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Veda Ega Pratama claimed pole position for the 2026 Australian Moto3 Grand Prix after setting the fastest time in the qualifying session at Phillip Island Circuit, which was reported to have taken place on Saturday, October 25. The Honda Team Asia rider recorded a best time of 1 minute 35.299 seconds and will start the race from the front of the grid.
The battle began in Q1
Veda's path to pole was not easy. Facing unpredictable weather conditions, the rider from Gunungkidul had to begin his challenge in Qualifying 1, or Q1, to earn a place in Q2.
According to CNN Indonesia, Veda finished Q1 in fourth place, just behind Guido Pini, Casey O'Gorman, and Eddie O'Shea. That was the final qualifying position that allowed him to advance to the next session. ANTARA also reported that after progressing from fourth place in Q1, he delivered an impressive performance in Q2.
Securing the result in the final minutes
When Q2 began, Veda briefly held second place behind Joel Kelso. After five minutes, only 0.037 seconds separated them. By the middle of the session, Kelso remained in the lead, while Veda dropped one place to third.
The contest shifted in the closing minutes. Championship leader Maximo Quiles briefly moved into first place. Veda then recorded a faster lap and claimed pole with a time of 1 minute 35.299 seconds.
ANTARA reported that Veda finished 0.021 seconds ahead of second-placed Quiles. Joel Kelso took third, 0.067 seconds behind Veda's time. Joel Esteban and Eddie O'Shea completed the top five in qualifying.
A historic achievement for Indonesia
ANTARA reported that the achievement made Veda the first Indonesian rider to secure pole position at a Grand Prix. MotoGP's official Instagram account also described the success as a historic achievement for Indonesia.
The pole position at Phillip Island was also the first for the 17-year-old rider in his debut Moto3 season. The result gave Veda an opportunity to improve on his best race finish of the season. He had previously reached the podium twice, finishing third in Brazil and France.
Championship position
Veda is currently eighth in the provisional Moto3 standings with 111 points. CNN Indonesia stated that his position was recorded after Adrian Fernandez's points were reinstated.
Meanwhile, Maximo Quiles continues to lead the standings with 351 points. Despite the large points gap to the championship leader, pole position in Australia marks an important result for Veda's debut season in Moto3.
