contest and finally caught up with the leaders three laps from the end. The Indonesian used his momentum to pass several rivals, even moving into third place, although just before the line he was overtaken.
Matsuyama started the race from third and was among the fastest in the class. He would lose touch with the front two due to other riders’ mistakes, but battled back by the midway point and was in the tussle for the podium. However, the overtaking amongst them on the last laps of the race slowed him down and he crossed the finish line sixth.
Buasri earned a point after climbing up through the field on raceday, moving from nineteenth on the grid to fifteenth when the chequered flag fell. He was held up on the opening corners and needed to claw his way back into contention, but was rewarded for his efforts.
The next FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship round will take place in 2 weeks' time at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, where two races for the class will be held.
I am happy, although it was a difficult race because at the beginning I made several mistakes. Many riders made contact with me and I have various tyre marks on my leathers. I tried to calm down and find a good pace to catch up with the group at the front. When I caught them I tried to overtake them, one-by-one. On the last lap I was in third place, but unfortunately I was overtaken on the straight. I'm disappointed with that, although I'm happy with the points, the work done by the team and the way my bike worked, which was perfect. At the next race we will try to learn from our mistakes and fight for the podium again.
I am happy, although it was a difficult race because at the beginning I made several mistakes. Many riders made contact with me and I have various tyre marks on my leathers. I tried to calm down and find a good pace to catch up with the group at the front. When I caught them I tried to overtake them, one-by-one. On the last lap I was in third place, but unfortunately I was overtaken on the straight. I'm disappointed with that, although I'm happy with the points, the work done by the team and the way my bike worked, which was perfect. At the next race we will try to learn from our mistakes and fight for the podium again.
I had a good start and I felt good on the bike, but some of the other riders were a bit crazy and didn't allow me to set my own pace. That made us lose contact with the front two and lose some time. Finally I managed to get into third and push by myself, until I was able to catch up with them. I'm not happy with the final result, because I think we can be in positions closer to the front, but we have to be satisfied with the team's work and the feeling we have on the bike.
I had a good start and I felt good on the bike, but some of the other riders were a bit crazy and didn't allow me to set my own pace. That made us lose contact with the front two and lose some time. Finally I managed to get into third and push by myself, until I was able to catch up with them. I'm not happy with the final result, because I think we can be in positions closer to the front, but we have to be satisfied with the team's work and the feeling we have on the bike.
I am happy with today's race, because a few weeks ago I injured my hand and it was the first time I came here and rode my bike. I can improve a lot, especially in practice. My goal today was to get into the points and on the first lap, starting from 19th position, I moved up several spots on the first corner. But then there was some contact and many riders overtook me. I tried to follow them and progress little by little, and it was fun. I suffered a lot with the pain in my hand, but I'm happy with the race and with having achieved a point.
I am happy with today's race, because a few weeks ago I injured my hand and it was the first time I came here and rode my bike. I can improve a lot, especially in practice. My goal today was to get into the points and on the first lap, starting from 19th position, I moved up several spots on the first corner. But then there was some contact and many riders overtook me. I tried to follow them and progress little by little, and it was fun. I suffered a lot with the pain in my hand, but I'm happy with the race and with having achieved a point.
