What to expect for this year’s Indonesia MotoGP at the Mandalika International Circuit

In just over a month’s time thousands of passionate motorsport fans across Indonesia will once again descend on Lombok. The MotoGP is back on September 27-29 and is set to attract even more local and overseas fans than ever. Its gearing up to be the best yet. 

Preparations have been in full swing for some time, and being held in September, there is much less risk of a wet, slippery track this time. The track surface is in good shape while prep work has concentrated on the grandstand, service roads, pit lane, and paddock area, according to Mandalika Grand Prix Association CEO Priandhi Satria.

Projections are for up to 120,000 fans over the weekend. Furthermore, September is still pretty busy for general tourism. This may be the time for the wider Central Lombok region gets to share in the success of MotoGP. Head of the NTB Tourism Service, Jamaludin Malady recently said about 100 local villages have made preparations to accommodate MotoGP fans in homestays, campgrounds and glamping.

So why is Lombok’s Mandalika International Circuit so unique? Firstly, very few if any, race tracks can match it for its eye-catching tropical beach and ocean backdrop. It’s officially a street circuit but even this term doesn’t adequately describe the ‘hybrid concept.’ Its far removed from the famed street racing circuits like Monaco or Singapore. It’s a fully purpose-built race track from scratch that features new, existing public roads which can be used for normal traffic when there is no racing.

Mandalika International Street Circuit in numbers: The circuit measures 4.31 km with 17 turns. Built to international racing standards, there is a heady mix of fast straights and tricky corners. It has a potential capacity of up to 150,000 race fans. There are several freestanding grandstands, hospitality suites, a media centre, pit buildings with garages and more.

What to expect: The Sunday race day is of course the main event, but it begins first with practice and qualifying over two days. This is a chance to get your bearings, plan your trip via shuttle bus services and soak up the experience. Although only a handful of fans watch the practice sessions in full, compared to full capacity big race on Sunday, it’s a stress-free introduction to Moto GP and the ideal time to do a ‘dry run’ and avoid long wait times and hassle on big race day. 

Tickets are still available starting from around IDR700,000. Hotel and race day packages can be reserved too. The government recently said there should be no price gouging this time with measures in place to cap hotel rate increases to a ‘reasonable level.’

The government is also currently in discussions to coordinate infrastructure and utilities management to meet the surge in demand over the three days, such as electricity capacity, waste management and shuttle bus schedules. 

During practice, qualifying and the big race day, there will be various local vendors keeping all the fans refreshed and fed, showcasing their cuisine plus various Lombok handicrafts and other products at the annual Mandalika Bazar. Other supporting activities expected include live music and fashion demonstrations.

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