The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia brings drama to Mandalika as Marc Marquez celebrates his seventh MotoGP crown, Bagnaia pushes for silver, Ogura withdraws, and Oliveira confirms a WorldSBK move.
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The sun rises over Mandalika as the MotoGP paddock prepares for one of the most vibrant weekends of the season. The championship may already be decided, but the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia still carries weight: from redemption arcs to farewell tours, there’s no shortage of stories fueling the grid.
Marquez Back on the Throne
For the first time since 2019, Marc Marquez rolls into a race weekend as the reigning MotoGP World Champion. His seventh crown, clinched in dramatic fashion at Motegi, represents both a comeback and a statement. The emotional celebrations in Japan showed just how much this title meant — not only to Marquez but to fans who have watched him fight through injury and doubt over the past few years.
The Ducati Lenovo rider joked about feeling like “Robert Plant” after the post-race festivities, but beneath the humour lies a renewed hunger. With the title secured, his focus now shifts to enjoying the final races of the year and perhaps reminding everyone that the king is truly back.
Bagnaia’s Fight for Silver
Francesco Bagnaia arrives in Lombok brimming with confidence after delivering a flawless display in Japan. Although he can no longer retain the crown, he targets second place in the championship. He shows aggressive form, refusing to settle for podiums, and pushes to end 2025 as the clear number two behind Marquez while laying the groundwork for another title charge next season.
Setbacks and Shifts
Not every rider lines up this weekend. Ai Ogura has been forced to withdraw, with Trackhouse MotoGP confirming he will miss Mandalika to prioritise recovery. His absence leaves a gap on the grid and in the hearts of Indonesian fans who had hoped to see him race.
Meanwhile, Miguel Oliveira made headlines by announcing his switch to WorldSBK next season, signing with BMW. His departure marks the end of an era in MotoGP for the Portuguese star, who now turns his sights to new challenges in superbikes.
The Local Buzz
Outside the circuit, the atmosphere is pure celebration. The annual Mataram parade saw MotoGP riders welcomed like rock stars, waving to thousands of fans who filled the streets in a carnival of noise and colour. For many, Mandalika has already become more than a race; it’s a festival of speed, culture, and passion.
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