Veda Ega vs Hakim Danish: Competition Between Two Racers Chasing Front Starting Positions at the Malaysian Moto3

Indonesian rider Veda Ega Pratama gained an advantage ahead of the 2026 Malaysian Moto3 round. Veda broke into the top three during Practice sessions at Sepang International Circuit on Friday, 30 October, while also securing an automatic direct spot into Qualifying 2 (Q2).

Veda recorded a lap time of 2 minutes 11.519 seconds to claim 3rd position. This mark was only 0.092 seconds behind fastest rider David Almansa, who set a benchmark time of 2 minutes 11.427 seconds. Meanwhile, Rico Salmela occupied 2nd place with a lap time of 2 minutes 11.496 seconds.

The battle for the top three positions was extremely tight. Veda trailed Salmela by just 0.023 seconds. This result confirms the Honda Team Asia rider possesses the pace to compete with the leading rivals at Sepang.

By finishing inside the top 14 during Practice, Veda will not need to contest Q1. He will progress directly to Q2 alongside other riders who have secured their automatic qualification spots.

This format provides an advantage, as it gives Veda clearer focus to prepare for the single session that will determine his starting grid position.

Veda also showed consistent performance on the opening day. He ended FP1 in 4th place before improving to 3rd position in the main Practice session. He even finished ahead of home rider Hakim Danish, who placed 4th.

"I am very happy with how this Weekend has started. The bike felt really good right from the first lap," Veda stated in an official Honda Team Asia release.

Even so, challenges still remain. During FP2 on Saturday 31 October, Veda finished in 8th position. This result shows there is still room to improve the bike's performance ahead of the qualifying sessions.

One key point of focus for Veda is tyre grip. This factor is critical, as Sepang Circuit's characteristics demand stable bike handling both through high-speed corners and when riders maintain speed along the straights.

Veda had previously noted that track grip levels were not yet fully optimal. He is adapting to these conditions while working with his team to fine-tune the best possible bike setup.

The potential for Rain on Saturday also adds an extra variable, as changing weather will affect asphalt conditions and alter rider strategy.

Malaysian Moto3 Qualifying & Race Schedule

Veda will have the chance to chase a front row starting position during Saturday's qualifying sessions. Per the official 2026 Malaysian Moto3 timetable, Q1 will run from 11.45-12.00 WIB, followed by Q2 from 12.10-12.25 WIB.

Veda will contest Q2 directly without competing in the opening qualifying session. There, he will need to set his fastest possible lap time to secure a competitive grid position. The narrow time gaps recorded during Practice confirm the battle for front row positions remains wide open.

The main 2026 Malaysian Moto3 race is scheduled for Sunday 1 November, starting at 11.00 WIB. Riders will complete 15 full laps around Sepang International Circuit.

For Veda, his Practice results provide important momentum to continue his positive form across the Asian rounds. Following an 11th place finish in Japan and 6th place at Mandalika, he has a strong opportunity to demonstrate further progress at the Malaysian round.

Veda arrives with confidence after taking pole position during qualifying for the Australian Moto3 round. That Phillip Island race was ultimately cancelled due to severe weather.

Sepang now presents the next opportunity for Veda to convert his strong practice pace into a maximum result on race day.

His Q2 ticket is already secured. The next challenge will be to maximise the qualifying session, so that Veda can start the race from an advantageous position and keep alive his chances of scoring valuable championship points in Malaysia.