Double DNF Ends Disappointing Malaysian GP for Idemitsu Honda Team Asia
Sepang International CircuitIDEMITSU Honda Team Asia endured a difficult end to the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, as neither Mario Suryo Aji nor Taiyo Furusato was able to finish the 19th round of the 2026 Moto2 World Championship at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit. Both riders crashed during the race, bringing a disappointing conclusion to a weekend in which the team had worked hard to prepare for a competitive result.
Starting from P11, Mario Aji made a good start and immediately placed himself inside the top ten, showing promising pace and confidence in the opening stages. Unfortunately, an early crash on lap two ended his chances of fighting for a strong result. It was particularly frustrating for the Indonesian rider, who believed he had the speed to remain in the leading group and challenge for valuable points.
Taiyo Furusato also experienced a challenging race. After making a reasonable start, the Japanese rider lost the front in the first part of the race and dropped towards the back of the field. He then began working his way forward, recovering positions and attempting to rejoin the fight for the points. However, just as he was making progress, a second crash brought his race to an end.
Although the result was far from what the team had hoped for, the positive news is that both riders escaped their crashes without injury. IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia will now focus on analysing the weekend, learning from the difficulties encountered and preparing for the next challenge. The Qatar Grand Prix, the 20th round of the season, takes place in less than a week at the Lusail International Circuit. Both riders have positive memories of the venue: Furusato achieved strong results there during his Moto3 career, while Aji also feels confident at the circuit. The team remains determined to turn its hard work into stronger results in Qatar.
It was a very disappointing day for us. Unfortunately, both riders crashed during the race. Mario had his crash on lap two, while Taiyo also went down later in the race. Both riders had confidence heading into the race, but unfortunately, this was not the result we wanted, and certainly not what they wanted either.
The only positive point is that both riders are okay and have not suffered any injuries. We put a lot of effort into preparing for this weekend, so it is a real pity that we couldn't show our potential in front of the many Asian fans here at Sepang.
However, we have to keep going, keep pushing and continue working to improve as a team. Now we look ahead to the Qatar Grand Prix, where we will have another opportunity to start fresh and turn the page.
It was a very disappointing day for us. Unfortunately, both riders crashed during the race. Mario had his crash on lap two, while Taiyo also went down later in the race. Both riders had confidence heading into the race, but unfortunately, this was not the result we wanted, and certainly not what they wanted either.
The only positive point is that both riders are okay and have not suffered any injuries. We put a lot of effort into preparing for this weekend, so it is a real pity that we couldn't show our potential in front of the many Asian fans here at Sepang.
However, we have to keep going, keep pushing and continue working to improve as a team. Now we look ahead to the Qatar Grand Prix, where we will have another opportunity to start fresh and turn the page.
It's a real shame to end the race like this. I genuinely believed that the potential was there. I felt comfortable in the group during the opening laps and thought I could fight for a position inside the top ten, perhaps even challenge further towards the front. Unfortunately, the crash ended those chances.
I need some time to reflect on what happened and analyse the situation, but I still believe we have the speed and the pace to achieve a good result in Qatar. I just want to thank the team and everyone who has been supporting me, and also apologise to them for today's result. There is nothing but disappointment at the moment, but I need to keep my head up and move forward. Qatar is a circuit I really like, so hopefully we can turn things around there. Thank you, everyone.
It's a real shame to end the race like this. I genuinely believed that the potential was there. I felt comfortable in the group during the opening laps and thought I could fight for a position inside the top ten, perhaps even challenge further towards the front. Unfortunately, the crash ended those chances.
I need some time to reflect on what happened and analyse the situation, but I still believe we have the speed and the pace to achieve a good result in Qatar. I just want to thank the team and everyone who has been supporting me, and also apologise to them for today's result. There is nothing but disappointment at the moment, but I need to keep my head up and move forward. Qatar is a circuit I really like, so hopefully we can turn things around there. Thank you, everyone.
It was a really disappointing race. After a reasonable start, I lost the front in the first part of the race and dropped back towards the rear of the field. I tried to recover and started gaining some positions again, but unfortunately, just when I was making progress, I crashed for a second time and couldn't continue.
It's frustrating to finish the weekend this way, especially after all the work we have put in. We need to analyse what happened, learn from it and work hard to come back stronger in Qatar. I have some good memories of the Lusail circuit from my time in Moto3, so I hope I can use that experience and make a better result next weekend. I will keep pushing and give my best.
It was a really disappointing race. After a reasonable start, I lost the front in the first part of the race and dropped back towards the rear of the field. I tried to recover and started gaining some positions again, but unfortunately, just when I was making progress, I crashed for a second time and couldn't continue.
It's frustrating to finish the weekend this way, especially after all the work we have put in. We need to analyse what happened, learn from it and work hard to come back stronger in Qatar. I have some good memories of the Lusail circuit from my time in Moto3, so I hope I can use that experience and make a better result next weekend. I will keep pushing and give my best.
