Behind the gates of Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on September 5-6, 2026, something more than just a speed fest unfolded. Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) transformed Indonesia's pride circuit into a learning ground for dozens of Ducati owners from across the globe. They came not to chase podiums, but to understand their own limits atop the Panigale V4 S.
Organized by Ducati Asia Pacific, the program featured 12 instructors guiding 60 participants daily. Skill levels ranged from first-timers to seasoned track day riders, split into classes like Intro, Warm Up, Evo, Master, and a one-to-one format for VIP customers.
Dario Marchetti, Chief Instructor and Technical Director of DRE, didn't hesitate to call Mandalika one of the most beautiful circuits he's ever visited. Having raced in GP 125, GP 250, GP 500, and Superbike, he appreciates a track that is both safe and technically demanding.
“We are here in Mandalika for two days with many clients from all over the world enjoying the latest Panigale V4 S 7G. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful racing circuits in the world. Very safe and very technical,” said Dario. His favorite section is the “bananas” area before pit entry, where courage on the throttle and braking precision are tested together.
It's not just foreign riders taking part. Doni Tata Pradita, an Indonesian racing legend, is on board as a Warm Up instructor. He emphasizes that DRE is not about reckless speed. “The most important thing here is safety. We come here for the experience, to have fun, and to go home able to work again,” said Doni. Before hitting the track, participants practice body positioning on a simulator, from straight-line posture to braking and cornering left and right.
That patient approach yielded tangible results. Doni noted his group, which started at 2:35, shaved their time down to 2:05 by the fifth session. Participants from Australia and the Philippines, who began at 2:10, even broke the 1:58 barrier. “Progress matters more than chasing the fastest lap,” Doni stressed.
Mandalika presents its own challenges. Turns 7-8 in the second sector, plus Turns 13 and 15-16 in the third, often confuse riders on the ideal racing line. “It looks easy on the layout, but once on track, by session one or two, they're still confused and haven't memorized the circuit,” Doni revealed. That's where instructors step in as guides, not just time attackers.
The Panigale V4 S can hit 265 km/h at Mandalika—impressive but demanding extra control. “Everything they learned yesterday and today helps them ride more safely on the road,” Dario added. For Yaren, a content creator from abroad visiting Indonesia for the first time, the experience felt deeply personal. “I really appreciate the invitation from Ducati. For me, being here is something special,” she said, also praising the warmth of the Lombok people, which makes her eager to return.
Baca Juga
Nicolo Bulega dan Aruba.it Racing – Ducati berpisah setelah musim 2026. Bulega mengincar gelar WorldSBK sebelum pindah ke MotoGP bersama VR46.
Jack Miller resmi menandatangani kontrak dua tahun bersama Pata Maxus Yamaha di WorldSBK mulai 2027, menggantikan Xavi Vierge dan menjadi rekan setim Andrea Locatelli.
Miguel Oliveira menyebut putaran WorldSBK Magny-Cours sebagai ujian terberat musim ini. Crash dan penalti menghambat performanya, namun ia fokus pada pengembangan jangka panjang untuk musim depan.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!