Valentino Rossi Returns to the Track with His VR46 Riders Academy Protégés in Indonesia
Valentino Rossi has returned to action on two wheels in a special way: not to compete, but to ride alongside the riders of the VR46 Riders Academy during a private test being held at the Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia. This training session marks an important milestone in the preparation of Rossi’s structure for the 2026 MotoGP season.
Rossi’s presence in Indonesia is no coincidence. For several years now, the VR46 Riders Academy has used this type of training at Mandalika as a launch point to kick off the preseason, taking advantage of the climate, the circuit’s infrastructure, and the similarity of conditions to other key venues on the calendar such as Sepang. The delegation will remain on the island until the end of the month, combining training sessions with promotional commitments alongside its main sponsor.
The riding program includes several standout riders from the talent development project led by Rossi. Among them are top-level MotoGP riders as well as competitors from lower categories who have been part of the academy’s growth. The goal is not to compete, but to regain feeling, adapt to the working rhythm of the upcoming season, and strengthen group cohesion ahead of the official tests scheduled in Malaysia.
The distinctive aspect of this test is that all riders are riding production sport motorcycles, not pure racing machines. The choice of road bikes serves a clear purpose: allowing the riders to focus on their riding position, physical condition, and adaptation to the hot and intense climate, while maintaining a consistent pace without the demands of managing a MotoGP bike. This strategy, used over several winters, has proven to be a valuable tool for preparing both body and mind ahead of the official tests.
Beyond the purely sporting aspects, Rossi’s presence stands out for his role as a mentor and leader. Despite having retired from professional competition several years ago, the Italian icon continues to exert a direct influence on new generations. His decision to get back on the bike and share the track with his protégés sends a clear message: commitment to talent development remains a priority, and experience is still the best teacher.
At the same time, this activity in Indonesia reflects the growing importance of the Asian market within modern motorcycle racing. Teams and academies find in places like Mandalika not only a setting for training, but also a platform to connect with fans, sponsors, and stakeholders from a region that is becoming increasingly relevant to the sport.
With the Mandalika test nearing its conclusion, the VR46 Riders Academy will shift its focus to the official preseason tests in Sepang, where riders and teams will begin working with MotoGP machines ahead of the upcoming championship. For Rossi and his academy, the visit to Indonesia is not only physical and technical preparation, but also a reaffirmation of their long-term project: to develop and guide new generations on their path to the elite of motorcycle racing.
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