From Motegi to Mandalika: Intact GP faces the heat challenge

Just one week after the Japanese Grand Prix, the next challenge awaits the LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Team in Indonesia. In subtropical temperatures, David Muñoz aims to carry the momentum from his Motegi victory into another important step in the championship fight. Moto2 World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez is also targeting a strong fightback after finishing fifth in Japan. Teammate Senna Agius is fired up for redemption, while Moto3 rookie Guido Pini is preparing to tackle another brand-new track.

At the Mandalika International Street Circuit on the scenic Indonesian island of Lombok, riders face a 4.3-kilometer layout full of demanding corners and exhausting heat that pushes both man and machine to their limits. This means the Moto3 riders must keep a cool head over 20 laps on Sunday, while the Moto2 field battles for long 22 laps.

David Muñoz arrives in Indonesia brimming with confidence. The 19-year-old Spaniard secured his third win of the season at the opening round of the overseas tour in Motegi, earning himself important points in the fight for a Top 3 finish in the championship ahead of the season finale. Now, he is determined to continue his rise in form on the fast circuit by the Indian Ocean.

For Guido Pini, Mandalika represents another new challenge. The Moto3 rookie has yet to learn the track in Indonesia, but by staging an impressive comeback ride in Japan, he once again confirmed his great pace. His steep learning curve sends a clear signal to his competitors: he should not be underestimated, even on unfamiliar ground.

In Moto2, Manuel Gonzalez continues to lead the championship, even though he gave away a few points with his fifth place in Japan. The Spaniard knows, however, that a strong performance in Mandalika can help him strike back and keep his rivals at bay. On this demanding circuit with its quick direction changes, nerves and consistency are crucial – qualities Gonzalez has demonstrated consistently since round one.

For Senna Agius, Motegi turned into a frustrating weekend, as he was forced to retire after an early crash. In Indonesia, the Australian wants to lay a much stronger foundation right from Friday onwards. For the 20-year-old, the key to success will be a strong qualifying, since a good starting position is the best weapon for a strong race.

 

Schedule(MESZ -6h)

Friday, 03. October
09:00 – 09:35 Moto3 FP1 (03:00 - 03:35 MESZ)
09:50 – 10:30 Moto2 FP1 (03:50 - 04:30 MESZ)
10.45 – 11:30 MotoGP FP1 (04:45 - 05:30 MESZ)

13:15 – 13:50 Moto3 Practice (07:15 - 07:50 MESZ)
14:05 – 14:45 Moto2 Practice (08:05 - 08:45 MESZ)
15:00 – 16:00 MotoGP Practice (09:00 - 10:00 MESZ)

Saturday, 04. October
08:40 – 09:10 Moto3 FP2 (02:40 - 03:10 MESZ)
09:25 – 09:55 Moto2 FP2 (03:25 - 03:55 MESZ)
10:10 – 10:40 MotoGP FP2 (04:10 - 04:40 MESZ)
10:50 – 11:05 MotoGP Qualifying 1 (04:50 - 05:05 MESZ)
11:15 – 11:30 MotoGP Qualifying 2 (05:15 - 05:30 MESZ)

12:45 – 13:00 Moto3 Qualifying 1 (06:45 - 07:00 MESZ)
13:10 – 13:25 Moto3 Qualifying 2 (07:10 - 07:25 MESZ)
13:40 – 13:55 Moto2 Qualifying 1 (07:40 - 07:55 MESZ)
14:05 – 14:20 Moto2 Qualifying 2 (08:05 - 08:20 MESZ)

15:00 MotoGP-Sprint (13 Laps) (09:00 MESZ)

Sunday, 05. October
10:40 – 10:50 MotoGP Warm-up (04:40 - 04:50 MESZ)
12:00 Moto3-Race (20 Laps) (06:00 MESZ)
13:15 Moto2-Race (22 Laps) (07:15 MESZ)
15:00 MotoGP-Race (27 Laps) (09:00 MESZ)