Goiania, Brazil – The Brazilian Grand Prix delivered a moment of history for Indonesian motorsport this past Sunday, as Honda Team Asia’s Veda Ega Pratama secured a third-place finish in the Moto3 race at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna. The 17-year-old’s podium finish marks the first time an Indonesian rider has reached the podium in a Grand Prix event, a milestone celebrated not only by fans back home but especially by his father, Sudarmono.
Sudarmono, speaking after the race, expressed immense pride in his son’s achievement. “Ya, alhamdulillah ya, saya merasa sangat bangga. Terus terang saya tidak menyangka Veda bisa meraih podium ketiga kemarin,” he said, translated as “Yes, thank God, I feel very proud. Frankly, I didn’t expect Veda to achieve third place yesterday,” according to reports. The unexpected success is particularly poignant given the team’s initial goals for the season.
“Benar-benar di luar ekspektasi karena target untuk tahun ini sebenarnya hanyalah untuk belajar,” Sudarmono continued, stating that the primary objective for Veda’s debut season was simply to gain experience at the world championship level. The podium finish, represents a significant and exhilarating overachievement.
Veda Ega Pratama’s performance throughout the early stages of the 2026 Moto3 season has been nothing short of impressive. After starting from fourth on the grid in Brazil, he navigated a competitive field to secure his historic third-place result. This followed a strong fifth-place finish at the season opener in Thailand, demonstrating a consistent ability to compete at the front of the pack.
The young Indonesian rider has already amassed 27 points in the championship standings after just two races, signaling his potential as a rising star in the Moto3 category. His ability to consistently score points and challenge for podium positions has quickly turned heads within the paddock and generated considerable excitement among Indonesian motorsport fans.
The significance of Veda’s achievement extends beyond personal glory. It represents a watershed moment for Indonesian motorsport, inspiring a new generation of riders and demonstrating the country’s growing presence on the international racing stage. The historic podium finish is expected to boost the popularity of motorcycle racing in Indonesia and encourage greater investment in developing young talent.
The race itself saw Maximo Quiles of CFMoto Aspar Team take victory, followed closely by his teammate, Marco Morelli. Veda Ega Pratama’s third-place finish completed the podium, marking a memorable day for Indonesian motorsport. The result underscores the competitiveness of the Moto3 class and the potential for emerging talents like Veda to challenge established frontrunners.
Although the initial focus was on gaining experience, Veda’s rapid progress has prompted a reassessment of expectations for the remainder of the season. The Honda Team Asia rider will undoubtedly be looking to build on his early success and continue to challenge for podium finishes in the upcoming races. The next event on the Moto3 calendar is yet to be announced, but Veda Ega Pratama’s performance in Brazil has firmly established him as a rider to watch.
The outpouring of support from fans and officials in Indonesia has been immense, with social media platforms buzzing with congratulatory messages. The achievement is being hailed as a source of national pride and a testament to Veda’s dedication and talent. The impact of this success is likely to be felt for years to reach, inspiring countless young Indonesians to pursue their dreams in motorsport.
Veda Ega Pratama’s journey to the Moto3 podium is a story of perseverance, talent, and unwavering support. His historic achievement in Brazil is a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indonesian motorsport history, and his father’s pride serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and dedication that underpin success at the highest level of competition.
The next challenge for Veda and the Honda Team Asia will be to maintain this momentum and continue to develop his skills as he navigates the demanding world of Grand Prix racing. With his talent and determination, Veda Ega Pratama is poised to become a leading force in the Moto3 category and a source of inspiration for aspiring racers across Indonesia.
