Race
Moto2 2025
Round 5
Kunii Finishes One Step Away from First Point While Aji Sidelined by Injury
Circuito de Jerez - Angel NietoIDEMITSU Honda Team Asia completed a challenging fifth round of the Moto2 World Championship at the Circuito de Jerez - Ángel Nieto, Spain. Unfortunately, Mario Suryo Aji was unable to take part in today’s race after dislocating his shoulder during Saturday’s qualifying. Following medical checks, doctors declared him unfit to ride. Mario will undergo further evaluation this week to determine the best treatment and recovery plan, aiming to return as soon as possible.
With only one rider left on track, all the responsibility fell to Yuki Kunii — and he showed real potential. Despite a difficult start that left him at the back of the grid, Kunii worked hard, steadily gaining positions until he got close to the points battle. In the end, he finished 16th — just one place away from scoring his first point of the season, leaving him with a bittersweet feeling.
Hiroshi Aoyama
⠀ ⠀ ⠀
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Today brought mixed emotions. It’s a pity that Mario couldn’t participate — we hope he can recover well and return strong for the next race. In the race, only Yuki was able to compete. He made a big mistake at the start, dropping completely to last place, but showed strong fighting spirit by recovering to finish 16th. His race pace was actually quite good, but the start cost him a better result. Still, it’s encouraging to see his improvement — now we have a good base to build on heading into Le Mans.
Today brought mixed emotions. It’s a pity that Mario couldn’t participate — we hope he can recover well and return strong for the next race. In the race, only Yuki was able to compete. He made a big mistake at the start, dropping completely to last place, but showed strong fighting spirit by recovering to finish 16th. His race pace was actually quite good, but the start cost him a better result. Still, it’s encouraging to see his improvement — now we have a good base to build on heading into Le Mans.
Yuki Kunii
92
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Today’s race went pretty well and I’m happy — this is my best result so far. Earlier this season and even this weekend, I struggled a lot under dry conditions, but thanks to the work we did — especially building on what we learned from preseason testing here — I felt real progress.
In the race, I made a mistake at the start because I rushed too much, but I managed to calm myself down and focus on riding lap by lap. I’m happy with the way I fought back. Of course, there’s still a lot to improve, but today’s race gave me a big boost in motivation. Now, the goal is to start strong already from Friday at Le Mans. I want to say a big thank you to my team — they never stop working hard for me.
Today’s race went pretty well and I’m happy — this is my best result so far. Earlier this season and even this weekend, I struggled a lot under dry conditions, but thanks to the work we did — especially building on what we learned from preseason testing here — I felt real progress.
In the race, I made a mistake at the start because I rushed too much, but I managed to calm myself down and focus on riding lap by lap. I’m happy with the way I fought back. Of course, there’s still a lot to improve, but today’s race gave me a big boost in motivation. Now, the goal is to start strong already from Friday at Le Mans. I want to say a big thank you to my team — they never stop working hard for me.
Mario Aji
64
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia It’s tough having to watch the race from the garage today. I felt ready to race, but it’s important to respect my body — pushing through could risk the rest of my season. It hurts not to be riding, but this is part of the process. I know the potential is there; now it’s about being patient and working towards coming back stronger.
I’m upset, but at the same time, focused on recovery and making a better comeback. There’s a week before Le Mans — I’m aiming to be there in much better shape. Thank you to my team for the constant support — we’ll get through this together. I’ll be back stronger.
It’s tough having to watch the race from the garage today. I felt ready to race, but it’s important to respect my body — pushing through could risk the rest of my season. It hurts not to be riding, but this is part of the process. I know the potential is there; now it’s about being patient and working towards coming back stronger.
I’m upset, but at the same time, focused on recovery and making a better comeback. There’s a week before Le Mans — I’m aiming to be there in much better shape. Thank you to my team for the constant support — we’ll get through this together. I’ll be back stronger.
