Lombok Flooded with World Racers, Mandalika Grabs Global Spotlight

Jakarta and Lombok are pulsating with the beat of MotoGP. From the Merdeka Palace to the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit, all attention is focused on Marc Marquez and the entourage of world racers preparing to fire up their engines in the homeland.

The 2025 MotoGP world champion arrived with a broad smile. On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, he stepped into the Merdeka Palace wearing a red Ducati Lenovo polo shirt, his proud colors. 

The meeting with President Prabowo Subianto took place warmly for about an hour.

"Hello everyone. I'm thrilled to return to Indonesia after becoming world champion three days ago. And yes, this will be the first GP, the first circuit after winning the championship," said Marquez enthusiastically.

Outside the building, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir was ready to accompany him, along with two young Indonesian racers, Mario Suryo Aji and Veda Ega Pratama. 

The trio witnessed how 'The Baby Alien' shared positive energy ahead of this weekend's Mandalika race.

The Indonesian MotoGP race will be held on October 3–5, 2025 at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit, Lombok. 

The schedule begins with free practice on Friday, October 3, 2025, followed by qualifying and the sprint race on Saturday, October 4, 2025, and concludes with the main race on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

For Marquez, this marks his fourth appearance at Mandalika. 

In the three previous editions, he failed to finish. This time, arriving as the new world champion, he clearly carries a different spirit.

Lombok Welcomes

Meanwhile, Lombok began buzzing since Monday, September 29, 2025. 

One by one, MotoGP racers, crew, and logistics landed at Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (BIZAM). The atmosphere went beyond formalities: local students welcomed them with red-and-white flags and traditional music.

Five charter planes carried the large MotoGP contingent, including Francisco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, Jack Miller, Johan Zarco, Pedro Acosta, Luca Marini, Joan Mir, and Brad Binder. 

From Moto2 and Moto3 classes, riders like Arbolino, Garcia, Guevera, Dixon, and Alex Binder also arrived.

Behind-the-Scenes Preparation

Logistical preparations were equally busy. MGPA Managing Director Priandi Satria ensured all racing equipment—from prototype bikes to electronic gear—passed through customs via a special system.

"Throughout the MotoGP event, goods inspection procedures will follow a systematic flow," he said. 

Temporarily imported items will be handled according to international regulations and must be re-exported after the event concludes.

Mandalika Awaits New Moments

Now all eyes turn to Mandalika. Marquez arrives as the new world champion, other riders bring major ambitions, while Indonesia prepares its stage with great fanfare.

Will Marquez finally conquer Mandalika after three DNFs? Or will a new name steal the spotlight? 

One thing is certain: this weekend's engine roar in Lombok will be the grandest symphony for MotoGP fans.(Antara)