Ahead Of The Race At Mandalika Circuit, Boss Dorna: Indonesia Will Be Very Important For MotoGP

MotoGP riders pose for a photo with President Jokowi at the State Palace. (Photo: Twitter @PeccoBagnaia)

JAKARTA - Dorna's boss, Carmelo Ezpeleta, reflects on the usual welcome for MotoGP's arrival ahead of its debut at the Mandalika Circuit. The presence of Indonesia as one of the most prestigious grand prix racing venues in the world has been eagerly awaited.

Ezpeleta has long been aware of the extraordinary potential that exists in Indonesia. He thought, MotoGP Indonesia could be an extraordinary event.

"We know that when we came here a few years ago, we realized that MotoGP in Indonesia is very popular. This will be an interesting event. In the future, Indonesia will be very, very important for MotoGP," said Ezpeleta as quoted from the official MotoGP website.

Ezpeleta's assessment has been proven enough by the parade of MotoGP racers in Jakarta, Wednesday, March 16. Indonesian people are very enthusiastic about welcoming their idol racers.

Ezpeleta also appreciated the extraordinary attention from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who had invited him and the MotoGP racers to attend the State Palace.

"This is an extraordinary event, all the riders are very helpful in this promotion. Obviously, Indonesia is one of the largest countries in the world, including their interest in MotoGP," said Ezpeleta.

"We are honored to be invited to the Palace by the President (Jokowi), we really appreciate it. We are really happy to do this. The riders are enthusiastic about participating in the parade," he continued.

The Mandalika MotoGP is actually not the first in Indonesia. Previously, Indonesia had held MotoGP races in 1996 and 1997.

At that time, the race took place at the Sentul Circuit, Bogor. However, due to the crisis that occurred at that time, the Indonesian MotoGP race had to be stopped and only returned after 25 years of waiting.