Qualifying
Moto2 2024
Round 15
Productive Saturday in Mandalika for Chantra and Aji
Mandalika International Street CircuitThe IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia riders completed the Qualifying day of the Indonesian Grand Prix at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit.
Thai rider Somkiat Chantra demonstrated strong form throughout the practice sessions. During qualifying a small mistake didn’t allow him to reach the front row and finalle he secured the 9th position on the grid for the race. Meanwhile, local hero Mario Aji, after a challenging session, will start from 24th place on the grid for tomorrow’s race.
Hiroshi Aoyama
Both of our riders delivered solid qualifying performances despite the hot and windy conditions. Somkiat Chantra was aiming for a front-row start and showed a competitive pace throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, a small mistake during his time attack cost him valuable time, which prevented him from securing that position. Nevertheless, he rode well overall.
Mario Aji also showed improvement, significantly reducing the gap between him and the riders ahead. This progress will be crucial for tomorrow's race. Starting from 24th position, he demonstrated a strong pace, and we are confident that he is prepared to give his best and aim for a positive result here at Mandalika.
Both of our riders delivered solid qualifying performances despite the hot and windy conditions. Somkiat Chantra was aiming for a front-row start and showed a competitive pace throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, a small mistake during his time attack cost him valuable time, which prevented him from securing that position. Nevertheless, he rode well overall.
Mario Aji also showed improvement, significantly reducing the gap between him and the riders ahead. This progress will be crucial for tomorrow's race. Starting from 24th position, he demonstrated a strong pace, and we are confident that he is prepared to give his best and aim for a positive result here at Mandalika.
Somkiat Chantra
35
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Today was qualifying day here at Mandalika. In the final practice session this morning, I improved my lap time and maintained a strong pace. During qualifying, I aimed for a top position but made a mistake on my final lap, which prevented me from securing the grid position I wanted.
However, I remain optimistic for tomorrow, as we have shown a promising pace throughout the weekend. I believe we have the rhythm to compete at the front, and I am hopeful that I can be up there during the race.
Today was qualifying day here at Mandalika. In the final practice session this morning, I improved my lap time and maintained a strong pace. During qualifying, I aimed for a top position but made a mistake on my final lap, which prevented me from securing the grid position I wanted.
However, I remain optimistic for tomorrow, as we have shown a promising pace throughout the weekend. I believe we have the rhythm to compete at the front, and I am hopeful that I can be up there during the race.
Mario Aji
34
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Unfortunately this morning I crashed on the sixth lap of the final practice session and wasn’t able to finish the session, losing valuable track time. The mistake was clear, and I’ve learned from it. In qualifying, my confidence returned, and although the final position wasn’t what we hoped for, the gap between us riders was minimal, which is encouraging.
I’m happy to know I can stay close to the riders ahead. The confidence I gained from qualifying will help me start the race in a better mindset. I’m grateful to the team for their constant support and guidance. It was a challenging day, but we finished positively.
Tomorrow’s race is long, so I’ll focus on managing the tires and aiming for a strong finish. I’m excited to give my best for all the Indonesian fans who have been supporting me and for my family, who are cheering me on this weekend.
Unfortunately this morning I crashed on the sixth lap of the final practice session and wasn’t able to finish the session, losing valuable track time. The mistake was clear, and I’ve learned from it. In qualifying, my confidence returned, and although the final position wasn’t what we hoped for, the gap between us riders was minimal, which is encouraging.
I’m happy to know I can stay close to the riders ahead. The confidence I gained from qualifying will help me start the race in a better mindset. I’m grateful to the team for their constant support and guidance. It was a challenging day, but we finished positively.
Tomorrow’s race is long, so I’ll focus on managing the tires and aiming for a strong finish. I’m excited to give my best for all the Indonesian fans who have been supporting me and for my family, who are cheering me on this weekend.
