The Sold-Out Ticket Announcement and Indonesian Riders’ Appearances Reflect the Spirit of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at The Mandalika
The Mandalika, October 9, 2026 – The first day of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Friday (October 9), proceeded smoothly and in an orderly manner. Spectators’ enthusiasm marked the start of this world-class motorcycle racing event, representing a moment of pride for Indonesia while strengthening The Mandalika’s position as a leading sport tourism destination.
The high level of public enthusiasm was further reflected in the official announcement that tickets for all categories of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 had sold out. This demonstrates the tremendous public interest in witnessing world-class riders compete firsthand at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit from October 9–11, 2026.
Chairman of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 and ITDC Director of Operations, Troy Warokka, expressed his appreciation to the public and all parties who supported the successful opening day.
“We are grateful that the first day of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 proceeded smoothly and in an orderly manner. The tremendous enthusiasm shown by the public, including the announcement that tickets for all categories have sold out, is a source of pride for us. We would like to thank all spectators, the people of NTB, and all stakeholders who have worked together to support this event. We are committed to ensuring the smooth running of the entire event through to the final day,” Troy said.
The MotoGP Practice session at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia became a showcase of Aprilia’s strength. Raul Fernandez of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team dominated the session from the outset, becoming the first rider in the Practice session to break the 1 minute 29 second barrier.
Fernandez also set a new lap record with a time in the 1 minute 28 second range, surpassing Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), who had set the benchmark during last season’s qualifying session, by 0.107 seconds. Bezzecchi finished the practice session in second place, 0.219 seconds behind Fernandez.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 also marks a special moment for Indonesia, with two national riders competing in the World Grand Prix Championship: Mario Suryo Aji in the Moto2™ class and Veda Ega Pratama in the Moto3™ class. Their participation is a source of pride and inspiration for Indonesia’s younger generation to continue developing their potential and achieving success on the international stage.
“We encourage everyone to continue supporting Mario Aji and Veda Ega as Indonesian Heroes carrying the nation’s name on the world racing stage. Their presence reminds us that the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia is not only about competition, but also about national pride and the spirit of Indonesia’s younger generation,” Troy added.
Beyond the on-track competition, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 also provides opportunities for young people to gain a closer understanding of the world of motorsport through the Students Go to Paddock program. The activity, held today, involved 50 students and 10 teachers from various schools across West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
The organizers will continue coordinating with all stakeholders to maintain safe, orderly, and conducive conditions throughout the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026. Access management, spectator movement, and services within the circuit area are part of the efforts to provide the best possible experience for all visitors.
Meanwhile, Mandalika Street Food Festival (MSFF) Vol. 2 opened today and will run until October 10, 2026, at Bazaar Mandalika, The Mandalika, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The festival adopts a tropical-themed, community-based tourism concept and has been prepared as an alternative tourism activity for visitors attending the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026.
The excitement of the first race day was also enhanced by a Traditional Dance Competition for schoolchildren, followed by outstanding performances from Ungu and Bapack Guru.
With the racing event underway and public enthusiasm running high, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 is expected to continue delivering exciting competition, strengthening support for Indonesian riders, and generating positive impacts on tourism and the local economy in West Nusa Tenggara.