Good News, Mandalika Circuit Passes The FIM Homologation

A number of racers prepare to go on a free practice session (Free Practice 1/FP1) for the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC) or MotoGP Junior at Pertamina Mandalika (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Mandalika Grand Prix Association stated that the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit has passed homologation by the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) ahead of the closing of the World Superbike series.

Based on a field inspection carried out by the FIM on Thursday, the new Indonesian pride circuit was declared suitable for the 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship (WSBK).

"This is good news for all of us and a great pride considering that this circuit is a new circuit," said MGPA president director Ricky Baheramsjah as quoted by Antara, Friday.

"We have proven that this circuit is feasible and has the quality that meets the requirements to hold an international motorcycle racing event.

The construction of the circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara was completed within 14 months.

In the world of automotive sports, homologation is the process of assessing all aspects of racing against a predetermined standard in order to obtain a license or permit as a condition for holding a race.

Homologation includes several aspects, namely asphalt track, run-off area, guardrail, to pit building, as well as health facilities on the circuit, which need to be considered in order to make racing events take place safely.

"The completion of the homologation spurs our enthusiasm to be more all-out in holding a series of WSBK races which took place today.

"Currently, all the equipment is ready and complete, the organizers and race supporters are also ready," said Ricky.

The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit this weekend will host the 13th series as well as the closing of the WSBK season which will determine the world title.

Toprak Razgatlioglu of the Pata Yamaha team and reigning world champion Jonathan Rea of the Kawasaki Racing Team are the two riders who are likely to win the title this year when they are 30 points apart in the standings.

While a maximum of 62 points is ready to be won from two races and one Superpole race for 10 laps this weekend.

The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit will also be the venue for the MotoGP pre-season test in February next year before holding the second series of races on March 20.