MotoGP: Dirt Disrupts Pre-season Test, MGPA Awaits Dorna Inquiry

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) said it is waiting for Dorna Sports and the International Motorcycling Federation to investigate the presence of dirt on Mandalika Circuit, which disrupted the MotoGP pre-test session on Friday.

Vice president director of MGPA, Cahyadi Wanda, informed that he had an in-person meeting with the chief sporting officer of Dorna Sports, Carlos Ezpeleta, over the issue.

"Carlos has calmed us and told us not to worry, saying that the situation is normal (for a new circuit). In addition, considering that massive development is still undergoing at the circuit, thus dust may be found on the track," he said at the circuit in Central Lombok district, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province, on Saturday.

Inside the circuit area, workers are still constructing spectator stands and other supporting buildings, while outside the circuit area, they are widening the entrance road to the circuit, he noted.

The presence of dirt was also exacerbated by the thin racing line since the new circuit is rarely used, thus its asphalt does not often come in contact with rubber tires, he informed.

In addition, there was a downpour on Thursday night, he said. Thus, the dust and water made the circuit a little muddy, he explained.

2020 MotoGP champion Joan Mir said that he had encountered mud on the track.

Meanwhile, RNF Yamaha team’s Andrea Dovizioso stated that he came across some pebbles loosened by the tires of motorbikes in front of him.

Hence, the pre-season test—scheduled from February 11–13, 2022—was temporarily suspended on the first day to allow the circuit to be cleaned, Wanda informed.

The test resumed at midday and 45 minutes of additional time was given to the riders; thus, the test ended at 5:45 p.m. Central Indonesia Standard Time (WITA), he said.

Taking note of the incident, the MGPA got the track cleaned later and improved it on the second day of the test, allowing the riders to go faster than on the first day, he added.

The MGPA vice president director assured that construction work at the track will be completed by early March 2022 since the MotoGP Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia will take place from March 18–20, 2022.

The pre-season test would serve as an evaluation before the implementation of the grand prix, he added.

"Even if we still have to do some improvements after the pre-season test, I think they will be minor ones. There will be no major work for the track. We will get the evaluation on Sunday and we will know whether the dirty track was due to the asphalt or other factors," he remarked.

Read: Mandalika MotoGP Race to Boost Indonesia's Global Brand: Erick Thohir

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