After starting the 2022 season in Qatar two weeks ago, Marc Márquez and Pol Espargaró are preparing to face the new Mandalika track, located on the island of Lombok.
The Indonesian track, included on the calendar this year for the first time, previously held the second official preseason test to prepare the riders for the new circuit. The Repsol Honda Team riders finished those three days of testing with good feelings, Márquez continuing his adaptation to the new Honda RC213V and Pol Espargaró the fastest rider.
Márquez arrives at Mandalika after finishing the Qatar Grand Prix in fifth place. The Repsol Honda Team rider concluded a positive first weekend of the season, scoring his first 11 points of the campaign and continuing his adaptation to the new Honda machine.
Espargaró got his second podium with the Repsol Honda team at Lusail, after leading the race for 17 laps. After achieving third place at the first round of the season, the Spaniard hopes to continue at the sharp end of proceedings at a track that is well suited to his riding style.
Sunday’s MotoGP race at Mandalika will be held at 15.00h local time.
Marc Márquez:
“We made improvements over the weekend in Qatar and it’s clear to see there is a lot of potential there. I’m really happy to return to Mandalika, it is great to be able to see all our Indonesian fans and to finally put on a great show for them after so many years. I hope our fans enjoy it and we can put together a good weekend for them to celebrate. Another weekend presents another chance to understand the bike more and get closer again to fighting at the front, it’s early days and we keep on pushing.”
Pol Espargaró:
“I am really looking forward to Mandalika, the fans were already incredible there during the test and I can only imagine what it will be like for the race. We’re coming in a good moment, a strong race in Qatar and we had a good test before in Mandalika, but a lot has changed since then. They’ve resurfaced the track which should be a big help, but we have to see what it’s like when we arrive. The plan is to continue working how we did during Qatar and in the test and to keeping unlocking our full potential.”
