Mandalika Media Day Indonesia - World Racing News

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“I have never seen anything like this in my life!”: Media Day from Mandalika

Thursday Recap: MotoGP™ in Indonesia – Calendar Announcements, Rider Insights, and More

The MotoGP™ season is now entering its final stretch, with the transition from Misano to the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit happening in the blink of an eye. After an exhilarating parade through the heart of Mataram on Wednesday, which brought MotoGP™ closer to its fans, media day was packed with major talking points, including the unveiling of the 2025 calendar. The press conferences kicked off right after, featuring some of the sport’s top riders.

Press Conferences at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia

Press Conference 1

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Championship leader, took center stage alongside Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), recent Emilia-Romagna GP winner Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).

Press Conference 2

This session saw Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) share their thoughts on the upcoming races.

Key Highlights from the Press Conferences

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing)

Upcoming Challenges: Martin acknowledged the tough weeks ahead, highlighting the varying track conditions and challenges but remains focused on Mandalika. “The track is nice but tricky—being on the right line will be key,” he said.
Redemption in Mandalika? Reflecting on last year’s race where he led by three seconds before losing out, Martin emphasized his determination to maintain consistency and avoid past mistakes.
Final Thoughts on THAT Move: On the controversial final lap last year, Martin accepted the stewards’ decision, though he admitted he felt it was “over the limit.”
Parade Reaction: Martin was blown away by the fan reception during the parade in Mataram, noting, “I’ve never seen anything like it. It felt like we were superheroes, but we’re just riders.”

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)

Misano Review: Bagnaia struggled with rear tire issues in Misano but is optimistic for the upcoming race. “It was my mistake, but I felt good all weekend except for the race,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead: Bagnaia is eager to put Misano behind him and is excited to race at Mandalika, a track he enjoys despite its lower grip levels.
Indonesian Fans: Bagnaia expressed amazement at the Indonesian fans, saying, “Their passion is unbelievable. My biggest Instagram following comes from Indonesia.”

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team)

Boost from Emilia-Romagna Win: Coming off a victory, Bastianini is confident heading into Indonesia, a track he loves. “The Indonesian track is one of my favorites, and I feel ready to be fast here,” he shared.
Last Lap Drama: He reflected on the last lap controversy, standing by his initial judgment. “I agree with my decision, and I don’t have any surprises about the reaction.”
Fan Support: Bastianini was equally impressed by the fan turnout during the parade, noting the energy and excitement of the Indonesian crowd.

Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)

Last Lap Incident: Marquez didn’t have much to say about the previous lap controversy, as he wasn’t involved.
Hot Conditions and Low Grip: The weather and track conditions might work in his favor this weekend, he said, aiming for a top-four or top-five finish.
The Parade: After a grueling 20-hour flight, Marquez felt like a “rockstar” during the parade, overwhelmed by the passion of the Indonesian fans.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)

Injury Update: Di Giannantonio continues to recover from a shoulder injury and is taking it day by day. “We haven’t decided on surgery yet, but we’re focused on reducing inflammation and getting stronger,” he stated.
Weekend Expectations: Despite not being 100%, he’s determined to perform at his best, especially in front of his Indonesian fans, who provide him with “Justin Bieber-level” enthusiasm and motivation.

Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)

Sprint Podium and Full Recovery: Bezzecchi reflected on last year’s incredible performance just days after shoulder surgery. Now fully recovered, he’s aiming for an even better result this year.
Continued Improvement: He believes both he and the bike have made significant strides recently and hopes to maintain that progress for the remainder of the season.

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™)

Misano Momentum: Quartararo is coming off his best weekend of the season, feeling encouraged by his team’s recent progress. “The race itself was great, even though we ran out of fuel, we made real steps forward,” he said.
Focus on the Future: While not entirely sure of their potential this weekend, Quartararo believes qualifying in the top 10 could set him up for a strong race on Sunday.

What’s Next?

Track action kicks off on Friday, and with the riders feeling confident, especially in front of such passionate fans, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia is set to be an exciting weekend. Stay tuned for more as the competition heats up!