Dorna Sports Says Part Of The Mandalika Circuit Asphalt Will Be Recovered

Gresini Racing MotoGP's Fabio Di Giannantonio raced his motorbike on the last day of the 2022 MotoGP pre-season test (Photo: DOK ANTARA)

MATARAM - Dorna Sports said that part of the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit track will be re-paved following an evaluation from the FIM international motorcycle racing federation after the official MotoGP test at the Lombok track last weekend.

The MotoGP pre-season test at the Mandalika Circuit brought MotoGP back to Indonesia for the first time after a 25-year absence. The three-day test will be an important part for the team and the riders in developing their mounts and gaining experience on the new circuit before the Indonesian Grand Prix in March.

The riders and teams liked the layout and design of the 4.3km circuit, as well as the safety standards, including the runoff area, very wide gravel. However, they also complained about the condition of the track being dirty, dusty and even the number of small stones on the track.

"The FIM, which oversees track homologation, has communicated with the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) regarding the necessary repairs, which will be carried out up to a minimum of seven days before the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia," said Dorna's official statement. .

ITDC as the developer and owner of the circuit has agreed with the assessment and request from the FIM. "All parties have reacted quickly and work towards the revamp has begun, including the resurfacing of parts of the track.

"The circuit will be re-coated from the section before Turn 17 to after Turn 5. The venue will also prepare for the Grand Prix by applying world-leading technology to ensure the surface (track) meets MotoGP standards."

During the pre-season test, organizers identified two areas that needed improvement, namely the cleanliness of the track surface and the amount of aggregate, such as sand, dust and gravel or crushed stone, that was on the track.

In addition to revamping the track, ITDC will also fix the supporting facilities, accommodation and technical implementation of the race which will take place on March 18-20.

"FIM has accepted our work plan to improve the quality of the circuit," said ITDC President Director Abdulbar M. Mansoer in an official statement, Tuesday.

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

"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."

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association, Priandhi Satria said,

"We are committed to making improvements based on these records and ensuring that preparations both from the circuit side, supporting facilities, to the quality of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia event can meet the requirements and meet the expected standards."