Race
Moto2 2024
Round 16
Mixed Conditions Challenge Mario Aji in Moto2 Race at Motegi
Mobility Resort MotegiIDEMITSU Honda Team Asia participated in the 16th round of the Moto2 World Championship at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, held at the Mobility Resort Motegi.
Mario Suryo Aji, the team's sole representative for this race, gave his best effort under difficult wet conditions. Unfortunately, with just four laps remaining, a technical issue forced him to retire from the race.
Hiroshi Aoyama
Today’s race presented challenging mixed conditions. During the first race, rain caused the red flag to be waved after just one lap, bringing the race to a stop. The restarted race was shortened to 12 laps. Mario Aji had a solid start, we opted for rain tires, although some teams chose slicks. In hindsight, slicks turned out to be the better option, but the majority of riders started on wet tires.
Mario struggled a bit with the shifting conditions, and with four laps remaining, a technical issue forced us to retire. It was far from the ideal result, especially at our home Grand Prix. We are disappointed, but we must now focus on the upcoming race in Phillip Island. We hope Somkiat Chantra will be able to rejoin the team and continue our efforts to improve.
Today’s race presented challenging mixed conditions. During the first race, rain caused the red flag to be waved after just one lap, bringing the race to a stop. The restarted race was shortened to 12 laps. Mario Aji had a solid start, we opted for rain tires, although some teams chose slicks. In hindsight, slicks turned out to be the better option, but the majority of riders started on wet tires.
Mario struggled a bit with the shifting conditions, and with four laps remaining, a technical issue forced us to retire. It was far from the ideal result, especially at our home Grand Prix. We are disappointed, but we must now focus on the upcoming race in Phillip Island. We hope Somkiat Chantra will be able to rejoin the team and continue our efforts to improve.
Mario Aji
34
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia This weekend was undoubtedly difficult for me. The conditions were extremely variable, and I didn’t get enough time on the dry track. Today, I made the wrong tire choice, but the conditions were tricky for everyone. I particularly struggled in the last sector of the track.
After the restart, I encountered a technical issue that forced me to retire from the race. It was a strange and frustrating feeling, and it’s hard to put into words. However, we must move on and remain determined for the next race. I’ve learned valuable lessons this weekend, and I’ll aim to apply them in Australia. Although this weekend was tough to accept, we have a week off to regroup, train, and return stronger with a better mindset for Phillip Island.
I want to extend my thanks to my team—both my crew and Somkiat Chantra’s side. Everyone was enthusiastic and dedicated throughout the weekend, and I truly appreciate their hard work.
This weekend was undoubtedly difficult for me. The conditions were extremely variable, and I didn’t get enough time on the dry track. Today, I made the wrong tire choice, but the conditions were tricky for everyone. I particularly struggled in the last sector of the track.
After the restart, I encountered a technical issue that forced me to retire from the race. It was a strange and frustrating feeling, and it’s hard to put into words. However, we must move on and remain determined for the next race. I’ve learned valuable lessons this weekend, and I’ll aim to apply them in Australia. Although this weekend was tough to accept, we have a week off to regroup, train, and return stronger with a better mindset for Phillip Island.
I want to extend my thanks to my team—both my crew and Somkiat Chantra’s side. Everyone was enthusiastic and dedicated throughout the weekend, and I truly appreciate their hard work.
