BURIRAM, Thailand – The provisional Moto2 championship standings have been revised following a decision by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) regarding the chaotic opening round of the 2026 season at the Thai Grand Prix. The race, held March 1st at the Buriram Circuit, was marred by multiple incidents and red flags, leading to a review of the points allocation.
The Moto2 race in Thailand was anything but straightforward. Two red flags interrupted the competition, initially after just three laps due to a significant crash involving CFMoto Inde Aspar rider David Alonso. Alonso, often referred to as ‘Baby GOAT’ and a potential MotoGP prospect, fell mid-pack and collided with other competitors. Following the restart, further incidents involving Luca Lunetta (Sync Group SpeedRS) and Sergio Garcia (Italjet Gresini) necessitated another stoppage.
the race was resumed with a reduced distance, shortened from the scheduled 22 laps to 11, and completed over just seven laps. The total distance covered by riders amounted to 11 laps – three before the first red flag, one before the second, and seven in the final run to the checkered flag. Initially, points were awarded based on the completion of 50% of the race distance, but this decision has now been revisited by the FIM.
The revised standings reflect a more accurate representation of the race outcome, impacting the championship battle as teams now prepare for the next round in Brazil – a modern circuit for the entire field. The changes come as a relief to riders and teams seeking clarity after a turbulent start to the season.
Honda Racing reported that Mario Suryo Aji started from a strong P9 position, demonstrating promising pace early in the race. However, his race was cut short by a crash on lap two, eliminating his chances of scoring points. Rookie Taiyo Furusato delivered a determined performance, briefly holding P15 and fighting within the points zone before finishing P16 – just one position away from a points finish.
According to Honda, the conditions at Buriram were exceptionally hot and demanding for the riders, compounded by the race interruptions. Hiroshi Aoyama, IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia’s team manager, acknowledged the challenging circumstances. “It was extremely hot and very demanding for the riders, and we even had two red flags during the race,” Aoyama said. “Mario crashed early and couldn’t restart, which is unfortunate because he showed strong pace all weekend. The positive point is that he’s not injured.”
Aoyama too highlighted Furusato’s progress. “Taiyo Furusato focused on gaining experience in Moto2. These were complicated race conditions, but he managed to finish, which is important because this category is completely different from what he was used to before. P16 isn’t ideal, honestly, but the key thing is that he learned and took another step forward.”
The incident-filled race underscores the inherent risks and challenges of motorcycle racing, particularly in a competitive series like Moto2. The FIM’s decision to review the points allocation demonstrates a commitment to fairness and accuracy in the championship standings. For fans, the revised standings add another layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a thrilling season.
Mario Aji, now in his third year in Moto2 with IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia, entered the 2026 season aiming for consistent front-running results. His previous best result in the class came at the 2025 Americas GP, where he finished ninth – a historic achievement for an Indonesian rider. While the Thai Grand Prix didn’t yield the results he hoped for, Aji remains focused on improving his performance and challenging for podium finishes throughout the season.
The team is now shifting its focus to the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, a new circuit for all riders. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge, as teams will need to quickly adapt to the unfamiliar track layout and conditions. The data collected from the Thai Grand Prix will be invaluable in preparing for the next round, as teams strive to translate potential into results.
The revised Moto2 standings reflect the impact of the FIM’s decision, with riders now separated by smaller margins. Aji, despite his early setback, remains within striking distance of the championship lead, just 12.5 points behind the frontrunner. This close competition promises an exciting season filled with unpredictable races and dramatic battles for the title.
The next race in Brazil will be a crucial test for all riders, offering a chance to gain valuable points and establish themselves as contenders for the championship. Fans can expect a thrilling spectacle as the Moto2 grid tackles a new challenge and continues its quest for glory.
What’s Next: The Moto2 championship heads to Brazil for the next round of racing. Details regarding practice and qualifying schedules will be released by the series organizers in the coming days. Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest updates and comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Moto2 season.
