Race
Moto2 2024
Round 18
Chantra Finishes Close to the Podium in Front of Home Crowd at ThaiGP
Chang International CircuitIDEMITSU Honda Team Asia riders concluded an intense 18th round of the Moto2 World Championship at the Chang International Circuit.
In an electrifying race under mixed weather, Somkiat Chantra climbed from a 13th-place start to an impressive 4th, coming incredibly close to a podium finish before a red flag stopped his momentum. Meanwhile, Mario Aji demonstrated steady progress, narrowly missing the points zone as he finished in 16th position.
Hiroshi Aoyama
Today’s Moto2 race was truly thrilling, though challenging, as both Somkiat Chantra and Mario Aji had their work hard as the starting positions were not the ideal ones. Starting from P13, Somkiat Chantra showed incredible strength, closing the gap with the lead pack and pushing toward the podium. Unfortunately, just as he was closing in on 3rd, a red flag due to weather conditions ended the race, leaving him in 4th. His performance today was a testament to his resilience and strength.
Mario Suryo Aji also made a good race, gaining positions and finishing just outside the points in 16th place. As a rookie, he’s progressing well, and it’s exciting to see his progression. We’re grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and team, whose unwavering support makes these achievements possible.
Today’s Moto2 race was truly thrilling, though challenging, as both Somkiat Chantra and Mario Aji had their work hard as the starting positions were not the ideal ones. Starting from P13, Somkiat Chantra showed incredible strength, closing the gap with the lead pack and pushing toward the podium. Unfortunately, just as he was closing in on 3rd, a red flag due to weather conditions ended the race, leaving him in 4th. His performance today was a testament to his resilience and strength.
Mario Suryo Aji also made a good race, gaining positions and finishing just outside the points in 16th place. As a rookie, he’s progressing well, and it’s exciting to see his progression. We’re grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and team, whose unwavering support makes these achievements possible.
Somkiat Chantra
35
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Racing at home was incredible. Starting from 13th, I fought hard to finish 4th in a tough battle with many riders. While it wasn’t the podium finish I hoped for, I gave everything I had to bring my best for the team. I’m deeply grateful to all the fans, my family, friends, and the team for their support this weekend—it kept me pushing until the very end.
Racing at home was incredible. Starting from 13th, I fought hard to finish 4th in a tough battle with many riders. While it wasn’t the podium finish I hoped for, I gave everything I had to bring my best for the team. I’m deeply grateful to all the fans, my family, friends, and the team for their support this weekend—it kept me pushing until the very end.
Mario Aji
34
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Today, I had to avoid a rider who crashed nearby in Turn 3, which impacted my rhythm, but I was holding a good pace up until that point. I feel that a points finish was within reach, but it didn’t happen. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed the race and learned a lot, especially improving on the stop-and-go corners where I’ve struggled before.
This weekend taught me a lot, and while I missed out on points, I feel positive about my performance. I want to thank my team for their constant support and motivation. I’m looking forward to building on this momentum in Malaysia.
Today, I had to avoid a rider who crashed nearby in Turn 3, which impacted my rhythm, but I was holding a good pace up until that point. I feel that a points finish was within reach, but it didn’t happen. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed the race and learned a lot, especially improving on the stop-and-go corners where I’ve struggled before.
This weekend taught me a lot, and while I missed out on points, I feel positive about my performance. I want to thank my team for their constant support and motivation. I’m looking forward to building on this momentum in Malaysia.
