Pini Claims Victory at Moto3 Americas as Veda Ega Pratama Falls
AUSTIN, TX – Guido Pini of Leopard Racing secured his first Moto3 victory at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) on Monday, March 30, 2026, while Indonesian rider Veda Ega Pratama suffered a crash on the fifth lap, ending his race prematurely. The Moto3 Americas race, part of the MotoGP schedule, saw a dynamic competition with Maximo Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) finishing second and Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) rounding out the podium.
The race unfolded under sunny skies at COTA, a track known for its challenging turns and high speeds. Veda Ega Pratama, starting from fourth position, had shown promise in qualifying, but ultimately couldn’t maintain his position in the competitive field. The incident occurred at Turn 11 while he was running in sixth place, marking a disappointing end to his race weekend.
Race Recap: Pini Takes Control
Alvaro Carpe, who secured pole position, initially led the race as the lights went out. However, the field quickly shuffled, with riders battling for position. Veda Ega Pratama initially struggled to locate his rhythm, dropping from fourth to seventh early in the race. Maximo Quiles made a strong start, quickly moving up to third place, putting pressure on the leading duo.
As the race progressed, Guido Pini began to close the gap on the leaders. By the second lap, Pini had overtaken Veda, pushing the Honda Team Asia rider down to eighth. Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo) also began to challenge Veda, further complicating his race. Carpe continued to lead, followed closely by Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Quiles.
it was Pini who proved to be the fastest, taking the lead and holding it to the finish. Quiles and Carpe fought hard for second, with Quiles ultimately securing the position. Perrone and Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) completed the top five.
Hakim Danish Finishes 13th After Qualifying Incident
Malaysian rider Hakim Danish, who had a challenging qualifying session resulting in a fall, managed to finish the race in 13th position. Despite the setback in qualifying, Danish demonstrated resilience to complete the race and gain valuable experience at the American circuit.
Veda Ega Pratama’s Disappointment
The crash for Veda Ega Pratama is a setback after a promising start to the season. While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, it occurred at a critical point in the race when he was vying for a top-six finish. The Honda Team Asia rider will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back at the next round of the championship.
For fans following the Moto3 championship, this race highlighted the unpredictable nature of the series. The competition is fierce, and even the most talented riders can face unexpected challenges. The victory for Guido Pini marks a significant milestone in his career, while the disappointment for Veda Ega Pratama serves as a reminder of the risks involved in motorcycle racing.
The Moto3 Americas race provided plenty of excitement for fans both at the track and watching from around the world. The performance of riders like Pini, Quiles, and Carpe showcased the talent and determination within the Moto3 paddock.
What’s Next?
The MotoGP World Championship continues with the next race scheduled for April 12, 2026, at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal. Riders will be looking to build on their performances in America and gain valuable points in the championship standings. Veda Ega Pratama and the Honda Team Asia will be aiming for a strong showing in Portugal, hoping to put the disappointment of COTA behind them.
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