Indonesian racers Veda and Mario head to Mandalika for crucial training
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Indonesian racers Veda Ega Pratama and Mario Suryo Aji traveled to Mandalika for training.
- They are preparing for the second half of the 2026 World Championship and the Indonesian MotoGP.
- Officials emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity to foster future Indonesian racing talent.
Indonesian motorcycle racers Veda Ega Pratama and Mario Suryo Aji have headed to the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit for a two-day training session. This follows their recent activities in Yogyakarta.
The training is a crucial part of their preparation for the second half of the 2026 World Championship season, including the upcoming Indonesian MotoGP race scheduled for October 9-11. The Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) aims to capitalize on the momentum generated by the riders' performances on the world stage.
MGPA views Veda's participation in Moto3 and Mario's in Moto2 as significant opportunities for Indonesia to cultivate more international-level racing talent. Ananda Mikola, the President Director of MGPA, stressed the rarity of such chances in a meet-and-greet event in Yogyakarta on Sunday.
An opportunity like yours doesn't come twice.
"An opportunity like yours doesn't come twice," Ananda told the riders. He urged them to make the most of their time in the World Championship, reminding them that they now represent not only themselves and their teams but also the hopes of the Indonesian people for continued success in global racing.
Ananda also advised Veda and Mario to maintain focus on their careers and avoid distractions outside the track. The MGPA hopes the intensive training at Mandalika will equip them well for the Indonesian MotoGP. "Mario and Veda represent Indonesia on the world stage," he stated, adding, "Not just participating, but being able to compete with European riders."
Mario and Veda represent Indonesia on the world stage. Not just participating, but being able to compete with European riders.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.