MotoGP Race Director Mandalika Praises Marshal's Performance

Suzuki Ecstar's motorbike, Alex Rins, caught fire at the Mandalika Circuit. (Photo: Twitter @motoGP)

MANDALIKA - The implementation of the Mandalika MotoGP has been a success so far. Several parties praised the running of the race at the Mandalika Circuit, one of which came from the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia Race Director, Mike Webb.

The man who is also part of the International Motorcycle Federation praised the marshal's performance at the Mandalika Circuit. Call it when they were alert when Suzuki Ecstar's motorbike, Alex Rins, caught fire.

"Webb said he was satisfied with the performance of the marshals of the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit," said the Managing Director of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) Priandhi Satria, as quoted by Antara.

The marshals are said to be very capable and agile in cleaning the track surface and have shown a rapid increase in ability since they were first employed in the MotoGP event which was held again in Indonesia after a vacuum of the last 25 years.

"They work really well," he said.

The marshals, which numbered around 300 people, consisted of elements of youth groups from Pujut District, Mobile Brigade Police of NTB, Basarnas rescuers, and companions of several marshals from Malaysia.

He gave an example of one of the major incidents that occurred when the underside of Alex Rins' motorbike (Suzuki Ecstar) caught fire after Turn 12 and he left his motorbike at Turn 13.

The incident left enough oil on the track that the session entered Red Flag. However, the marshals, some of whom have served in Mandalika since the World Superbike (WSBK) on 19-21 November 2021, moved quickly.

"They extinguished the fire, removed debris and cleaned the track of oil so the session could resume. Mike Webb was satisfied with the marshal's skill and speed in extinguishing the fire and cleaning the track surface of traces of gasoline and oil," he said.

Not only that, Priandhi also mentioned how Webb saw the track officials showing positive developments from pre-season until now.

"During pre-season on days one to three, then entering MotoGP Indonesia also from Monday preparation until today his ability has increased, his skills have increased," he said.

The former journalist and racer said that the knowledge of these local marshals was much more developed after receiving input from several marshals from Malaysia who were brought in to share their experiences.

"In fact, the marshal from Malaysia has often held international racing events, including MotoGP," he said.

Priandhi also said that the number of rider accidents that occurred on the second day, Saturday (19/3/2022) was not caused by track factors. Citing the FIM's explanation as a Grade A homologator for the Mandalika Circuit, the incident was not related to an error on the track.

"That's the FIM's own evaluation after seeing the track conditions, it's not a track error. Today I spoke with Mike Webb, it has nothing to do with everything that happened today with the homologation that has been given," he said.

Priandhi also explained that his party had made minor improvements to the track surface.

"Saturday night to repair and patch the torn asphalt gravel due to the motorbike falling," he said.