Finally Riding Mandalika, Rossi Calls Indonesian MotoGP Track “Very Fun”

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Valentino Rossi has finally completed a long-awaited milestone by riding the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, the Indonesian MotoGP venue that joined the world championship calendar shortly after the Italian legend retired from full-time competition at the end of the 2021 season.

Rossi stepped away from MotoGP just months before Mandalika hosted its first grand prix in 2022, denying Indonesia the opportunity to see one of the sport’s greatest names compete at its newest circuit. Since then, hopes of seeing Rossi ride at Mandalika remained alive, voiced both by fans and by circuit officials eager to welcome him to Lombok.

That moment has now arrived. The nine-time world champion took to the track during a pre-Sepang training camp alongside riders from the VR46 Riders Academy, organised as part of the group’s preparation for the upcoming official MotoGP test in Malaysia.

A Long-Awaited Moment for Mandalika

When Mandalika made its MotoGP debut, Rossi’s absence was widely felt. At the time, circuit representatives publicly expressed disappointment that his retirement came just before Indonesia’s return to the MotoGP calendar, while also leaving the door open for a future visit.

That wish has now been fulfilled. Although no longer competing in grands prix, Rossi finally experienced Mandalika firsthand, riding a Yamaha R1 during a closed training session organised with the support of VR46 title sponsor Pertamina.

The appearance marked Rossi’s first laps at Mandalika and completed a symbolic chapter in the circuit’s short MotoGP history.

Rossi Praises Layout and Asphalt Quality

After his first run on the Indonesian circuit, Rossi offered a highly positive assessment of Mandalika’s characteristics, highlighting both the layout and surface quality.

“The Mandalika circuit is great. I like it a lot because the layout is very fun, very fast and flowing,” Rossi said.

“Also the asphalt is very good, the grip, with no bumps.”

Such feedback carries particular weight given Rossi’s vast experience across multiple generations of MotoGP machinery and circuits. His comments provide a strong technical endorsement of Mandalika’s design and surface, reinforcing its status as a modern, rider-friendly venue at world championship level.

Training Alongside VR46 Academy Riders

Rossi’s Mandalika debut took place alongside several of MotoGP’s leading riders who are part of the VR46 Academy structure. Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, Luca Marini, and Franco Morbidelli were all present, using the session as part of their build-up toward the 2026 season.

The Mandalika training camp served as a transitional phase after the winter break, allowing riders to regain race rhythm on high-grip asphalt while also adapting to hot and humid conditions similar to those expected at the Sepang test.

For Rossi, the session underlined his continuing hands-on role within the VR46 project, despite his retirement from racing.

From Sentul to Mandalika

Indonesia is not unfamiliar territory for Rossi. Early in his career, he claimed victory at the 1997 Indonesian Grand Prix in the 125cc class at Sentul, a result that formed part of his rise through the grand prix ranks.

Riding at Mandalika nearly three decades later provided a symbolic link between that early success and Indonesia’s modern MotoGP era, albeit now with Rossi in a mentoring and developmental capacity rather than as a title contender.

A Vision for Indonesian Talent

Beyond the immediate training value, Rossi also emphasised Mandalika’s potential role in developing future Indonesian riders. According to him, the existence of a MotoGP-grade circuit presents a crucial opportunity for young talent in the country.

“There are a lot of young Indonesian riders dreaming about MotoGP,” Rossi said.

“They have to try and give the maximum because now they have a MotoGP track to help grow up.

“Everybody wants to have an Indonesian rider at the top level, so I think it’s the right moment.”

Rossi’s comments reinforce the broader significance of Mandalika as more than just a race venue, positioning it as a foundation for long-term rider development in Southeast Asia.

Focus Shifts to Sepang

Following the Mandalika training camp, Rossi and the VR46 Academy group are set to travel to Malaysia for the official MotoGP test at Sepang. While Rossi’s own racing career is over, his direct involvement in preparation activities highlights his ongoing influence within MotoGP’s competitive landscape.

By finally riding Mandalika and publicly praising its characteristics, Rossi has closed a chapter that began with his retirement in 2021—linking Indonesia’s MotoGP return with one of the sport’s most iconic figures, and adding further credibility to Mandalika’s place on the world stage.