Waiting For Valentino Rossi To Try The Mandalika Circuit

JAKARTA - The Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) opened the door for Valentino Rossi to try out the Mandalika Circuit and greet his fans in Indonesia even though the nine-time world champion will retire from MotoGP at the end of this season.

Rossi has decided to end his career as a MotoGP rider at the end of the 2021 season after 26 years of competing in the world championship.

The decision, which was anticipated, came as a surprise to The Doctor's fans in Indonesia as they would not be able to see their idol race at the Mandalika Circuit when Indonesia hosts MotoGP next year.

"We are all very sad because (Rossi retired) just before the Mandalika race, he is a legend", said MGPA President Director Ricky Baheramsjah at a virtual press conference session, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.

"Obviously we will welcome him with open arms to Mandalika to do a test, our door will always be open to just come and test this track", said Ricky.

The 4.31km circuit with 17 corners is almost complete and will be the only road track on the MotoGP calendar.

On November 12 to 14, the Mandalika Circuit will also host the WSBK season closing series, before next year it will be allocated as a MotoGP pre-season test arena on February 11 to 13.

Meanwhile, the MGPA is still waiting for the finalization of the MotoGP season calendar for 2022 where the Mandalika Circuit is eyeing a March slot to hold its inaugural Grand Prix in MotoGP.

"Our hope is that Vale can at least become a test racer in Mandalika", MGPA Director of Strategy and Communication Happy Harinto added.

"Willing it or not, or just saying hello to the huge number of fans in Indonesia, it's okay.

"On February 13 there will be a test, hopefully, Vale can come", said Happy.