Qualifying
Moto2 2025
Round 4
Setbacks and Crashes for IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia in Qatar Qualifying
Lusail International CircuitIDEMITSU Honda Team Asia riders Mario Suryo Aji and Yuki Kunii concluded the qualifying day of action at the Lusail International Circuit, host of Round 4 of the 2025 Moto2 World Championship, with a tough feeling after the session.
Mario Aji secured 17th position for tomorrow’s race, but unfortunately, during his final attempt in Q2, he suffered a heavy crash that resulted in pain in his back and foot. He will need to undergo a medical examination tomorrow morning to determine if he is fit to race. Meanwhile, for Yuki Kunii, it was a difficult day in Qatar—he was unable to put together a strong performance in qualifying and will start tomorrow’s race from the last row of the grid.
Hiroshi Aoyama
⠀ ⠀ ⠀
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia After today's qualifying. It wasn't the best situation for us overall. Kunii struggled during the session. He had shown some potential this morning, but unfortunately, he couldn’t repeat that performance in qualifying. According to him, he made small mistakes on every lap, and as a result, couldn’t match Aji’s pace.
Aji, on the other hand, was riding very well. Unfortunately, he had a heavy crash in Q2. He was just 0.6 seconds off the top, and if he had managed to complete the lap, I believe he could have been in the top 10 for sure. It was a tough day, not the result we were hoping for. Now we’ll try to recover and be as prepared as possible for the race tomorrow. Let’s see how they can perform.
After today's qualifying. It wasn't the best situation for us overall. Kunii struggled during the session. He had shown some potential this morning, but unfortunately, he couldn’t repeat that performance in qualifying. According to him, he made small mistakes on every lap, and as a result, couldn’t match Aji’s pace.
Aji, on the other hand, was riding very well. Unfortunately, he had a heavy crash in Q2. He was just 0.6 seconds off the top, and if he had managed to complete the lap, I believe he could have been in the top 10 for sure. It was a tough day, not the result we were hoping for. Now we’ll try to recover and be as prepared as possible for the race tomorrow. Let’s see how they can perform.
Mario Aji
64
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia The feeling on the bike was actually really good. In my first attack lap, I focused on doing everything by myself—the brakes felt solid, the bike was working fine, no issues at all, and I felt great. During FP1 at midday, we also did a race simulation—added fuel, used the WS tire—and that went well too. So, honestly, I'm not too worried about the race pace.
But unfortunately, in my second time attack lap, I had a big high side. I didn't feel like I was pushing over the limit, but my mind told me to give a bit more throttle on the exit, and it turns out that corner wasn't the right place to do it. It was too much, and then I lost it.
It's a shame because we were on a really good lap. I felt amazing on the bike, the setup was working perfectly—I just messed it up with that crash. It was a big one.
Now, I'm feeling some pain in my foot and back. I'll go through another medical examination tomorrow morning, and they'll decide if I'm fit to race. For now, it's time to rest, recover, and mentally reset. What's important is knowing that we are competitive. A big thanks to my team. Today wasn't our day, but I really hope I can race tomorrow.
The feeling on the bike was actually really good. In my first attack lap, I focused on doing everything by myself—the brakes felt solid, the bike was working fine, no issues at all, and I felt great. During FP1 at midday, we also did a race simulation—added fuel, used the WS tire—and that went well too. So, honestly, I'm not too worried about the race pace.
But unfortunately, in my second time attack lap, I had a big high side. I didn't feel like I was pushing over the limit, but my mind told me to give a bit more throttle on the exit, and it turns out that corner wasn't the right place to do it. It was too much, and then I lost it.
It's a shame because we were on a really good lap. I felt amazing on the bike, the setup was working perfectly—I just messed it up with that crash. It was a big one.
Now, I'm feeling some pain in my foot and back. I'll go through another medical examination tomorrow morning, and they'll decide if I'm fit to race. For now, it's time to rest, recover, and mentally reset. What's important is knowing that we are competitive. A big thanks to my team. Today wasn't our day, but I really hope I can race tomorrow.
Yuki Kunii
92
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Well, about today's qualifying—starting from this morning, I was focusing on improving my riding. It was getting better, and I managed to make a step forward compared to the rest of the weekend. I started to gain confidence in myself and with the bike, so I felt quite motivated going into qualifying.
But once the session started, I made a lot of mistakes and couldn't put together a single clean lap. I wasn't able to set a good time, and in the end, I finished 28th. I'm really disappointed in myself. But tomorrow is race day, and I'll reset and give it everything I have. I'll keep pushing, stay positive, and do my best to fight back in the race. Thanks for the support—I'll keep giving my best.
Well, about today's qualifying—starting from this morning, I was focusing on improving my riding. It was getting better, and I managed to make a step forward compared to the rest of the weekend. I started to gain confidence in myself and with the bike, so I felt quite motivated going into qualifying.
But once the session started, I made a lot of mistakes and couldn't put together a single clean lap. I wasn't able to set a good time, and in the end, I finished 28th. I'm really disappointed in myself. But tomorrow is race day, and I'll reset and give it everything I have. I'll keep pushing, stay positive, and do my best to fight back in the race. Thanks for the support—I'll keep giving my best.
