Race
Moto2 2025
Round 20
Kunii Finishes P20 & Aji P22 in a Shortened Malaysian GP Race
Sepang International CircuitThe Malaysian Grand Prix concluded a demanding Asian tour for IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia with both riders showing determination and progress under challenging circumstances at the Sepang International Circuit. After an early red flag due to another rider's crash, the Moto2 race was restarted and shortened to just 11 laps, turning strategy and tire management into key factors for all competitors.
Despite the reduced distance, both Yuki Kunii and Mario Aji delivered solid performances, fighting through intense humidity and track heat. Kunii showed strong race pace, climbing seven positions from his starting spot to finish in 20th place, marking one of his most consistent race Sundays since joining the category. Aji also fought hard from the back, managing tire degradation and finishing in 22nd, just behind his teammate. While neither rider was able to reach the points, both made visible progress compared to previous rounds, giving the team encouraging signs ahead of the final European doubleheader.
Hiroshi Aoyama
⠀ ⠀ ⠀
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia It was quite a tough race day for our Moto2 riders. The race was red-flagged early due to a crash, and after the restart, the distance was reduced to 11 laps. Both riders made a good effort to adapt to the new situation. Yuki had a very strong start, gaining several positions in the first laps, and he managed to finish in P20 - which shows that he's improving step by step. Unfortunately, we still missed the opportunity to score points, but his pace was encouraging.
Mario also gave his best in very hot and difficult conditions. He struggled a bit more with rear grip and tire management, but he kept fighting until the end. Overall, it wasn't the result we were aiming for, but we take away valuable data and experience. We'll use it to keep improving and prepare for the next round in Portimão, where our goal is to fight closer to the points. Thank you to the team for their continuous work and to our sponsors for the strong support throughout this Asian tour.
It was quite a tough race day for our Moto2 riders. The race was red-flagged early due to a crash, and after the restart, the distance was reduced to 11 laps. Both riders made a good effort to adapt to the new situation. Yuki had a very strong start, gaining several positions in the first laps, and he managed to finish in P20 - which shows that he's improving step by step. Unfortunately, we still missed the opportunity to score points, but his pace was encouraging.
Mario also gave his best in very hot and difficult conditions. He struggled a bit more with rear grip and tire management, but he kept fighting until the end. Overall, it wasn't the result we were aiming for, but we take away valuable data and experience. We'll use it to keep improving and prepare for the next round in Portimão, where our goal is to fight closer to the points. Thank you to the team for their continuous work and to our sponsors for the strong support throughout this Asian tour.
Yuki Kunii
92
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Today I'm happy with the feeling I had on the bike and with the improvement compared to previous races. The red flag made everything a bit confusing, but after the restart, I was able to make a very good start and gain several positions in the opening laps. My rhythm was quite consistent, and I could manage the tires well until the end, which is something we've been working on for the last few races.
Of course, it's a pity to finish just outside the points, but we take this as a step forward. The bike felt good, and the team did a great job giving me a setup that allowed me to fight more confidently. I'll keep working to take another step in Portimão. I want to thank the team and everyone supporting us - it's been a long and tough Asian tour, but we finished it with positive energy and motivation for the final rounds.
Today I'm happy with the feeling I had on the bike and with the improvement compared to previous races. The red flag made everything a bit confusing, but after the restart, I was able to make a very good start and gain several positions in the opening laps. My rhythm was quite consistent, and I could manage the tires well until the end, which is something we've been working on for the last few races.
Of course, it's a pity to finish just outside the points, but we take this as a step forward. The bike felt good, and the team did a great job giving me a setup that allowed me to fight more confidently. I'll keep working to take another step in Portimão. I want to thank the team and everyone supporting us - it's been a long and tough Asian tour, but we finished it with positive energy and motivation for the final rounds.
Mario Aji
64
IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia It's been a tough race today, honestly. The red flag and the restart made everything a bit unpredictable, and with only 11 laps, the race went by really fast. My main issue today was tire consumption - once I arrived at the group, I started to struggle with grip and couldn't maintain the same pace. Still, I gave my best and focused on bringing the bike home safely in these hot and tricky conditions.
We know exactly where we need to improve - especially in qualifying and early race pace. I want to thank the team for their support and effort all weekend; we made some progress since day one, even if the result doesn't show it. Now we move to Portimão, a track I really enjoy, and I'll keep pushing to finish these last two races of the season in a strong way.
It's been a tough race today, honestly. The red flag and the restart made everything a bit unpredictable, and with only 11 laps, the race went by really fast. My main issue today was tire consumption - once I arrived at the group, I started to struggle with grip and couldn't maintain the same pace. Still, I gave my best and focused on bringing the bike home safely in these hot and tricky conditions.
We know exactly where we need to improve - especially in qualifying and early race pace. I want to thank the team for their support and effort all weekend; we made some progress since day one, even if the result doesn't show it. Now we move to Portimão, a track I really enjoy, and I'll keep pushing to finish these last two races of the season in a strong way.
