From the quiet roads around Motegi to the sun‑drenched shores of Lombok, the MotoGP paddock has touched down in Indonesia for Round 17 of the 2026 World Championship. The Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit awaits — and as the riders and team principals met the media on Thursday, there was one subject that dominated every conversation: the tightest title race in recent memory.
Jorge Martin holds a slender two‑point lead over Marc Marquez. Marco Bezzecchi sits third, 49 points back but with every reason to believe he can close the gap. Aprilia Racing and Ducati Lenovo Team are locked in a parallel battle for the Constructors’ crown. Here’s everything that unfolded on Media Day as the countdown to lights out begins.
The Pre‑Event Press Conference — Top Three Face the Questions
The spotlight fell squarely on the championship contenders as Martin, Marquez and Bezzecchi took their places together in front of the world’s media. Between them, they have won 14 of the 16 races so far this season — and their form has defined the campaign.
Jorge Martin — Leading with Belief
The championship leader arrives in Lombok carrying that all‑important two‑point advantage, and he exuded confidence when he spoke to reporters. He acknowledged the relentless pressure from Marquez but insisted his team has consistently found solutions whenever issues have surfaced. He knows Mandalika is a track where Aprilia has traditionally been strong — he won here last year — and that makes him the man to beat.
“We go into every weekend believing we can win. The gap is small, yes, but we are leading and that is where we want to stay. We have worked hard to understand every circuit and every situation, and we will give everything to keep this momentum going.”
Marc Marquez — The Chaser, and the Underdog?
Calling a seven‑time World Champion an underdog feels unusual — but that is exactly how Marquez framed his chances at Mandalika. He was open about the fact that this circuit has historically suited Aprilia’s strengths, and he was quick to shift the focus onto his rivals rather than making bold predictions. It was a display of respect — but also a reminder that he is the one hunting from just two points behind.
“This is a track that suits the Aprilia riders — there is no point pretending otherwise. They have good pace here, they have proven it. But we will do our best, we will push hard, and we will see what the weekend brings. The gap is small, so every point counts.”
Marco Bezzecchi — Pressure Off, Attack Mode On
For Bezzecchi, the dynamic is different. He sits 49 points adrift of the lead — too far to realistically challenge for the crown unless things go his way and the top two hit trouble. That, he says, is liberating. He can ride without the weight of expectation, focus purely on taking wins, and see where the chips fall. He was pole sitter and Sprint winner here in 2025 — nobody should rule him out.
“The pressure is on the other two. They are fighting for the title, every mistake costs them. I can just go out there and ride as hard as I can, enjoy the racing, and try to get to the front. We have good memories from this track — let’s see what we can do.”
2027 Format — Riders Have Their Say
It wasn’t all about the current season. The announcement of the new‑look weekend structure for 2027 — with separate qualifying sessions and distinct grids for the Sprint and Grand Prix — drew plenty of reaction from the grid. Bezzecchi, Francesco Bagnaia, Martin, Marquez, Toprak Razgatlioglu and others shared their thoughts, with most welcoming the extra stakes and clarity that come with two independent showdowns. Riders noted it means Sprint day carries real weight from the opening minutes, and no single session will dictate the shape of the entire weekend.
Lombok — A Special Welcome
Beyond the stopwatches and the standings, the riders were unanimous in their praise for the setting. The Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit sits on the southern coast of Lombok, surrounded by hills and ocean views, and the atmosphere created by the Indonesian fans has made it a firm favourite on the calendar. Multiple riders described the reception as “warm” and “unique”, saying the energy from the grandstands makes a real difference out on track.
Team Principals — Rivals Side by Side
There was also a separate press conference for the men leading the title fight off the track. Massimo Rivola (Aprilia Racing) and Gigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Lenovo Team) sat together to discuss the battle for both Riders’ and Constructors’ honours. Both acknowledged the closeness of the fight, the quality of their opposition, and the pride in seeing their riders push each other to new limits week after week. Neither was prepared to predict a winner — but both promised their teams would fight until the very last lap of the season.
What’s Next
Track action gets underway shortly, with Free Practice opening the weekend. The title race is on a knife edge — just two points split the top two, and a strong weekend for anyone could reshape the picture completely.
Don’t miss a moment of the action from Indonesia.
