Menpora Dito Has A Dream Of Seeing Mario Aji Go To MotoGP

Menpora Dito Ariotedjo (left) with racer Mario Aji. (Photo: Cosmas Kopong Beda/VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo hopes that Indonesian racer Mario Aji can penetrate the MotoGP level. He wants the Astra Honda Racing Team to break into the footsteps of the legend, Valentino Rossi.

Mario Aji is currently still racing in the Moto3 class with the Honda Asia Team. The 19-year-old racer from Magetan has been racing with the team since last season.

"We hope that Mario will be the Valentino of Indonesia's Rossi because in terms of age, now 19 years are already in Moto3. Just like Rossi," said Dito after receiving Mario at the Kemenpora Office, Jakarta, Friday, July 28, 2023.

In Moto3 this season Mario has participated in a total of eight races. Of the number of races, he collected four points and placed 25th in the drivers' standings.

Dito said Mario was an Indonesian racer who had convincing progress so far. Therefore, his chances of entering the prestigious MotoGP race are clearly very large.

"This (entering MotoGP) is not impossible because in terms of progress and achievements are very possible," said the 32-year-old Minister.

This season Mario got points as well as the best achievement while taking part in the Moto3 class after finishing 12th in Austin, Texas, last April.

Next Mario will continue this season at the Silverstone Circuit, England, on August 5-6. After that there are still five races before he gets the opportunity to appear in public in Mandalika in October.