Veda Ega Does Not Believe in the Marquez Curse, States That the Mandalika Wind Is a Challenge for Racing Riders.

Young Indonesian racer Veda Ega Pratama has dismissed talk of the Marquez Curse surrounding Marc Marquez at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit with casual confidence. Ahead of the 2026 Indonesian MotoGP, the rider originally from Gunungkidul stated firmly that he does not believe claims the Mandalika Circuit brings bad fortune for Marquez.

The term Marquez Curse went viral across social media after Marc Marquez failed to cross the finish line at four consecutive Indonesian MotoGP events.

Most recently, the Spanish rider - who entered the event as the reigning 2025 MotoGP World Champion - was forced to retire from the 2025 Indonesian MotoGP on the opening lap after crashing into the gravel trap.

However, Veda confirmed this widespread assumption has no bearing whatsoever on himself or fellow Indonesian rider Mario Aji.

"Neither of us believe in this. That curse people are talking about applies to Marquez, not to us," he stated to state news agency Antara in Jakarta.

According to Veda, the genuine challenges at Mandalika Circuit stem from the track's physical characteristics and the local natural environment. This 4.31 kilometre coastal circuit experiences frequent, unpredictable wind direction shifts that create major complications for competing riders.

He suspects weather and wind conditions are the actual underlying reason Marquez has repeatedly encountered difficulties during his appearances at Mandalika.

"It is most likely the temperature or the wind. You cannot predict which way the wind will turn here, this track sits right on the ocean coast," he added.

The 2026 Indonesian MotoGP is scheduled to be held 9-11 October at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. This Grand Prix will be a landmark moment for Indonesia, as the country will field two home riders at the event.

Mario Aji will return to compete in the Moto2 class, while Veda Ega Pratama is set to make his official rookie debut in the Moto3 category.

The participation of both riders is expected to open a new chapter for Indonesian representation at the world's most prestigious motorcycle racing championship.