Veda Monitored by MotoGP Team After Impressive Thailand Debut

Indonesian rider Veda Ega Pratama delivered a dazzling debut at Buriram Circuit over the weekend. Impressively, finishing fifth in Moto3, the Gunungkidul-born rider is now being watched by a MotoGP team.

According to detikSport, on Thursday (5 March 2026), Veda enjoyed his best season in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup last year, finishing second in the final standings with 181 points.

Honda Team Asia promptly became Veda’s team in Moto3 2026. The decision to sign him has paid off. Competing with full confidence, Veda finished fifth in his maiden Moto3 race in Thailand 2026.

Veda had shown strong pace from the practice sessions. The youngster nicknamed ‘Si Walang Salipan’ was only outside the top ten once during Free Practice Two, finishing 13th.

The impressive performance at Buriram reportedly led Honda Racing Team (HRC) to monitor Veda. Italian media Corsedimoto even discussed his performance in detail.

‘The absence of experience as a wild-card rider or stand-in in previous years means Veda has never appeared on the international Grand Prix stage, unlike some of his fellow rookies. He has long watched the World Championship atmosphere up close, but only from outside, as part of the parallel Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup,’ Corsedimoto wrote in its review published on 2 March 2026.

‘In the race, Veda proved a tough rival for the Argentine rider Valentin Perrone and two Spanish riders. He briefly dreamed of a podium finish after breaking into the podium zone, though eventually Perrone and Carpe took the honours in the final laps. Veda crossed the finish line in fifth place.’

‘This is an unforgettable start. Who knows, Indonesia may have found its own rising star in the Grand Prix racing arena,’ the review added.

Before the season began, Veda’s potential had already been praised by Gresini Racing. Gresini Racing Commercial and Marketing Director Carlo Merlini said as much and was echoed by Alex Marquez.

‘I’m watching the riders; there is a very strong Indonesian rider. He competes in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, that’s Veda Pratama. Yes, our sport indeed needs Asian riders,’ Carlo said when he was in Indonesia recently.

Veda says the results in Moto3 Thailand will be very helpful as he looks to the next round. From 20-22 March 2026, the race moves to MotoGP Brazil. The good experience in Thailand boosts Veda’s confidence.

‘Alhamdulillah, thank you very much to everyone who supported me in the Thailand race. Of course, this is a very good result for me because in my Moto3 World Championship debut I was able to finish in the top five. This race is meaningful for me because I learned a lot. I learned how to pace the race, and I did struggle a little with managing the tyres. But I always did my best and finally finished fifth,’ Veda told SPOTV.

‘For the next race in GP Brazil, of course I will use the experience from this week. I will recall it again. Moreover GP Brazil is a circuit new for all riders, so in my view those who adapt quickly will achieve good results,’ concluded Veda.