Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer Target Another Podium in MotoGP Mandalika

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com — Gresini Racing riders Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer are hoping to return to the podium at the Mandalika MotoGP after both finished on the podium at last year’s race.

Alex said he would try to replicate last season’s result. However, he acknowledged that the competition this season is tougher, with other riders appearing to be stronger.

“We will try to repeat the results. It will be a little bit more difficult because this year it looks like the other riders are stronger. We are struggling a little bit, but we are there,” Alex said in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

According to Alex, Mandalika is a track where the team can put together the elements that have been missing so far this season.

“We just missed a few things, so I think that in Mandalika is the best track to put everything together and try to repeat the results as last year,” he said.

Fermin is also hoping to return to the podium in Mandalika. The Spanish rider said the season started with difficulties and that he is still working to regain his positive feeling.

“This season starts with difficulties and we are trying to recover the good feelings,” Fermin said.

Fermin also acknowledged that the competition this season is tougher, with other riders potentially stronger than him and Alex.

“As Alex said, this season the other riders are maybe stronger than me or than us. But I think Mandalika is a good track for us. We can do a good work and I hope to be on the podium another time with my teammate,” he said.

At last year’s Mandalika MotoGP, Fermin claimed his maiden MotoGP victory, while Alex also finished on the podium.

Alex and Fermin Talk About Indonesian Fans

Alex and Fermin also spoke about the support they have received from Indonesian fans. Alex said Gresini’s relationship with Indonesia has grown closer, particularly because many of the team’s sponsors are from Indonesia.

“As Carlos said, we have a really good connection with Indonesia. Especially when I came to Gresini, I saw a lot of sponsors from here. And the connection is even more close,” Alex said.

He also said he has visited Mandalika and Jakarta several times for various events.

Fermin said he felt strong support from Indonesian people when he first arrived in the country. “When I arrived here in Indonesia, I felt a lot of support from all of the Indonesian people,” Fermin said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Indonesian fans. “But anyway, terima kasih to all the Indonesian people,” he said.

On the same occasion, Astra Otoparts Director Martogi Siahaan said the enthusiasm of Indonesians for MotoGP is very high, demonstrating the strong appeal of motor racing and its ability to build an emotional connection with fans.

“For Aspira, the collaboration with Gresini Racing provides an opportunity to bring that spirit to consumers through experiences that are more personal and meaningful,” he said.

He said the company hopes the collaboration between Aspira and Gresini Racing can continue to expand Aspira’s reach and engagement with the automotive community, while also delivering initiatives that are relevant to the dynamics of the industry.

He noted that the strong public interest in MotoGP is also reflected in the number of spectators attending races at the circuit. At the 2025 MotoGP Mandalika event, attendance reached 140,324, an increase of 15.73% from the previous year.

The figure, he said, was the highest attendance recorded since the world-class motorcycle racing event returned to Indonesia at the Mandalika Circuit in 2022.

Meanwhile, according to the 2025 annual publication issued by the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), the number of people in Indonesia who watched MotoGP through broadcast media reached 2.96 million.