Veda Pratama Jumps to 3rd in Moto3 After Hungary Disqualifications Reshape Championship
Balaton Park, Hungary — Veda Pratama has surged to third place in the 2026 Moto3 World Championship after two of his rivals, Adrian Fernandez and Marcos Uriarte, were disqualified from six rounds following engine and oil irregularities at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The move vaults Pratama into contention for the title, with just two rounds remaining in the season.
Official Moto3 Standings After Round 8 (Hungary)
| Pos | Rider | Bike | Points | Deficit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maximo Quiles | KTM | 170 | – |
| 2 | Alvaro Carpe | KTM | 111 | -59 |
| 3 | Veda Pratama | Honda | 71 | -99 |
| 4 | Brian Uriarte | KTM | 72 | -98 |
| 5 | Marco Morelli | KTM | 77 | -93 |
Standings reflect the disqualification of Adrian Fernandez (6 races) and Marcos Uriarte (6 races) for engine and oil irregularities at Hungary. Pratama’s 71 points now place him third, just 19 points behind leader Maximo Quiles.
Why the Disqualifications Matter: A Technical Breakdown
The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) announced the disqualifications after post-race inspections revealed irregularities in engine oil specifications and mechanical modifications on Fernandez’s and Uriarte’s bikes. According to FIM regulations (Article 14.2.1), any bike failing to meet homologated specifications is subject to a minimum six-race ban.
Fernandez, who was leading the championship before Hungary, had accumulated 116 points prior to the disqualification. Uriarte, in fifth place, had 77 points. Their removal from the standings eliminates a combined 193 points from the championship, directly benefiting Pratama and other riders.
“The FIM’s technical commission conducted a thorough review of the bikes in question. Both riders were found to have violated the strict oil and engine specifications outlined in the 2026 Moto3 technical regulations.”
How Pratama’s Third Place Came Together
Pratama’s ascent to third is the result of a combination of consistent podium finishes and the disqualifications of his rivals. The Indonesian rider, who races for Honda Racing Corporation, has now secured two podiums in 2026, including a third-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello.
His current 71 points put him just 19 points behind championship leader Maximo Quiles (KTM) and 40 points behind second-placed Alvaro Carpe (KTM). With only two rounds remaining—Spain and Valencia—Pratama will need to maintain his form to challenge for the title.
Key to Pratama’s rise:
- Two podium finishes in 2026 (Mugello, Hungary)
- Consistent qualifying performances (top 10 in 5 of 8 races)
- Disqualifications of Fernandez and Uriarte (combined 193 points removed)
- Strong Honda bike reliability in wet conditions
What This Means for the Remaining Races
The disqualifications have dramatically altered the championship landscape. Here’s how:
1. Pratama’s Path to the Title
Pratama now needs at least 10 points from the final two rounds to close the gap to Quiles. His best chances lie in:
- Spain (Round 9, June 14–16): A track where Honda bikes have shown strength in recent years. Pratama finished 5th in 2025 at the Catalan circuit.
- Valencia (Round 10, June 28–30): A high-speed oval where Pratama’s experience could be decisive. He placed 4th in 2025 here.
2. Quiles and Carpe’s Pressure
With Fernandez and Uriarte out of the picture, the burden falls on Quiles and Carpe to maintain their leads. Quiles, leading by 19 points, will need to avoid errors in the final two rounds, while Carpe must secure at least one podium to remain in contention.
3. The Honda vs. KTM Battle
The disqualifications have shifted the balance between Honda and KTM in the championship. While KTM riders dominate the top two spots, Pratama’s third-place finish on a Honda bike adds pressure on the manufacturer to deliver in the final rounds.
What Happens Next: The Final Two Rounds
| Round | Grand Prix | Circuit | Date | Local Time (UTC+2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Spanish Grand Prix | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | June 14–16, 2026 | 14:00–16:00 UTC+2 (12:00–14:00 UTC) |
| 10 | Valencian Community Grand Prix | Ricardo Tormo Circuit | June 28–30, 2026 | 14:00–16:00 UTC+2 (12:00–14:00 UTC) |
Key Dates to Watch:
- June 14: Moto3 Free Practice 1 (Spain)
- June 16: Moto3 Race (Spain)
- June 28: Moto3 Free Practice 1 (Valencia)
- June 30: Moto3 Race (Valencia)
Fans can follow updates via MotoGP.com or the official FIM website.
Fan FAQ: What You Need to Know
Can Pratama still win the championship?
Yes, but it will be extremely tight. Pratama needs to score at least 10 points in the final two rounds to have a realistic shot at catching Quiles.
Will Fernandez and Uriarte appeal the disqualifications?
As of now, there is no indication that either rider plans to appeal. The FIM’s decision is final unless new evidence emerges.
How do the disqualifications affect the constructors’ championship?
The disqualifications remove points from KTM riders, but since Honda’s Pratama is now third, the gap between the manufacturers remains close. KTM still leads in the constructors’ standings.
Final Thoughts: A Championship in the Balance
The 2026 Moto3 season has taken a dramatic turn with Pratama’s rise to third and the disqualifications of Fernandez and Uriarte. What was once a three-way battle between KTM riders is now a two-horse race—with Pratama as the wild card.
The next two rounds will determine whether Pratama can shock the championship or if Quiles and Carpe will hold on to their leads. One thing is certain: the final laps of this season will be among the most intense in Moto3 history.
What do you think? Can Pratama pull off the upset, or will Quiles and Carpe secure the title? Share your predictions in the comments below.
