Qualifying
Moto2 2025
Round 17
Difficult Mission Ahead for IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia in tomorrow’s race in Motegi
Mobility Resort MotegiThe second day of action at the Japanese Grand Prix saw both IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Moto2 riders improving their performance and feeling on the bike, even if the final grid positions do not reflect the progress made. In the morning’s free practice session, Mario Aji showed clear improvement by finishing 17th, gaining confidence and preparing his pace for the race. Teammate Yuki Kunii closed the session in 26th place, continuing to adapt and push forward in front of his home crowd.
In qualifying, both riders competed in Q1 with tight lap times across the field. Aji ended the session in 11th position, unfortunately after the session, race direction gave him a penalty for slow riding and will start last on the grid. Meanwhile teammate Kunii finished 13th the session, but after the penalties he advances two positions and will start 25th. Although the outcome was not what the team hoped for, both riders know that tomorrow’s race is a new opportunity. With narrow margins between competitors, finding a strong rhythm and making a good start will be key factors in fighting for positions in front of the Japanese fans.
Hiroshi Aoyama
⠀ ⠀ ⠀
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Today in Moto2 Qualifying day both riders showed some steps forward, especially in terms of feeling on the bike. Mario made an important improvement in the morning, finishing 17th in free practice, which is a good sign for his race pace. Unfortunately he received a penalty that will make his race a bit more difficult, but he’s confident to revert the situation. Yuki also tried hard, and even if the times were not enough to move up the order, he is motivated by the support of the home fans.
In qualifying, the lap times were extremely close, and small details made a big difference in the final result. Mario will start from P28 and Yuki from P25, so the positions are not what we expected, but we know the riders are capable of more. The key tomorrow will be to make a strong start, keep consistent pace, and take advantage of every opportunity during the race. We will keep working hard and stay positive for Sunday.
Today in Moto2 Qualifying day both riders showed some steps forward, especially in terms of feeling on the bike. Mario made an important improvement in the morning, finishing 17th in free practice, which is a good sign for his race pace. Unfortunately he received a penalty that will make his race a bit more difficult, but he’s confident to revert the situation. Yuki also tried hard, and even if the times were not enough to move up the order, he is motivated by the support of the home fans.
In qualifying, the lap times were extremely close, and small details made a big difference in the final result. Mario will start from P28 and Yuki from P25, so the positions are not what we expected, but we know the riders are capable of more. The key tomorrow will be to make a strong start, keep consistent pace, and take advantage of every opportunity during the race. We will keep working hard and stay positive for Sunday.
Mario Aji
64
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Today was a good day overall, with clear improvements compared to yesterday. In the morning’s free practice I managed to finish 17th, and the feeling on the bike was much better. Unfortunately, in qualifying I couldn’t maximize the potential we had, and that’s why the result doesn’t really show the progress we made. Still, I know that the speed is there, and that’s a positive sign.
For tomorrow, my target is simple: to reset, stay focused, and do a decent race. The lap times are very close here in Motegi, so if I can make a good start and find my rhythm early, I believe I can fight for more. The team has been working really well and supporting me all the way, so now it’s my job to deliver on Sunday. Even I received a penalty and now task ahead is harder, I will give my best and I’m confident we can achieve a stronger result in the race.
Today was a good day overall, with clear improvements compared to yesterday. In the morning’s free practice I managed to finish 17th, and the feeling on the bike was much better. Unfortunately, in qualifying I couldn’t maximize the potential we had, and that’s why the result doesn’t really show the progress we made. Still, I know that the speed is there, and that’s a positive sign.
For tomorrow, my target is simple: to reset, stay focused, and do a decent race. The lap times are very close here in Motegi, so if I can make a good start and find my rhythm early, I believe I can fight for more. The team has been working really well and supporting me all the way, so now it’s my job to deliver on Sunday. Even I received a penalty and now task ahead is harder, I will give my best and I’m confident we can achieve a stronger result in the race.
Yuki Kunii
92
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Qualifying was difficult today, and of course the result is not what I was hoping for at my home Grand Prix. In the morning, I tried to push and understand more with the bike, but I finished 26th, and then in qualifying I couldn’t really put everything together. Even if the positions are not good, I feel that step by step I am improving, and the support from the Japanese fans here gives me extra motivation to keep working.
For tomorrow, my goal is to make a strong start and to find a good pace. The lap times in Moto2 are very close, so even small improvements can make a big difference in the race. I want to stay calm, be patient, and take every chance I get to move forward. It’s special to race at home, and I will give everything for the fans and the team that continue to support me every step of the way.
Qualifying was difficult today, and of course the result is not what I was hoping for at my home Grand Prix. In the morning, I tried to push and understand more with the bike, but I finished 26th, and then in qualifying I couldn’t really put everything together. Even if the positions are not good, I feel that step by step I am improving, and the support from the Japanese fans here gives me extra motivation to keep working.
For tomorrow, my goal is to make a strong start and to find a good pace. The lap times in Moto2 are very close, so even small improvements can make a big difference in the race. I want to stay calm, be patient, and take every chance I get to move forward. It’s special to race at home, and I will give everything for the fans and the team that continue to support me every step of the way.
