Mandalika Circuit to be Resurfaced Before MotoGP Race in March

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - After completing the 3-day pre-season testing at Indonesia’s Mandalika Circuit last week - which also marks the return of the prototype racing series after 25 years - MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports has recommended parts of the newly-built circuit to be resurfaced, following an evaluation between FIM, Dorna, and ITDC (Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation).

The latest evaluation issued at the MotoGP official website states that the feedback from riders and teams regarding the layout of the track and its safety standards, including the extensive runoff areas of both tarmac and gravel, has been overwhelmingly positive. 

However, during the test, two areas of improvement were identified, which are the cleanliness of the track surface and the excess of aggregate affecting parts of the circuit. 

“The FIM, which oversees track homologation, has been in communication with the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) regarding these necessary improvements, which are to be implemented a minimum of seven days before the inaugural Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia,” MotoGP.com reported on Tuesday, February 15. 

They also stated that circuit owner ITDC has agreed with the FIM’s assessment and requests and will have all parties react quickly, working towards these improvements is already underway, including the resurfacing of part of the track. 

“The circuit will be resurfaced from the section before Turn 17 until after Turn 5. The venue will also prepare for the Grand Prix by employing world leading technology to ensure the entirety of the surface meets MotoGP standards,” they added.

Apart from track improvements, ITDC has also improved supporting facilities such as accommodation and racing event technicalities that are slated to hold a MotoGP race on March 18-20. 

“The FIM has received our plans in terms of improving the circuit’s quality,” said ITDC president director Abdulbar M. Mansoer in a written statement, Antaranews reported. 

He asserts that together with main contractor PT Pembangunan Perumahan Tbk and Roadgrip Motorsport Indonesia (RMI), will work hard to meet the deadline set by the FIM.  “We are optimistic that it will be completed on time,” said Mansoer. 

"We hope that our commitment to maintaining conditions and improving the quality of the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit track can provide the best race experience for riders and spectators when the race is held later,” he said.

Read: MotoGP Mandalika; NTB Praises Riders for Promoting Tourism in Lombok

ANTARA | MOTOGP.COM