MotoGP riders ecstatic to be in Indonesia, Espargaro feels 'like a Rockstar'

Alongside the country’s president Joko Widodo, a keen motorcycle rider himself, Espargaro and team-mate Marc Marquez rode Repsol Honda-inspired RC213V-S machines through the Indonesian capital, with only the Monster Energy Yamaha, Aprilia Racing and both KTM MotoGP teams not taking part.  

With Indonesia boosting one of the more rowdy and passionate two-wheel fan bases across the world, it’s an event that was both unique and necessary according to eight-time world champion Marquez. 

"Since I came here for the first time in 2014 I already felt like Indonesian fans are different," said Marquez. "I had a really good relationship with them, I don’t know why. It’s these kinds of countries that you feel well in. 

"Yesterday was a different type of day and it was an important event for MotoGP and for all the riders. 

"It’s a very important country for our manufacturers. Looking forward to racing here in front of all of them."

While repairs to the Mandalika track surface have dominated the headlines heading into its first ever MotoGP race, so has the incredible support for MotoGP racing in Indonesia, which will mark the second of five rounds on Asian soil this year - the first was Qatar, while Thailand, Japan and Malaysia all make their way back onto the 2022 calendar for the first time since 2019. 

During the pre-event press conference, first-time MotoGP race winner in Qatar Enea Bastianini and Espargaro also shared their thoughts on the parade.

Bastianini added: "In Indonesia the fans are incredible. When we arrived there were a lot of people outside the airport. Also, on the road, everywhere. 

"It’s incredible to see the president for the first time - I never said hello to any president before, and this was very emotional for me. 

Asked what type of emotion he felt, Espargaro concluded: "It was like being a Rockstar. Honestly, it’s amazing to go to places like this one. 

"You can show to the people what you love, which is motorcycles and the people also love your sport. It’s something incredible and is difficult to explain. 

"Going on the Jakarta roads with a lot of motorbikes behind, a lot of fans following us - as Enea said, the president is a huge fan of motorsport, he has his own custom bike. 

"It’s something like the old times in Spain where I remember going to the races with my father and seeing [Alex] Criville sleeping on the race track, just full of passion. It’s so beautiful."

Marquez, Bastianini and Espargaro will no doubt start the weekend as three of the main favourites following their top five results in Qatar.