DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – MotoGP riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini from the Honda HRC Castrol team visited Bali on Monday (March 2, 2026), where they were welcomed with a traditional Kecak dance performance and greeted by motorcycle enthusiasts on the island.
During the visit, the riders took the opportunity to meet members of the local Honda motorcycle community before continuing their journey to prepare for the second round of the MotoGP Grand Prix season in Brazil scheduled for March 15.
The Spanish and Italian riders also engaged with local artists and community members while learning about Bali’s traditional Kecak dance. Together with around 30 Kecak dancers, they participated in the interactive performance, joining the rhythmic “cak” chants accompanied by traditional Balinese gamelan music.
For the Honda HRC Castrol riders, the cultural exchange created a memorable moment with Bali’s performing arts community.
“I really enjoyed my time here during the MotoGP schedule. I love the culture, the dance is interesting, and the people are very kind,” said Joan Mir, the 2020 MotoGP world champion, on Tuesday (March 3, 2026).
Ahead of the Nyepi celebrations in Bali, Mir and Marini also visited Banjar Kaja Sesetan to observe the construction of an ogoh-ogoh, the large ceremonial sculptures traditionally displayed before Nyepi Day.
Accompanied by riders from the Astra Honda Racing Team (AHRT), including Herjun Atna Firdaus, M. Adenanta Putra, Fadillah Arbi Aditama, Rheza Danica Ahrens, and M. Badly Ayatullah, the MotoGP riders observed the detailed craftsmanship involved in building the ogoh-ogoh created by local youth.
Both riders also joined the artists in assisting with the finishing touches of the sculpture during the visit.
As part of the community engagement program, members of the AHRT team distributed food aid packages to residents observing the Ramadan fasting period in the Kampung Jawa area.
The Bali visit concluded with a gathering involving around 100 Honda motorcycle enthusiasts from various clubs within the Honda Community Bali network, including Honda Stylo Club Indonesia, Honda CBR Riders Club, CBR Club Indonesia, Honda ADV Indonesia, Honda PCX Club Indonesia, Vario Bali Rider, All Vario Bali, CB150X Indonesia Adventure, and Honda Big Bike Indonesia.
Octavianus Dwi, Marketing Director of PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM), said the visit reflects the spirit of unity between Honda riders and local communities while supporting cultural appreciation.
“The presence of Honda HRC Castrol riders interacting directly with Honda bikers reflects harmony, solidarity, and togetherness, much like the spirit of the Kecak dance. We hope this connection inspires riders to pursue achievements across various levels of competition,” Octavianus said.
The visit combined cultural interaction, community engagement, and motorsport promotion, highlighting Bali as a destination where international sporting figures can connect with local traditions and motorcycle communities.