MEDIA DAY DISPATCH: MotoGP ready to rock on Lombok

motogp.com

08 Oct 2026

Indonesia’s tropical paradise gets set for the sound of MotoGP as Round 17 hones into view

The closest-ever title race after 16 rounds will tackle its next challenge as we touch down in picturesque Indonesia and on the island of Lombok where the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit brings the latest instalment. From title talk to new formats for next year and more, get a run down of everything you need to know ahead of the Indonesian GP.

NEW FORMAT: 2027 brings more excitement in qualifying

A separate Sprint qualifying and all riders going through Q1 for Grand Prix qualifying, we’ll have 2 different grids each weekend next season

AT A GLANCE: the new 2027 MotoGP format

Take a look at how a race weekend will look next year as Sprint qualifying lands in MotoGP

FIRST REACTION: MotoGP stars on new-look weekends

Big names weigh in with their first thoughts of the new weekend starting from next season

New format: some of the key names on the 2027 grid weigh in!

Bezzecchi, Bagnaia, Martin, Marquez, Toprak and more give their verdict on the new weekend format, with separate Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying set to arrive in 2027

MotoGP TAKES OVER MATARAM: the annual rider parade frenzy

Lombok’s capital goes gangbusters as MotoGP’s biggest names, title contenders and home-heroes get up close with the most passionate fans of the season

Mataram goes MotoGP mad as riders take over the city

Marc Marquez, Bezzecchi, the VR46 duo, Aldeguer, Binder and more join Indonesian stars Mario Aji and Veda Pratama for a spectacular parade through Mataram

ON THE UP: Martin all in for the win

The Championship leaders advantage may have shrunk in Japan but he’s hoping for success – will it be WINdonesia on Sunday?

Martin carries a two-point lead into Indonesia with belief at full gas

With Marquez just two points behind, the Championship leader arrives at Mandalika as confident as ever, insisting the team keeps finding answers whenever problems appear

OFF THE MARC: Marquez’s Mandalika misfortune

The reigning World Champion hasn’t had a happy time of things at the Indonesian GP but can he turn it around this year?

PRESSURE OFF: Bezzecchi a favourite at Mandalika

Having blundered on Sunday in 2025, Bez is looking to be man of the moment in Mandalika 12 months on

Pressure off, attack mode on: Bezzecchi goes all-in

With Martin and Marc carrying the weight of the title fight, the Aprilia rider says he can focus all his attention on giving his all each weekend and try to take the victory

HOT OFF THE PRESS CONFERENCE: the Championship’s top 3

Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi get their weekend underway with the Thursday press conference

2026 Indonesian GP Press Conference: Martín, Marc Marquez and Bezzecchi

The top 3 in the standings face the media as the title fight rolls into Mandalika for Round 17 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship

MUST-VISIT: the ULTIMATE guide to Lombok

If you’re taking in the action trackside, make sure you know how to maximise your time in this tropical paradise

Thursday talking done, time to get on with the action: it all starts on Friday, 09:00 local time (UTC +8)!