RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - From the circuits of junior racing to the global spotlight of Moto3, Indonesian rider Veda Ega Pratama has quickly carved out a reputation as one of the sport’s most promising young talents.

At just 17 years old, the racer from Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, has already made history as the first Indonesian to stand on a Moto3 Grand Prix podium, an achievement that reflects both his skill and resilience.

Heading into the third round of the 2026 Moto3 season at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in the United States, Veda expressed confidence after securing fourth place on the starting grid.

His qualifying time of 2 minutes 12.813 seconds placed him in the second row for the third consecutive race in his debut season. “The result is quite positive. I’ve managed to stay in the second row for three races now, and I feel confident for tomorrow’s race,” he told SPOTV Indonesia.

Veda’s performance comes on the heels of his breakthrough in Brazil, where he finished third behind Maximo Quiles and Marco Morelli, marking his first podium in Moto3. He now sits third in the overall standings with 27 points, trailing Quiles by 18 points.

Former Indonesian racer Doni Tata Pradita believes Veda’s mental toughness is his greatest asset. “He’s very confident, willing to fight, and has a strong spirit,” Doni said recently, as quoted by Antara, noting how Veda’s aggressive approach in the final laps of the Brazil race showed maturity beyond his years.

Doni also highlighted Veda’s ability to adapt quickly to international circuits, a skill honed through his progression from the Asia Talent Cup to the Red Bull Rookies Cup before stepping into Moto3. “His process has been right. He’s trained through the proper stages, so he’s well-prepared,” Doni explained.

Veda’s rise reflects not only his personal determination but also the more structured development system now available to Indonesian riders. Unlike earlier generations, according to Doni, today’s racers benefit from clearer pathways, gaining experience in Asia before moving to Europe and eventually the world stage.

For Veda, the journey is just beginning. With his confidence growing and his adaptability proving invaluable, he represents Indonesia’s best hope yet of making a lasting mark in world motorcycle racing. “Hopefully he can keep improving each race and bring Indonesia’s name higher on the global stage," Doni concluded. ***