JAKARTA - Indonesian racer Galang Hendra Pratama for the first time felt the home race atmosphere ahead of his appearance in the closing series of World Supersport (SSP) this weekend at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit, NTB.
Galang is the only Indonesian representative in the world championship which is one level below World Superbike, which will also determine the race for the world title at Mandalika on November 19-21.
"This is what I was really waiting for after four years I was in the WSBK paddock, finally there was a race in Indonesia," said Galang, as quoted by Antara, Thursday.
As is known, Indonesia last hosted an international race in 1997, when the Sentul Circuit underwent its last season as a MotoGP and WSBK venue, or two years before Galang was born.
"I feel how it feels like other riders have a 'home race'... the spirit is different," said the rider who is in his second year at WorldSSP for the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha team.
Galang also admitted that he was more relaxed and calm in facing the season-ending race in the country after previously living in Europe and away from his family.
"Now I meet my family, friends, and people closest to me. The psychology is also different, the mentality is also higher," said the racer from Yogyakarta.
Undergoing a "race walk" on Thursday afternoon at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit, Galang admitted that he was impressed with the layout of the 4.3km track with 17 corners and is optimistic that he can finish in the top ten in two Race 1 and Race 2 to boost his position in the standings.
"This circuit is like international circuits in Europe... I am very confident in my 'riding style' and I am very confident that I can go forward to fight for the top ten."
Galang also left a message, "To the people of Lombok, I want to say thank you for the amazing response, to the other racers too, they told me 'Indonesia is the best'."
"So we have to give a good image in the eyes of the world and of course Lombok will later become a destination for racing and also a holiday for Europeans who come here."
Galang is currently in 21st place in the SSP standings with 24 points after missing the previous race in Argentina on October 15-17 due to visa issues.
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