Mandalika, Indonesia—The 15th edition of the Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) began on Friday at the Mandalika International Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, featuring top global racers and drawing substantial spectator interest.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the opening day included a free practice session, setting the stage for a weekend of competitive racing through Sunday. Esteemed riders such as Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia, and Marc Marquez are among those vying for victory on the international stage. Samsul Purba, deputy general manager of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), reported robust ticket sales with 70,000 of the available 125,000 tickets sold so far. “We are glad to see people eager to get tickets. The first day may record 20 percent of the total audience, but by Sunday, we expect to see 95 percent in attendance,” Purba commented.
Mandalika, designated as a special economic zone and located on the southern part of Lombok island, hosts the race from September 27 to 29. The circuit itself is 2.68 miles (approximately 4.3 km) long with 17 corners, and also serves as a showcase for various local tourism spots, adding to the event’s appeal.
