Race
Moto2 2023
Round 16

Chantra and Ogura survive a nightmare race

au Phillip Island
Chantra and Ogura survive a nightmare race

In extreme rain, wind and cold conditions, the race was stopped after just nine laps when the wind picked up, causing some crashes. Both Somkiat and Ai were cautious and achieved their primary objective: finish the race in the points.


Hiroshi Aoyama
Hiroshi Aoyama
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia
Cold, strong wind and hard rain. These are the conditions the Moto2 riders have found before the race. In addition, our riders started from the back of the grid. But from the start, they showed that they had a good pace to catch up positions. From the 20th to the 15th, Ogura, while Chantra, after some laps, was in the group fighting for 5th place. When the race was stopped with the red flag, he was 7th. It could be better, but under these conditions, it was essential to finish the race, scoring as many points as possible. Overall, we had a difficult weekend in Phillip Island, but finally, we scored points. I want to thank all the staff, next weekend we race Thailand. 

Somkiat Chantra
Somkiat Chantra 35
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia
The warmup helped me adapt myself and the bike to the radical conditions of wind and rain we've found today. At the start of the race, the wind was extreme. I was slightly scared on the first laps because the tire and the asphalt were so cold. But my feeling came lap by lap, and I tried to push. Opening the throttle on the straight was difficult because my bike was shaking a lot. Finally, I finished on P7. We will see you next week at my home race in Thailand.

Ai Ogura
Ai Ogura 79
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia
This time, we've had a short warmup to adapt to the conditions of the track. During this warmup, I felt well; I felt good on the wet. I was good because when it's damp and cold, there are the worst conditions for me. I improved the feeling, but in the race, I struggled too much on the right side of the corners. Turning left, I was able to catch up with the rivals, but losing this advantage, turning to the right side. It was a difficult race, but I could stay on the bike until the end. I improved my feeling on the wet this time and am happy about this.



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