Daftarsbmptn.com – Young Indonesian rider Veda Ega Pratama made a big splash in the opening race of the Moto3 class at the 2026 Thailand Grand Prix on Sunday (March 1). The rider from Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, successfully finished fifth, an achievement that not only earned him important points but also made history as one of the best debut performances by an Indonesian rider in Moto3.
The race, which took place at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, featured intense competition in the front group from the opening laps. Veda, riding for Honda Team Asia, started from fifth on the grid after a solid qualifying session. He immediately engaged in a fierce battle with riders from Europe and Latin America, demonstrating courage and speed from the outset.
A Thrilling Debut
Tens of thousands of spectators watched Veda progress throughout the 19-lap race. Despite losing several positions in the first lap, the 17-year-old managed to claw his way back to the front of the pack and secured several provisional podium positions. Midway through the race, Veda even held third place, demonstrating his immense potential on a high-pressure track.
Ultimately, after a close battle with riders like Alvaro Carpe, Valentin Perrone, and Adrian Fernandez, Veda managed to finish the race in fifth place, just 9.687 seconds behind the winner, David Almansa, who won by a razor-thin margin. This result earned Veda 11 valuable points in the 2026 Moto3 standings.
Veda Ega Pratama’s Reaction, Between Proud and Motivated
After the race, Veda couldn’t hide his pride. In a press conference and media interviews, the young rider expressed his satisfaction with the result, while also acknowledging that the fight wasn’t over. “This is an incredible day for me. Finishing in the top five isn’t just a dream, it’s a reality. I thank the team and all of you for your continued support,” Veda said optimistically.
He also spoke about the experience of competing in the top group in a race full of surprises. Veda said that the competition taught him many important lessons, especially in race management and strategy in critical laps. “I learned a lot today, especially how to maintain rhythm and focus under pressure. This is important capital for the next series,” he added.
Team Comments and Praise from Honda Executives
Not only Veda, but Honda Team Asia management also praised the young rider’s impressive performance. Hiroshi Aoyama, team manager, said that Veda’s performance was clear evidence of the Indonesian rider’s extraordinary talent. He said Veda demonstrated a winning mentality far beyond his years, and the result in Thailand was a sign that the rider is worthy of being considered at the world level.
Aoyama also considered that finishing in the top five in his debut race was a major achievement in global motorcycle racing. “It’s not easy for a rookie rider to immediately compete at the front. Veda has done very well, and I’m sure this is just the beginning,” Aoyama said confidently.
History and Hopes for the Next Series
This result also places Veda Ega Pratama on the list of Indonesian riders with the highest achievements in Moto3, surpassing the previous record set by another rider. This success immediately caught the attention of the media and motorsport fans in Indonesia, who saw Veda’s immense potential as a future star.
After a brief break, the Moto3 riders will prepare for the second round of the 2026 season, which will be held in Brazil on March 20-22. With the impressive capital from Thailand, Veda is expected to once again demonstrate his competitive performance and strive for even greater heights.
With this achievement, Veda Ega Pratama not only made Indonesia proud but also demonstrated that Southeast Asian racing talent is capable of competing at the global level. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next action from this young Moto3 phenomenon in 2026.