Veda Ega Pratama Makes History: Second-Place Finish at Moto3 Malaysia from Eighth on the Grid

SEPANG — Proud news came from the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Indonesian rider Veda Ega Pratama (Honda Team Asia) finished second in the Moto3 Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday (1/11/2026), in a 15-lap race that stayed dramatic until the final corner.

Veda started the race from eighth position (grid 8) — far from an ideal starting spot. Yet the 17-year-old from Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, showed remarkable composure. He fought his way into the leading pack and engaged in fierce duels with Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), David Almansa, and home rider Hakim Danish.

The drama peaked on lap 12, when Veda briefly dropped to fourth. Refusing to give up, he reclaimed third at the final corner before sealing second place at the finish line. Veda crossed the line 3.734 seconds behind race winner Máximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team, Spain) — who is also the 2026 Moto3 world champion. Third place went to Alvaro Carpe (+4.184 seconds), followed by Hakim Danish in fourth (+4.410 seconds).

## His Biggest Achievement So Far

"I'm very, very happy to take the podium here in Sepang... This is my biggest achievement so far," Veda said after the race, as reported by several media outlets.

Veda dedicated the Sepang podium to his family — his father, mother, sister, and cousin who were present to watch him at Sepang. The emotional result was also described as a release after the disappointment of the previous round: Veda missed out on starting from pole position at the Australian Moto3 race because that race was cancelled.

Several media outlets called the result historic — the first Indonesian rider ever to finish second on a Moto3 podium. It is also his second podium of the season, after finishing third at the Brazilian GP on 22 March 2026 at the Ayrton Senna Circuit in Goiânia.

## Climbing the Standings, Eyes on Qatar

The extra 20 points from Sepang lifted Veda's total to 131 points from 19 rounds, placing him seventh in the provisional 2026 Moto3 standings — an impressive feat for a debut season in the class.

There was good news too from his teammate, Zen Mitani, who finished 13th and scored his first points of the season — completing a positive weekend for Honda Team Asia.

The racing continues. The next round is the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail Circuit, held 6–8 November 2026, part of a three-round season finale. With the Sepang momentum, Veda has a chance to close his debut season on an even more impressive note — and Indonesia has every reason to keep watching every lap.