Furusato scores his first moto2 world championship points in Hungary
Balaton Park CircuitThe Moto2 World Championship completed the eighth race of the 2026 season at Balaton Park Circuit under sunny skies and hot conditions. For Idemitsu Honda Team Asia riders Taiyo Furusato and Jacob Roulstone, the Hungarian Grand Prix represented another important chapter in their adaptation to the Moto2 category and one that delivered a significant milestone for the Japanese rookie.
Starting from 20th position on the grid, Furusato produced one of his strongest performances since stepping up to Moto2. The Japanese rider made an excellent start, immediately gaining positions and establishing a consistent rhythm throughout the race. Lap after lap, Furusato worked his way through the field and continued to close the gap to the riders ahead, eventually crossing the finish line in 14th position.
The result earned Furusato his first two points in the Moto2 World Championship after just eight races in the category. More importantly, it confirmed the steady progress he has been making throughout the season as he continues adapting to the demands of the intermediate class. The performance rewarded the hard work carried out by both rider and team and provides a strong foundation heading into the next rounds of the championship.
On the other side of the garage, Jacob Roulstone completed his first Moto2 World Championship race with Idemitsu Honda Team Asia. The Australian rider, making his debut in the category and with the team, focused on gaining experience and understanding the bike throughout the 22-lap contest. Despite still feeling the effects of Saturday's crash, Roulstone completed the race in 22nd position and collected valuable information that will help his continued development during the upcoming rounds.
The Moto2 paddock will now enjoy a short 1 week break before returning to action at the legendary Brno Circuit for Round 9 of the season.
Today was a very demanding race because of the hot conditions, but overall I am pleased with the effort from both riders. Taiyo managed the race very well. During the first half he had a strong rhythm and was able to catch the riders ahead. In some phases of the race he was even matching or improving on their pace.
Later in the race it became more difficult to maintain the same lap times, but he continued pushing and eventually finished 14th. Honestly, I think the result could have been even better because his pace was stronger than some riders in front of him, but overtaking on this circuit was not easy. Still, scoring his first Moto2 points is an important milestone and we are happy to see his progress.
Jacob also completed a positive race considering the circumstances. He is still adapting to the bike and was riding with some discomfort after yesterday's crash. Throughout the race he continued learning and pushing every lap. It is all part of the process, and I believe both riders can take another step forward at the next round.
Today was a very demanding race because of the hot conditions, but overall I am pleased with the effort from both riders. Taiyo managed the race very well. During the first half he had a strong rhythm and was able to catch the riders ahead. In some phases of the race he was even matching or improving on their pace.
Later in the race it became more difficult to maintain the same lap times, but he continued pushing and eventually finished 14th. Honestly, I think the result could have been even better because his pace was stronger than some riders in front of him, but overtaking on this circuit was not easy. Still, scoring his first Moto2 points is an important milestone and we are happy to see his progress.
Jacob also completed a positive race considering the circumstances. He is still adapting to the bike and was riding with some discomfort after yesterday's crash. Throughout the race he continued learning and pushing every lap. It is all part of the process, and I believe both riders can take another step forward at the next round.
I'm very happy to score my first points in Moto2. It may only be two points, but for me it is an important step because it shows that the work we have been doing since the beginning of the season is moving in the right direction.
The progress doesn't always appear immediately in the results, but race after race I feel more comfortable with the bike and more confident in different situations. We still need to improve, especially in qualifying and with the feeling on new tyres, because starting further forward would make the races easier. However, today was a positive day and I want to thank the team for all their support. We will keep working hard and continue improving step by step.
I'm very happy to score my first points in Moto2. It may only be two points, but for me it is an important step because it shows that the work we have been doing since the beginning of the season is moving in the right direction.
The progress doesn't always appear immediately in the results, but race after race I feel more comfortable with the bike and more confident in different situations. We still need to improve, especially in qualifying and with the feeling on new tyres, because starting further forward would make the races easier. However, today was a positive day and I want to thank the team for all their support. We will keep working hard and continue improving step by step.
It was quite a difficult race for me. I was still feeling some pain from the crash yesterday, but my main objective was to complete the race distance, learn as much as possible and continue understanding the bike.
In many ways, today's race felt like an extended test session because every lap was giving me new information. I was able to try different things, understand the bike better and gain valuable experience working with the team. Balaton Park was a challenging place to make my Moto2 debut, but I feel we made a good step forward compared to where we started on Friday. I'd like to thank the team for all their support, and I'm looking forward to continuing this progress at Brno.
It was quite a difficult race for me. I was still feeling some pain from the crash yesterday, but my main objective was to complete the race distance, learn as much as possible and continue understanding the bike.
In many ways, today's race felt like an extended test session because every lap was giving me new information. I was able to try different things, understand the bike better and gain valuable experience working with the team. Balaton Park was a challenging place to make my Moto2 debut, but I feel we made a good step forward compared to where we started on Friday. I'd like to thank the team for all their support, and I'm looking forward to continuing this progress at Brno.
