GOIANIA, Brazil – Honda Team Asia team principal Hiroshi Aoyama believes Indonesian rider Mario Suryo Aji had the potential for a stronger finish at the Moto2 Brazilian Grand Prix, held Sunday at the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia. Aji ultimately secured 13th place, earning his first points of the 2026 Moto2 World Championship season, but Aoyama feels a better result was within reach.
The Brazilian Grand Prix, won by CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team’s Daniel Holgado, proved a challenging race for many, with hot conditions and intense competition. Aji, starting from ninth on the grid, initially struggled to maintain his position, eventually settling for 13th, 18.932 seconds behind Holgado. Despite the result, it marked a significant step forward for the rider after a disappointing non-finish in the season opener in Thailand.
“Regarding Mario, he already gave his all today,” Aoyama said, as reported by Honda Racing. “He finally finished the race in 13th position.”
Aji’s performance at the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia was particularly noteworthy considering his strong showing in the lead-up to the race. He consistently placed within the top five during free practice sessions, demonstrating competitive pace. Securing a ninth-place starting position further highlighted his potential for a top-ten finish.
The demanding conditions at the Brazilian circuit, particularly the extreme heat, played a significant role in the race outcome. Tire management became crucial as the race progressed and Aoyama acknowledged this as a factor in Aji’s final position. Whereas Aji showed solid pace throughout the first half of the race, maintaining close proximity to the top ten, he lost ground in the closing stages.
This result is a welcome boost for both Aji and the Idemitsu Honda Team Asia, providing a foundation to build upon as the season progresses. The team is now focused on capitalizing on this momentum and converting Aji’s speed into more consistent top-ten finishes. The Moto2 championship is known for its competitive nature, and every point counts in the pursuit of a strong overall result.
The Brazilian Grand Prix also saw challenges for Aji’s teammate, Taiyo Furusato. The Japanese rookie displayed encouraging signs of progress, running competitively around 16th place, but a late-race crash unfortunately ended his race prematurely. Despite the setback, Furusato gained valuable experience in only his second Moto2 outing.
Looking ahead, the Honda Team Asia will set its sights on the next round of the championship at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Both Aji and Furusato will aim to continue their development and build on the positive steps taken in Brazil. The American track presents a different set of challenges, with its unique layout and varying weather conditions, requiring riders to adapt quickly.
For Aji, the points earned in Brazil represent a turning point in his 2026 season. After a difficult start, he now has a foundation of confidence to draw upon as he continues to compete at the highest level of motorcycle racing. The Indonesian rider’s dedication and hard work are evident, and his team believes he has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.
The Moto2 Brazilian Grand Prix results saw Daniel Holgado take the victory, followed by Daniel Muñoz of Italtrans Racing Team and Manuel Gonzalez of Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP completing the podium. Alex Escrig (Klint Racing Team), David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), and Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounded out the top six.
The next race on the Moto2 calendar is the Americas Grand Prix, scheduled for April 12-14, 2026, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Fans can expect another thrilling weekend of racing as the championship battle intensifies.
