Erick Thohir Jamu Valentino Rossi In Jakarta Ahead Of The Mandalika MotoGP

Valentino Rossi had lunch with Erick Thohir (doc. Kemenpora).

JAKARTA - The Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Menpora RI), Erick Thohir, is hosting the world motorcycle racing legend, Valentino Rossi, ahead of the 2025 Mandalika MotoGP race.

This afternoon's snack took place at a restaurant in the Senayan area, Jakarta, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The two of them seemed to be enjoying a meal while chatting casually during lunch.

"I'm very happy to be able to welcome the presence of Valentino Rossi, the seven-time MotoGP champion who came to Jakarta," Erick said in an official statement received.

Rossi came to Indonesia to attend the race at the Mandalika Circuit. Before leaving for Lombok, NTB, the owner of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team team first participated in a series of activities in Jakarta.

Erick said that the moment Rossi arrived was expected to have a positive impact on the Indonesian motorcycle racing world as well as being able to see the potential of young riders here.

"Rossi admits that he is very happy to be back in Indonesia and greets national automotive lovers. Rossi also sees the potential of our young racers to be able to excel in the future," said Erick.

Valentino Rossi is a former MotoGP racer with the most fans in Indonesia. Even though he is retired, he still gets an extraordinary welcome.

Rossi won a total of nine world titles in the Grand Prix arena, seven of which were obtained in MotoGP 2025. The number of titles in MotoGP has just been matched by oleb Marc Marquez.

The race in Mandalika will take place on October 3-5, 2025. This is the 18th series in this year's racing calendar.

Marquez's title this year was held by Marquez last weekend in Japan. He finished second there which made the number of points not overtaken.