Veda Pratama grows towards Moto3 WC: "Didn't expect all this"

Besides Aldi Satya Mahendra in the Supersport World Championship, Indonesia can boast several talented riders who are making their way in motorcycle racing, also getting closer and closer to the world stage. One great example is Veda Pratama, whose path towards the Moto3 World Championship has been so far successful.

Born on the 23rd of November 2008, Pratama won the Asia Talent Cup in 2023 and in 2025 he is facing a crucial season for his career. On one hand, the Indonesian rising star is making progress and achieving top 10 finishes in the JuniorGP World Championship, where he represents Astra Honda Racing Team within the Junior Talent Team. On the other hand, Pratama finished second in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup with three wins and multiple podiums and top-5 finishes, despite missing the two races at Le Mans due to an injury. Great results and important steps, as he is more than likely to move to the Moto3 World Championship in 2026.

Palmen in Motorradsport had the chance to sit down with Veda Pratama to talk about his 2025 campaign, his career so far and more.  

Veda, you finished 2025 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in second place. Did you expect that?

It was a really good season for me, because it was my second year in Rookies Cup and I didn't expect to get three wins and some podiums. It was a really hard season, because at the beginning I got injured and I could not race in Le Mans, but after that I recovered well and all the people around me always supported me, so I was even more motivated. When I came back to Aragon, the result was not so bad and I finished fourth. Then it just went really good: I could get double win in Mugello also, win at Sachsenring. I didn't expect this result in the beginning, before the Rookies' Cup start, and I'm really happy with how it went.

On the other hand, you are also racing in the JuniorGP. What do you think about your season there?

In JuniorGP the bike is different from the one I rode in the Rookies Cup and it's my first year there. I had to adapt to a lot of things, but we are getting closer to the front and I feel good, even if there is still work to be done.

What's been your best race so far in the Rookies Cup and the Junior GP?

My best weekend was in Mugello, because I was able to win both races, but my favourite win was Race 2 at Sachsenring, because I could make a gap towards the end and win. On the other hand, in JuniorGP my best race so far is Race 1 at Motorland Aragon, where I finished P6. That race was really difficult, because it was so hot. We had to manage the tyres very, very well and we finally made it to a good result.

How did you start racing also and if you can tell about your first seasons as a rider?

I started racing when I was four years old, because my father was also a rider and sometimes I saw him training and racing. At four, I tried to start and when I was five, I started riding a 50cc motocross bike. This continued until I was seven or eight years old, when I moved to pocket bike. And then when I was nine years old, I moved CBR150 and also joined Astro Honda Racing School, which is my team also now in the JuniorGP. They supported me from when I was nine years old until now. Then I raced a few years with the Underbone bikes in Indonesia, rather in small tracks, and in 2022 I moved to the Asia Talent Cup.

How big was the step from the Underbone category to ATC and big circuits?

The first time I rode the Honda NSF250, I realized it was much faster. In that situation I got huge help from my father, because he used to ride motorcycles too and back in the day he made an even bigger step than that, as from Underbone he moved straight to 600cc. He taught me everything on how to change my riding style and adapt to the new bike.

What can you share about your first season in the Asia Talent Cup?

My first season was really good, because I could finish third overall and I managed to win some races and have nice battles also with Hakim Danish (series winner in 2022 and current JuniorGP and Rookies Cup rider as well, ed). Then, it was the first time I raced on big circuits and it was special to ride on tracks like Sepang or Lusail. I remember especially my first podium: it came at the first round of the season, in Qatar, and I didn't expect to be that fast at all, considering that everything was new.

And then in 2023 you won the title, thanks to 9 victories out of 12 races.

It was a great season, better than I expected and with many wins. A special one was definitely in Thailand, in Race 2: I fought during the whole race with other riders and finally I won with an overtake at the last corner (on Amon Odaki, ed).

How was your step to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2024?

It was my first season in Europe and I immediately realized that the level is different. Riders are faster and the level is even higher, maybe because they better knew the circuits and the bikes. I also remember the very first test in Jerez, because it was very cold and the bike felt much different from the Honda I used previously. Still I could adapt quickly and get good results already at the first year (one podium at Red Bull Ring and 8th in the standings, ed).

You mainly race with no. 54, as you did in the Red Bull Rookies Cup. What is the reason behind it?

It's related to my dad's birthday, because he was born on the 5th of April.

What are your main hobbies outside of motorcycle racing?

I like to go cycling, and when I am in Indonesia I also like to go fishing. In Europe I don't do it, since I have a busy training plan with the team, but when I go back home, I try to go fishing with my friend.

And who is your favourite rider?

Casey Stoner. When he raced, especially at the long final corner at Phillip Island, he could let the bike slide and still have great control on it. I find it special. Another rider I like is Marc Márquez, mainly because of how aggressive he is.

Do you feel you already have a lot of fans in Indonesia?

When I check my Instagram or other social media, I am surprised by the lots of followers and fans that cheer for me and watch my races. They are incredible and I hope to make them even prouder of me one day.

In conclusion, do you want to thank anyone in particular?

I thank all the Indonesian people, because they show great support on social media with me and with other Indonesian riders. I also thank my family for pushing and supporting my career, as well as my team.

Palmen in Motorradsport thanks Veda Pratama for his time and the Astra Honda Racing Team for the opportunity. Best wishes to both the rider and his team for the next races and seasons.