Watch Indonesian MotoGP — Free Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the MotoGP paddock arrives at the Mandalika International Street Circuit, Free Practice 1 marks the crucial beginning of a high-stakes weekend in the flyaway stage of the world championship. With the title race intensifying, riders must immediately find their footing on the challenging Indonesian tarmac to secure a direct path into Q2. Establishing a strong baseline setup in this opening session is vital for managing the extreme tropical heat and demanding track conditions expected throughout the Grand Prix.

Form Guide

The momentum heading into Lombok is highly contested, with the leading factory contenders trading victories and podium finishes over the recent European rounds. Mandalika has historically rewarded riders who can master low-grip conditions early in the weekend, making adaptability key. Teams with strong electronics packages and superior tire conservation have shown the most consistent form in recent weeks, setting the stage for a highly competitive opening session.

Key Players to Watch

• Jorge Martín — The Spanish rider has historically shown blistering raw pace at Mandalika and will look to set the benchmark from the very first lap.
• Francesco Bagnaia — Known for his methodical approach, the reigning champion will focus on race pace and electronics mapping to counter the tricky Indonesian track surface.
• Marc Márquez — A master of adapting to changing track grip, his ability to find the limit quickly makes him a constant threat in opening practice sessions.

Prediction

Expect Ducati to dominate the top of the timesheets as Free Practice 1 concludes, with Jorge Martín likely securing the fastest lap of the session. His aggressive riding style and immediate adaptability to low-grip surfaces should give him a slight edge over Francesco Bagnaia. The session will likely see rapid track evolution, with lap times tumbling in the final ten minutes as riders test the soft compound tires.