Mandalika is entering a new phase. With the release of the 2026 event calendar by the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit is no longer positioned solely as a race venue, but as a catalyst for year-round activity, talent development, and regional growth.

For Lombok — and particularly the Mandalika Special Economic Zone — the calendar offers a clear signal: motorsport is becoming an integrated lifestyle, tourism, and economic driver rather than a once-a-year spectacle.

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Beyond Racing: Building a Continuous Ecosystem

What stands out in the 2026 calendar is not just the number of events, but their structure. From rider academies and endurance racing to international championships, community-based competitions, and daily public activities, Mandalika is deliberately filling the calendar to avoid seasonal gaps.

The year begins in January 2026 with the Pertamina VR46 Riders Academy, underscoring a long-term investment in Indonesian rider development. Rather than importing motorsport prestige alone, Mandalika is positioning itself as a place where talent is trained, tested, and refined.

This developmental focus continues into February with the Mandalika Endurance Challenge, an event that highlights consistency, technical preparation, and team strategy — core elements of a mature motorsport ecosystem.

Strengthening the National Base

At the national level, the Pertamina Mandalika Racing Series (MRS) returns with five rounds spread across the year. This structure creates continuity not only for riders, but also for teams, sponsors, technical crews, and supporting industries.

For Indonesia’s motorsport landscape, this matters. A strong domestic championship is the backbone of any sustainable racing nation — and Mandalika is increasingly positioned as that backbone.

International Events, Global Visibility

Internationally, Mandalika continues to build on its growing reputation. The return of the GT World Challenge Asia in May 2026 places Lombok firmly on the regional GT racing map, attracting teams, manufacturers, and international audiences.

The global spotlight intensifies in October 2026 with the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia (MotoGP). Beyond the spectacle, MotoGP functions as a powerful visibility engine — broadcasting Mandalika’s coastline, infrastructure, and hospitality offering to millions worldwide.

For the region, this exposure extends far beyond race weekend, shaping perception, confidence, and long-term interest in Mandalika as a destination.

Festivals, Communities, and Everyday Use

Equally important is Mandalika’s push to open the circuit beyond elite competition. Events such as the Mandalika Festival of Speed (MFoS) and Blu Cru Yamaha Sunday Race bridge professional motorsport with grassroots communities, enthusiasts, and local riders.

Outside headline events, daily and weekend activities — from track days and cycling to guided circuit tours and running events — transform the circuit into a shared public asset. This consistent activation is essential in turning infrastructure into lived experience.

What This Means for Mandalika’s Future

For Mandalika as a destination, the 2026 calendar reinforces a broader shift: from event-based tourism to experience-based living. Continuous activity supports hospitality, retail, property, and service sectors, while also strengthening Mandalika’s identity as a place that is active, connected, and globally relevant.

In this context, motorsport is not standing alone. It is interwoven with tourism development, lifestyle offerings, and long-term regional planning — aligning closely with Mandalika’s vision as an integrated coastal destination.

As Mandalika looks ahead to 2026, the direction is clear. The circuit is no longer just a stage for racing moments, but a platform for sustained growth — shaping how people visit, stay, invest, and engage with Lombok’s southern coastline throughout the year.

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