A fierce battle among the rookies: how the MotoGP riders of the future are faring

The successful combination of the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the Junior World Championship, featuring Moto3 bikes, consistently produces new top talents for the GP paddock. No fewer than ten newcomers took part in the 2026 season, although, to be precise, several riders – including Urirate, Danish, O’Gorman and Cruces – had already filled in as substitutes in the smallest World Championship class.

It comes as no surprise that these youngsters are all fast, but the consistency with which so many newcomers are competing at the front certainly does. Veda Pratama, for instance, caused a stir right from the start of the season. Right from the off, the Indonesian was mixing it with the world’s best. Fourth in the first qualifying session, fifth on his debut and his first podium in the second race – and all that on Honda’s Moto3 machine, which is generally considered weaker. So far, Pratama has only failed to score World Championship points on three occasions; in the World Championship, the Honda Asia rider is ranked sixth – making him only the third-best rookie!

XL-Talent aus Südostasien: Veda Pratama

Foto: Gold and Goose

Just ahead of the Indonesian rider is the Argentine Marco Morelli. Last year’s rival in the Red Bull Rookies Cup is now a team-mate of World Championship leader Maximo Quiles. The South American is also benefiting from the immense experience of the Aspar team. In the first half of the year, the rookie has already secured three podium finishes, the first being a second place ahead of Pratama in Brazil. Morelli has already secured his place at Asp for 2027 – and is a title contender.

The same applies to Brian Uriarte, who, sitting fourth in the standings, is the top Moto3 rookie. The Spaniard, winner of the 2025 Red Bull Rookies Championship and a rider in Niklas Ajo’s team, achieved what only one other rookie managed in 2026 – victory. At Mugello, no one was faster than Brian Uriarte, but his performance at the Sachsenring in Germany was even more impressive. There, on his way to his second victory, he defeated Maximo Quiles in a tough but fair duel. The immediate future of this hugely talented rider is secure. Uriarte will also be riding the Red Bull-KTM in 2027.

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Kam, sah und siegte: Brian Uriarte

Foto: Gold and Goose

The second rookie to claim victory is ‘only’ ranked 8th in the World Championship standings. Hakim Danish, who made his World Championship debut in 2025, won after an impressive ride at Brno. He also secured third place at Mugello and has shown consistency – the Malaysian rider from the MSi team has failed to finish just two races. Whilst Danish’s team-mate Yamanaka must hand over his seat for 2027 to Valentin Perrone, the Asian rider will continue to race for the top Spanish team next season.

Rico Salmela also remains in the top 10 of the Moto3 World Championship after a dozen races. Having featured in the leading group in numerous races, a podium finish is long overdue for the Finn. Salmela has long since passed the test; in 2027 he will move from Tech3 to KTM-Ajo.

Exklusiv: Leo Rammerstorfer ist der einzige deutschsprachige WM-Pilot

Foto: Gerhard Schiel

The other rookies are finding it considerably harder to establish themselves. Jesús Ríos (Snipers-Honda), Adrián Cruces (CIP-KTM) and Casey O’Gorman (SIC58-Honda) occupy 17th to 19th place in the World Championship standings. Leo Rammerstorfer from Austria put in some strong performances in his first races, but then slipped back towards the rear of the field. The only German-speaking rider in the GP paddock has scored four World Championship points so far, putting him 24th in the standings. Bringing up the rear of the ten rookies is Zen Mitani, who is coached by former MotoGP works rider Nobu Aoki. The Japanese rider shone in 2025 with podium finishes in the Rookies’ Cup, but on the World Championship stage, Mitani has so far secured just two points.