Valentino Rossi Debuts at Mandalika Circuit: "A Fast and Flowing Masterpiece
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| Valentino Rossi |
LOMBOK, INDONESIA – The long-awaited moment for Indonesian racing fans has finally arrived. MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi recently experienced the thrills of the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit for the first time. Participating in a special track day organized by Pertamina Enduro VR46, "The Doctor" took his YZF-R1 for a spin around the 4.3km coastal track, leaving with a glowing impression of the venue.
High Praise for Mandalika’s Layout
After completing several laps, the seven-time MotoGP world champion shared his admiration for the circuit's design. Rossi highlighted the "fast and flowing" nature of the track, which features a series of high-speed corners that demand precision and rhythm.
"The Mandalika Circuit is truly impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed the layout because it’s incredibly fun to ride—very quick and smooth," Rossi remarked. He specifically pointed out the abundance of right-hand corners and the high-quality asphalt, noting the exceptional grip and the absence of any disruptive bumps.
A Historic Visit After Retirement
This visit carries significant emotional weight for the local community. Although Rossi retired from professional racing at the end of 2021—just months before the inaugural Indonesian Grand Prix—his presence at the track fulfills a years-long invitation from the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA).
The legendary rider wasn't alone on the track. He was joined by several stars from the VR46 Riders Academy, including Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, Luca Marini, and Franco Morbidelli. The session served as a valuable warm-up for the academy riders before they head to Malaysia for the official MotoGP pre-season tests in Sepang.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond just a personal test, Rossi’s appearance at Mandalika is a testament to his ongoing partnership with Pertamina Enduro and his commitment to developing young talent. He expressed hope that having a world-class facility like Mandalika would inspire Indonesian youngsters to chase their MotoGP dreams.
"With a track like this in Mandalika, Indonesian riders have a great platform. They must keep pushing and give their maximum effort to reach the top level," Rossi added.
As the VR46 entourage moves on to their next destination, Rossi's seal of approval cements Mandalika's reputation as one of the premier racing destinations in the world.
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