Honda Team Asia’s Veda Pratama enjoyed a successful debut Moto3 race in Thailand today, challenging for the podium throughout the 19-lap race at Chang International Circuit and claiming fifth at the chequered flag.

The young Indonesian worked hard early on to close the gap that had opened up to the leading four riders and joined the battle for the podium on the sixth lap of the race. Pratama kept himself in contention for the remainder of the race, enjoying the fierce battles that ensued. Although he was ultimately unable to secure a place on the podium, he has proven himself to be one to watch with his fifth-place finish.

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) was also present in that battle for the podium and spent a large amount of the race in third place, leading the chasing group. As the intensity increased in the closing laps, he found himself shuffled backwards to cross the line in sixth.

There were points claimed by Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) in 11^th place and the GRYD – MLav Racing pairing of Joel Kelso and Eddie O’Shea, who finished in 14^th and 15^th places respectively. Narrowly missing out on that top 15 place, Leo Rammerstorfer (SIC58 Squadra Corse) enjoyed some good battles on track on his way to 16^th, while Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) was 17^th.

Further back, Leopard Racing’s Guido Pini experienced a crash at the end of lap 3 but was able to rejoin and take the chequered flag in 20^th. Zen Mitani (Honda Team Asia) was 22^nd and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) was 23^rd.

The Honda Moto3 riders will enjoy a short break before action resumes in Brazil (20 – 22 March), where they will tackle 24 laps around the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna.