Lombok Gets Ready for MotoGP 2026

Preparations are entering the final stage on neighboring Lombok ahead of the Indonesian round of MotoGP 2026.

According to the Mandalika organizers, work is currently underway to renew the track surface at several key corners, reinforce grandstands and upgrade electronic safety systems.

The work is expected to be completed by mid-September, with the race weekend scheduled for October 9–11, 2026. For those living in Bali, it is a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s biggest motorsport events practically next door.

For anyone unfamiliar with the sport, MotoGP is essentially the motorcycle equivalent of Formula 1.

The riders do not compete on production motorcycles, but on purpose-built racing prototypes worth millions of euros and capable of reaching speeds of around 350 km/h. MotoGP is the premier class of motorcycle road racing and the most prestigious championship in the sport.

Even if you do not normally follow motorcycle racing, there are several big names worth knowing.

Marc Márquez is one of the sport’s biggest stars and an eight-time world champion across all classes. Known for his aggressive riding style, he occupies a place in motorcycle racing comparable to the status of Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher in Formula 1.

Francesco Bagnaia is a two-time MotoGP world champion and one of Ducati’s leading riders.

Jorge Martín is known for his uncompromising racing style and spectacular wheel-to-wheel battles.

Pedro Acosta is one of the brightest young talents in MotoGP and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s future stars.

MotoGP takes place over three days, with each day playing a different role.

Friday is dedicated to practice sessions. Riders learn the track conditions, assess the surface and adjust their motorcycles to Mandalika’s heat and humidity.

But Friday is not simply a warm-up. The main afternoon Practice session determines which riders go directly into Q2: the ten fastest automatically qualify for the final stage of Saturday’s qualifying session. Everyone else has to fight their way through Q1.

Saturday morning brings Q1 and Q2. These short qualifying sessions are all about outright speed, with riders pushing their motorcycles to the limit over a single fast lap.

The goal is pole position — first place on the starting grid — or at least a place on the first two rows. Starting position matters enormously in motorcycle racing: the closer a rider is to the front going into Turn 1, the easier it is to avoid trouble in the opening pack and control the race.

Qualifying determines the starting grid for both Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix.

At 3:00 pm, the MotoGP Sprint begins.

During a full Sunday Grand Prix, riders have to manage tires and fuel over a much longer distance. The Sprint is approximately half the length of the main race and lasts around 20 minutes.

That changes the entire character of the race. Riders can attack much more aggressively from the start, producing more overtaking, closer battles and riskier maneuvers. The winner receives 12 championship points, so there is plenty at stake.

After the morning sessions and races in the Moto3 and Moto2 classes, the main MotoGP race starts at 3:00 pm.

This is where outright speed meets strategy. Riders have to manage their tires, physical endurance and concentration in Mandalika’s tropical heat while maintaining competitive pace until the final laps.

The winner of Sunday’s Grand Prix receives 25 championship points.

Ticket prices depend on the seating category and booking platform.

General Admission (Standing/Festival) gives access to open viewing areas around the circuit and is the most affordable way to experience the race weekend. Prices start from IDR 155,000.

Regular Grandstand tickets in zones E, G, H and I provide numbered seating and views of specific sections of the circuit. Prices range from IDR 400,000 to IDR 460,000.

Premium Grandstand tickets in zones B, C, J and K provide covered seating and protection from the sun. Zone K, for example, overlooks an area where overtaking is common. Tickets cost around IDR 900,000.

Premium Grandstand Zone A is the main covered grandstand opposite the start-finish straight and pit lane. It offers views of the race start as well as the teams working in the pits. Tickets cost around IDR 1,750,000.

VIP Deluxe and Premiere Class tickets are a separate category, generally priced between USD 500 and USD 1,600. Packages can include access to air-conditioned hospitality areas, catering, pit-lane walks and paddock experiences.

VIP packages can be purchased through the MotoGP VIP Village, ITDC or accredited premium agents.

For international Visa or Mastercard holders, tickets can be purchased through GooTickets or the official MotoGP website.

Those with Indonesian bank cards, including BCA, Mandiri and BRI, can also check Tiket.com or the Mandalika circuit’s official ticketing platform.

There are several ways to travel from Bali to Lombok.

By plane: Flights from Denpasar (DPS) to Lombok (LOP) take around 30–40 minutes. From Lombok International Airport, the Mandalika circuit is approximately 20 minutes away by taxi. Flights for the race weekend are best booked well in advance.

By fast boat: Fast boats operate from Padang Bai to several ports on Lombok. The journey usually takes around three hours.

By ferry: Vehicle ferries operate between Padang Bai and Lembar. The crossing takes approximately four to five hours and is the main option for travelers who want to bring their own motorcycle or car.

If you want to find the most convenient route to Lombok or combine MotoGP with a trip around the island, MyBaliTrips can help arrange tickets, transfers and accommodation.