MotoGP race start delayed due to rain

Race start in the Indonesian MotoGP has been delayed a second time due to a torrential storm at the Mandalika International Street Circuit.

The heavens opened around 40 minutes before the originally scheduled start time of 15:00 local time (18:00 AEDT), leading to a delay to pit lane opening of 14:55 and a new start of 15:10.

Further rain has seen the opening of pit lane delayed again, while thunder also continues around the island of Lombok on which the track is located

The weather situation is just the latest drama today, after Marc Marquez had a massive highside in the Warm Up which would see the Repsol Honda rider ruled out due to concussion.

Between those developments, the race distance was shortened from 27 laps to 20 for safety reasons relating to the heat, only for challenging conditions of a different nature to transpire.

Update 18:11 AEDT

Race Direction advises: Pit lane will not open before 15:45 local time (18:45 AEDT); next update in 25 minutes.

Update 18:23 AEDT

A local rain ritual is now taking place at the circuit.

Update 18:36 AEDT

Race Direction advises: Pit lane will not open before 16:00 local time (19:00 AEDT).

Update 18:49 AEDT

Race Direction advises: Pit lane open 16:00 local time, race start 16:15 local time (19:15 AEDT)