After Pre-season Test, Mario Suryo Aji Excited To Debut In Moto3 Qatar

JAKARTA – Indonesian racer Mario Suryo Aji has just finished taking the pre-season test. Now he is excited to make his debut in Moto3 this season.

Mario Aji's preparations for a full season were interrupted due to injury. However, he managed to end the pre-season test at the Portimao Circuit in 26th position in the combined time, 2.236 seconds adrift of Dennis Foggia who became the fastest rider.

"Even though the lap time was not what we expected, but we worked with the feeling and the setting of the bike, not in the fastest laps now. I'm excited for the Qatar Grand Prix," said Mario Aji, quoted by Mailchi.

After completing the pre-season test, Mario Aji is now preparing to face the Moto3 2022 series opener at the Losail Circuit, Qatar. This series will take place on March 4-6 next.

The 5.4 km long track is familiar to Mario. The 17-year-old racer once competed in the 2018 Asia Talent Cup (ATC).

"I feel much better here in Portimao riding the bike than the previous test at Jerez. We tested a lot of different things on the bike, and in the end, it was worth it," said Mario Aji.

Despite being able to take pre-season tests at Jerez, Valencia and Portimao, Mario Aji's condition has not fully recovered. This then had an impact on his physique.

Honda Team Asia Team Manager Hiroshi Aoyama said that even so, Mario Aji could try to build confidence in the bike and be faster.

"At the moment he is not 100 per cent fit, but given his circumstances, he has had a good pre-season, racking up 2,000 km," said Hiroshi.