Rossi “Takes Over” Mandalika as VR46 Riders Are Pushed Hard

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi took centre stage at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia, on Wednesday (January 28), leading a closed track day with elite riders from the VR46 Riders Academy as part of the Mandalika VR46 Experience 2026 programme.

Rossi’s visit was anything but ceremonial. From early morning, he assumed a hands-on role, effectively “taking over” the operation on and off the track. The session formed a key part of early preparations for the 2026 MotoGP season, underlining Rossi’s continuing influence as a technical leader and talent developer at the highest level of the sport.

Closed Track Day Under Rossi’s Control

Several leading MotoGP riders took to the Mandalika asphalt under Rossi’s direct supervision. Francesco Bagnaia, Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Marco Bezzecchi, and Luca Marini all participated in a structured training programme focused on circuit understanding and race-pace consistency rather than outright lap times.

Rossi was a constant presence in the paddock, delivering technical briefings on racing lines, braking references, and speed management through Mandalika’s key sectors. He later completed laps of the circuit in a safety car to assess track conditions, grip levels, and overall readiness, ensuring the session met both safety and performance objectives.

This approach reflects the VR46 philosophy of prioritising race craft, adaptability, and long-run performance over single-lap speed, particularly during preparatory phases outside the competitive calendar.

Overcast Skies and Rain Raise the Difficulty Level

Weather conditions added an extra layer of complexity to the session. The Mandalika area remained overcast throughout the day, with intermittent light rain creating a track surface with constantly changing grip. Riders were forced to adapt their approach lap by lap, particularly in traction management and heavy braking zones where conditions were most sensitive.

Rossi deliberately embraced the challenge, viewing the mixed conditions as an essential training tool. With MotoGP frequently impacted by unpredictable weather, sessions like this were considered valuable for sharpening throttle control, rear-tyre management, and decision-making when the margin between control and risk becomes narrow.

Mandalika as a Technical Testbed

The choice of Mandalika as the venue for the VR46 Experience 2026 further highlights the circuit’s growing importance within the MotoGP ecosystem. Its combination of high-speed sections, elevation changes, and technical corners makes it a demanding environment for both elite riders and developing talent.

For Rossi and the VR46 organisation, training in Indonesia offers a different racing context compared to European circuits. Tropical weather patterns and the circuit’s unique layout provide additional reference points for evaluating rider adaptability ahead of a global MotoGP calendar.

Developing Indonesia’s Next Generation

Beyond working with world-class riders, Rossi’s visit also carried a strong development focus. As part of a dedicated coaching clinic, Rossi worked with selected young Indonesian riders in a programme delivered in collaboration with Pertamina Enduro, VR46’s main MotoGP partner.

The initiative centred on modern racing fundamentals, training discipline, and the mental demands of international competition. Rossi emphasised consistency, preparation, and situational awareness—principles that defined his own MotoGP career—as essential building blocks for riders aiming to progress beyond national level.

The presence of Rossi and the VR46 riders at Mandalika further reinforces Indonesia’s role not only as a MotoGP host nation, but also as a strategic location for development and technical preparation within the championship’s broader structure.

Next Stop: Sepang Pre-Season Testing

Rossi is scheduled to remain in Lombok until January 30 to complete the full Mandalika VR46 Experience programme. From Indonesia, he and the VR46 Riders Academy group will travel directly to Malaysia for the official MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang.

That test will provide the first clear benchmark of 2026 competitiveness, with Rossi continuing to play a central role in guiding preparation and refining details that often prove decisive over the course of a season.

With challenging weather, direct involvement from a MotoGP legend, and participation from both elite riders and local talent, Mandalika once again demonstrated its value beyond race weekends—emerging as a genuine hub for MotoGP development in the Asia-Pacific region.