MotoGP riders arrive at Mandalika Circuit to nurture young Indonesian talents.

Pertamina Mandalika Circuit is once again the center of attention in the racing world. Several MotoGP riders were present at Indonesia's prestigious track for a world-class racing development program, a collaboration between Pertamina Enduro and the VR46 Riders Academy held from January 27th to 30th. 

The presence of these riders solidifies Mandalika's position not just as a race host, but also as a center for globally standard Motorsport development.

This program was attended directly by riders affiliated with the VR46 Riders Academy, the academy for modern MotoGP factory talent.

Big names such as Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Luca Marini, Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, Celestino Vietti, Andrea Migno, and Matteo Gabarrini were present and directly involved in the program. 

Their presence brought the MotoGP paddock atmosphere to Mandalika, providing a real-world experience for young Indonesian riders about the highest standards of world motorcycle racing.

MGPA views this program as aligned with the broader direction of developing Mandalika as a national motorsport center.

"The presence of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Riders Academy program at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit is in line with the vision of Mandalika as a world-standard national motorsport development center," said Priandi Satria, President Director of Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), in Central Lombok on Tuesday.

According to Priandi, Mandalika was designed from the start not only to host international events but also to be a space for continuous learning. 

This circuit is projected as a training ground where young talent can develop systematically, from technical aspects to professional mentality.

Mandalika is positioned as a complete racing ecosystem. The collaboration between Pertamina Enduro and VR46 Riders Academy demonstrates how rider development is not standalone, but involves mechanics, crews, and professional culture.

"We at MGPA strongly support programs that provide direct access for young Indonesian talent to learn from the world's best standards," he said.

Priandi added that the utilization of Mandalika for training activities will continue to be expanded in the future as a long-term investment.

The more frequently Mandalika is used for training, coaching clinics, and international academy programs, the greater the opportunity for Indonesian riders ready to compete at a global level to emerge. 

From the team perspective, the VR46 Racing Team sees Mandalika as a strategic location in Asia. The circuit's characteristics and environment are considered ideal for building the foundation of young riders step by step.

"Mandalika offers excellent circuit characteristics and environment for the learning process. Programs like this provide an important space to build a strong technical and mental foundation for local talent so they can develop step by step," said Gianluca Falcioni, Team Manager of the VR46 Racing Team.

The MotoGP riders emphasized that development is a long-term process. Franco Morbidelli believes consistency and willingness to learn are the main keys to surviving at the highest level.

Motorcycle racing, he continued, is not just about the results of each race, but how a rider improves every day. 

"Understanding the bike, the team, and yourself is key to surviving and moving up levels in the racing world," he said.

The impact of this program was felt by local riders. Arai Agaska, a rider from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), stated that the experience of those who had previously participated in the VR46 Riders Academy opened new perspectives about the professional racing world.

"That's what made me even more motivated to join and learn directly at this academy," said Arai Agaska, one of the participants from the Mandalika Racing Series who took part in the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Riders Academy program in Mandalika.