Race
Moto2 2025
Round 2
ArgentinaGP Concludes Without Reward for Aji and Kunii
Termas de Río HondoIDEMITSU Honda Team Asia riders Mario Suryo Aji and Yuki Kunii have concluded the second round of the 2025 Moto2 World Championship at the Termas de Río Hondo Circuit. Despite their efforts, it was a tough race for both riders, with Aji showing strong potential before an unfortunate crash ended his chances of a top-10 finish. Kunii, in his first Moto2 race at the Argentine circuit, faced difficulties making overtakes and ultimately crossed the line in 23rd place.
With the ArgentinaGP now behind them, the focus shifts to analyzing weaknesses, making improvements, and preparing for the next challenge at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, USA, in two weeks.
Hiroshi Aoyama
⠀ ⠀ ⠀
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia It was a disappointing race in Argentina. Mario Aji started from 13th and Yuki Kunii from 27th. Both riders lost some positions at the start and had to fight their way back. Mario was making steady progress, moving from 15th to 12th, but in his battle with [Albert] Arenas, he made a small mistake, braking too late and losing the front, resulting in a crash. It was unfortunate because he had the potential for a top-10 finish, but this serves as an important lesson—finishing the race is crucial. We’ll move forward and aim for a better result in America.
For Yuki Kunii, it was also a difficult race. He had a solid pace but struggled to overtake riders ahead of him. Even though he was faster than some, he couldn’t execute the passes effectively. This is an important experience for him—he needs to improve his braking and overtaking skills. It’s tough to leave Argentina with this result, but we must now look ahead to the next race in America, where we will work on these areas and strive for better performances.
It was a disappointing race in Argentina. Mario Aji started from 13th and Yuki Kunii from 27th. Both riders lost some positions at the start and had to fight their way back. Mario was making steady progress, moving from 15th to 12th, but in his battle with [Albert] Arenas, he made a small mistake, braking too late and losing the front, resulting in a crash. It was unfortunate because he had the potential for a top-10 finish, but this serves as an important lesson—finishing the race is crucial. We’ll move forward and aim for a better result in America.
For Yuki Kunii, it was also a difficult race. He had a solid pace but struggled to overtake riders ahead of him. Even though he was faster than some, he couldn’t execute the passes effectively. This is an important experience for him—he needs to improve his braking and overtaking skills. It’s tough to leave Argentina with this result, but we must now look ahead to the next race in America, where we will work on these areas and strive for better performances.
Yuki Kunii
92
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia It was a tough race overall. Early on, I struggled with braking, which made overtaking difficult. I attempted several passes but often ran wide, making mistakes that cost me valuable time. As a result, I lost touch with the front group and had to battle in the second group instead.
Despite the challenges, I managed to finish the race, which is a small positive. However, I still need to make adjustments—both with my riding and the bike setup—to improve my confidence on track.
I’m not satisfied with my performance this weekend, but I can clearly see the areas I need to work on. Now, my focus shifts to the next race in Austin. I’ll analyze my mistakes, make the necessary improvements, and come back stronger.
It was a tough race overall. Early on, I struggled with braking, which made overtaking difficult. I attempted several passes but often ran wide, making mistakes that cost me valuable time. As a result, I lost touch with the front group and had to battle in the second group instead.
Despite the challenges, I managed to finish the race, which is a small positive. However, I still need to make adjustments—both with my riding and the bike setup—to improve my confidence on track.
I’m not satisfied with my performance this weekend, but I can clearly see the areas I need to work on. Now, my focus shifts to the next race in Austin. I’ll analyze my mistakes, make the necessary improvements, and come back stronger.
Mario Aji
64
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Today just wasn’t my day. From the moment I woke up, I told myself I could do it. I started the day with confidence, aiming to enjoy the race and push for a strong result, especially on my birthday.
The race began well, and my pace was strong. I believe this was one of my best races so far, with everything feeling good. Unfortunately, a small mistake ended my chances of finishing. Going into Turn 1, I went slightly wide and lost the front, resulting in a low-side crash.
The biggest takeaway today is the lesson I learned—perhaps the best birthday gift I could have received. It hurts because I had the pace for a top-10 finish, and I wasn’t even pushing to the limit; I was genuinely enjoying the ride. A small miscalculation cost me the result, but I’ll take this experience forward.
Even though it’s disappointing, I know more opportunities will come. The most important thing is that we showed strong potential as a team. I’ll focus on the positives and continue improving. I want to thank my team for their support—they believe in me, and I truly appreciate it. Now, we turn the page and prepare for the next race in America, where I’ll come back stronger.
Today just wasn’t my day. From the moment I woke up, I told myself I could do it. I started the day with confidence, aiming to enjoy the race and push for a strong result, especially on my birthday.
The race began well, and my pace was strong. I believe this was one of my best races so far, with everything feeling good. Unfortunately, a small mistake ended my chances of finishing. Going into Turn 1, I went slightly wide and lost the front, resulting in a low-side crash.
The biggest takeaway today is the lesson I learned—perhaps the best birthday gift I could have received. It hurts because I had the pace for a top-10 finish, and I wasn’t even pushing to the limit; I was genuinely enjoying the ride. A small miscalculation cost me the result, but I’ll take this experience forward.
Even though it’s disappointing, I know more opportunities will come. The most important thing is that we showed strong potential as a team. I’ll focus on the positives and continue improving. I want to thank my team for their support—they believe in me, and I truly appreciate it. Now, we turn the page and prepare for the next race in America, where I’ll come back stronger.
