Mandalika Steps Up Circuit and Operational Preparation Ahead of MotoGP 2026

PRAYA, Central Lombok - September 29, 2026 - Operational preparations and technical inspections at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit have entered their decisive final phase as circuit management, engineering teams, and race safety authorities finalize preparations for the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia (MotoGP 2026), taking place from October 9 to 11.

Managed by the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) and InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the 4.31-kilometer, 17-turn world-class seaside circuit is undergoing an exhaustive, multi-point readiness audit overseen by safety delegates from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and series rights-holder Dorna Sports.

With global motorsport teams and freight charters scheduled to begin arriving from the previous championship round in Motegi, Japan, organizers are executing comprehensive track surface maintenance, race-control electronic upgrades, medical emergency rehearsals, and specialized training for hundreds of local track marshals.

The meticulous preparation aims to guarantee flawless sporting execution, optimal rider safety, and a world-class broadcast spectacle for hundreds of millions of television viewers worldwide.

High-pressure track surface treatment and run-off aesthetic refreshes

The primary engineering focus along the circuit ribbon centers on optimizing tarmac grip levels and aggregate surface cleanliness across all 17 turns.

Specialized track cleaning equipment - including ultra-high-pressure water blasting sweepers - has been deployed to deep-clean the asphalt surface, removing residual rubber deposits, fine coastal airborne dust, and marine sand particles. This intensive surface treatment ensures consistent tire adhesion and predictable braking performance for premier-class MotoGP prototypes reaching speeds in excess of 315 kilometers per hour along the circuit's 723-meter main straight.

Simultaneously, painting crews are completing a vibrant aesthetic refresh of the circuit's extensive asphalt run-off zones:

• Traditional Tenun Sasak Motifs: The massive outer run-off zones at Turn 10, Turn 16, and Turn 17 have been hand-painted with intricate red, white, and gold Tenun Sasak geometric weaving patterns. This signature artistic element showcases West Nusa Tenggara’s indigenous cultural heritage to global television audiences.
• FIM Grade A Kerb Repainting: All inner apex kerbs, ripple strips, and outer track limit boundary lines have been repainted using specialized non-slip, high-adhesion homologated racing paint meeting strict FIM Grade A international circuit standards.
• Upgraded Digital Race Control CCTV: Technicians have completed the calibration of 45 high-definition, pan-tilt-zoom digital cameras positioned at strategic vantage points around the perimeter. Connected via a dedicated redundant fiber-optic ring to the central Race Control tower, the system provides clerk-of-the-course officials with real-time, multi-angle visibility over every square meter of track surface.

"Our technical and track facilities are in their absolute prime condition," affirmed Priandhi Satria, President Director of MGPA. "The FIM safety inspection verified that our surface grip parameters, electronic timing loops, digital flag panels, and gravel trap depths adhere precisely to premier-class safety homologations. Mandalika is fully prepared to deliver thrilling, safe, and world-class racing."

Emergency medical evacuation drills and marshal deployment

Rider and spectator safety represents the highest operational priority for the Grand Prix organization.

MGPA, in coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Health Office, conducted a full-scale medical disaster simulation at the on-site Medical Centre:

• On-Site Trauma Intervention: The Mandalika Medical Centre is equipped with two complete surgical resuscitation suites, specialized burn trauma stabilization units, advanced diagnostic digital X-ray facilities, and blood bank storage meeting international intensive-care standards.
• Dedicated Air Ambulance Helipads: Two Basarnas Dauphin AS365 medical evacuation helicopters are stationed permanently on adjacent circuit helipads on hot standby during all track sessions, capable of airlifting injured riders to the provincial referral trauma center at NTB Regional General Hospital (RSUD Provinsi NTB) in Mataram within 12 minutes.
• 400 Certified Local Marshals: Over 400 track, flag, fire, and pit lane marshals - all recruited and trained locally from Lombok - have completed intensive re-certification courses covering rapid bike recovery, high-temperature fire suppression, and spinal trauma immobilization.

Logistics freight arrivals and customs facilitation

Global logistics operations are progressing seamlessly through collaborative air and maritime channels.

Heavy race equipment - including team freight containers, prototype motorcycles, telemetry computers, safety cars, and broadcast satellite uplinks - is arriving via chartered Boeing 777 and 747 freighter aircraft landing directly at Lombok International Airport (ZAM), supported by dedicated 24-hour bonded customs clearance teams.

Regional sea logistics connecting Bali and Lombok have also been reinforced. Additional roll-on/roll-off ferry sailings from Ketapang and Padang Bai ensure the rapid delivery of tire consignments, racing fuel reserves, and corporate hospitality infrastructure into the Mandalika precinct.

Economic and tourism readiness across the region

With circuit operations finalized, regional hospitality stakeholders across Lombok and neighboring Bali are reporting strong forward momentum.

Local homestays in Kuta Lombok, boutique beach resorts in Senggigi, and luxury properties in Nusa Dua and Sanur are fully prepared to welcome motorsport travelers, VIP corporate delegations, and international media.

The comprehensive readiness of Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit underscores Indonesia’s proven engineering expertise and organizational capability to host the world's most prestigious international sporting events with excellence, safety, and cultural pride.