São Paulo, Brazil – Veda Ega Pratama etched his name into Indonesian motorsport history on Sunday, becoming the first rider from the nation to reach the podium in a Grand Prix race. The 17-year-old Honda Team Asia rider finished third in the Moto3 Brazilian Grand Prix at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna, a result that has sparked celebration across Indonesia and garnered attention for a gesture of respect beyond the racetrack.
The race, held on March 22, 2026, saw Pratama finish behind CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team riders Máximo Quiles, who took the win, and Marco Morelli, who secured second place. Pratama’s performance marks a significant step forward for the young rider, building on a promising debut season that saw him finish fifth in the opening round at Thailand.
Pratama started the Brazilian Grand Prix from fourth on the grid, alongside Joel Esteban, Valentin Perrone, and Hakim Danish. He quickly demonstrated competitive pace, moving into the top three within the first few laps. However, the notoriously competitive nature of Moto3 led to an early setback when contact with another rider dropped him down to seventh place, and eventually tenth. The race was then dramatically interrupted by a red flag on lap 15, following a crash by race leader David Almansa of Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP.
The red flag brought a temporary halt to proceedings, but it also presented Pratama with an opportunity. When the race resumed for a five-lap sprint to the finish, the Indonesian rider showcased composure and skill, steadily overtaking his rivals. He methodically climbed through the field, passing rider after rider until he secured his place on the podium in third.
“It was incredible,” Pratama said in a post-race interview, as quoted by Antara. “I struggled before the red flag came out, but This represents my greatest achievement so far.”
But Pratama’s impact extended beyond his racing performance. Footage circulating online captured a moment of respect that resonated with many viewers. During the podium ceremony, as is customary in motorsport, the race winner and podium finishers are often sprayed with champagne. Pratama, a Muslim, respectfully moved away from the celebratory spray, subtly stepping back from the tradition. The gesture, captured by cameras, has been widely praised on social media.
The avoidance of the champagne spray wasn’t a dramatic refusal, but a graceful sidestep. After the initial spraying between Quiles and Morelli concluded, Pratama rejoined the celebrations, even opting for a fist bump while holding a drink of energy drink instead.
This podium finish elevates Pratama to third in the 2026 Moto3 World Championship standings with 27 points. The result is a testament to his talent and the support of the Honda Team Asia, and it positions him as a rider to watch closely as the season progresses. For context, the Moto3 championship is a fiercely contested feeder series for MotoGP, known for its close racing and the development of future stars.
The Brazilian Grand Prix, held at the historic Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna, provided a challenging backdrop for the race. The circuit, named after the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, is known for its fast corners and demanding layout. The unpredictable weather conditions often add another layer of complexity to the racing.
Pratama’s success is particularly noteworthy given his relatively recent entry into the world championship. His fifth-place finish in Thailand, the opening round of the season, already signaled his potential, and the podium in Brazil confirms his arrival as a genuine contender. The Moto3 class is known for its unpredictable results, making Pratama’s consistency all the more impressive.
The young Indonesian rider’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of national pride. It marks a significant milestone for Indonesian motorsport and is likely to inspire a new generation of riders to pursue their dreams on the world stage. The growing popularity of motorcycle racing in Indonesia, coupled with Pratama’s success, could lead to increased investment in the sport and the development of further talent.
Looking ahead, the Moto3 World Championship continues with the next round scheduled for [Next Race Date/Location – *information not available in provided sources*]. Pratama will undoubtedly be aiming to build on his Brazilian success and continue his impressive start to the season. Fans can follow his progress and the rest of the Moto3 championship through official MotoGP channels and sports news outlets.
Veda Ega Pratama’s performance in Brazil wasn’t just about speed and skill; it was a demonstration of respect, composure, and a quiet determination that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. His historic podium finish is a moment to celebrate, and his future in the world of motorcycle racing looks exceptionally bright.
