Race
Moto2 2024
Round 20
Somkiat Chantra Bids Farewell to IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia with a Strong Comeback in Barcelona
Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaThe IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia riders just completed the final race of the 2024 Moto2 World Championship at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Somkiat Chantra marked his final race with the team by delivering an impressive performance, climbing through the field to secure 10th place and valuable points for the team. Mario Suryo Aji, after an excellent start that saw him near the points zone, battled consistently before finishing 16th in the season finale.
Hiroshi Aoyama
We have just concluded the final race of the season here in Barcelona. It was an intense 21 laps, and both riders gave their best effort in this closing round of the Moto2 World Championship.
Somkiat Chantra faced challenges at the start, losing several positions early in the race. However, his determination and strong pace in the second half of the race allowed him to climb back to 10th place. His performance in that last part of the race half was remarkable, matching or even exceeding the pace of the leaders. It’s a bit disappointing he lost some positions at the start of the race, but his comeback was a remarkable way to end his journey with us.
Mario Aji had a strong start, quickly moving into 16th position and battling inside the middle group fighting for the points. Though he struggled in the second half of the race and ultimately finished 16th, his effort and progress throughout the season have been commendable.
I want to thank our riders, staff, sponsors, and supporters for their hard work and dedication throughout this 20 races. While we faced many challenges, the team showed resilience and potential, and we’ll come back even stronger in 2025.
We have just concluded the final race of the season here in Barcelona. It was an intense 21 laps, and both riders gave their best effort in this closing round of the Moto2 World Championship.
Somkiat Chantra faced challenges at the start, losing several positions early in the race. However, his determination and strong pace in the second half of the race allowed him to climb back to 10th place. His performance in that last part of the race half was remarkable, matching or even exceeding the pace of the leaders. It’s a bit disappointing he lost some positions at the start of the race, but his comeback was a remarkable way to end his journey with us.
Mario Aji had a strong start, quickly moving into 16th position and battling inside the middle group fighting for the points. Though he struggled in the second half of the race and ultimately finished 16th, his effort and progress throughout the season have been commendable.
I want to thank our riders, staff, sponsors, and supporters for their hard work and dedication throughout this 20 races. While we faced many challenges, the team showed resilience and potential, and we’ll come back even stronger in 2025.
Somkiat Chantra
35
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia I just finish my last race in Moto2, this race was very special for me as it marked my last one with IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia. The start was difficult, and I lost several positions early, but I stayed focused and pushed hard to recover. I’m happy to have climbed back to 10th and finished the race with a strong pace.
I’m incredibly grateful for everything this team has done for me over the years. It has been an amazing journey, and I will always keep for me the memories and experiences. Now, I’m looking forward to the next chapter in MotoGP, but I will always carry the spirit of this team with me.
I just finish my last race in Moto2, this race was very special for me as it marked my last one with IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia. The start was difficult, and I lost several positions early, but I stayed focused and pushed hard to recover. I’m happy to have climbed back to 10th and finished the race with a strong pace.
I’m incredibly grateful for everything this team has done for me over the years. It has been an amazing journey, and I will always keep for me the memories and experiences. Now, I’m looking forward to the next chapter in MotoGP, but I will always carry the spirit of this team with me.
Mario Aji
34
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia This result feels much better compared to where we did during the summer race. If we look back, we’re now 16 seconds faster, and the race pace was way more consistent. I’m still struggling trying to overtake other riders, as this remains a challenge for next year, as my confidence in those situations wasn’t where it needed to be today. It’s frustrating because we were close to fighting for points, but I couldn’t take the opportunity.
Reflecting on the season, I’ve grown tremendously as a rider and learned so much. I’m proud of the hard work my team and I have put in. Our goal isn’t just to score points, we’re aiming to consistently fight for Top 10 finishes. I’m highly motivated to come back stronger next year.
I cannot thank my team enough for their unwavering support, advice, and belief in me. They’ve trusted me, and I’m determined to make them proud next season. I’ll be putting in the work over the winter to address our weaknesses and return stronger. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year — your encouragement means everything to me.
This result feels much better compared to where we did during the summer race. If we look back, we’re now 16 seconds faster, and the race pace was way more consistent. I’m still struggling trying to overtake other riders, as this remains a challenge for next year, as my confidence in those situations wasn’t where it needed to be today. It’s frustrating because we were close to fighting for points, but I couldn’t take the opportunity.
Reflecting on the season, I’ve grown tremendously as a rider and learned so much. I’m proud of the hard work my team and I have put in. Our goal isn’t just to score points, we’re aiming to consistently fight for Top 10 finishes. I’m highly motivated to come back stronger next year.
I cannot thank my team enough for their unwavering support, advice, and belief in me. They’ve trusted me, and I’m determined to make them proud next season. I’ll be putting in the work over the winter to address our weaknesses and return stronger. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year — your encouragement means everything to me.
