The Mandalika, todaysSpill.com
The opening day of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Friday (October 9) proceeded smoothly and in an orderly manner. Spectators’ enthusiasm marked the start of this world-class motorcycle racing event, representing a moment of national pride for Indonesia while further strengthening The Mandalika’s position as a leading sports tourism destination.
The strong public enthusiasm was further underscored by the official announcement that tickets for all categories of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 had sold out. This reflects the tremendous public interest in witnessing the world’s top riders compete in person at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit from October 9–11, 2026.
Troy Warokka, Chairman of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 and ITDC Director of Operations, expressed his appreciation to the public and all parties who supported the successful opening day.
“We are grateful that the first day of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 proceeded smoothly and in an orderly manner. The tremendous enthusiasm shown by the public, including the announcement that tickets in all categories had sold out, is a source of pride for us. We thank all spectators, the people of NTB, and all stakeholders who have worked together to support this event. We are committed to ensuring that the entire event runs smoothly through to the final day,” Troy said.
In the MotoGP Practice session at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, Aprilia emerged as a dominant force. Raul Fernandez of the Trackhouse MotoGP Team led the session from the outset, becoming the first rider in the session to break the 1-minute-29-second barrier.
Fernandez went on to set a new lap record with a time in the 1-minute-28-second range, beating Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing’s qualifying time from last season by 0.107 seconds. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, finished the practice session in second place, 0.219 seconds behind Fernandez.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 is also a special occasion for Indonesia, with two national riders competing in the Grand Prix World Championship: Mario Suryo Aji in the Moto2™ class and Veda Ega Pratama in the Moto3™ class. Their participation is a source of national pride and inspiration for Indonesia’s younger generation to continue developing their potential and pursuing achievements on the international stage.
“We encourage everyone to continue supporting Mario Aji and Veda Ega as Indonesian heroes representing the country in world-class motorcycle racing. Their presence reminds us that the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia is not just about competition, but also about national pride and the spirit of Indonesia’s younger generation,” Troy added.
Beyond the on-track competition, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 also offers young people an opportunity to learn more about motorsport through the Students Go to Paddock program. Held today, the activity involved 50 students and 10 teachers from various schools across West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
The organizers will continue coordinating with all stakeholders to maintain safe, orderly, and conducive conditions throughout the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026. Access management, spectator movement, and services throughout the circuit are key elements of the effort to deliver the best possible experience for all visitors.
Also opening today was Mandalika Street Food Festival (MSFF) Vol. 2, which runs through October 10, 2026, at Bazaar Mandalika, The Mandalika, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The festival adopts a tropical-themed, community-based tourism concept and offers an alternative tourism experience for visitors attending the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026.
The excitement of the opening race day was further enhanced by a traditional dance competition for schoolchildren, followed by outstanding performances from the bands Ungu and Bapack Guru.
With the race weekend underway and public enthusiasm running high, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 is expected to continue delivering exciting competition, strengthening support for Indonesian riders, and generating positive impacts for tourism and the local economy in NTB. TS-01
