Calls WADA Sanctions Cannot Be Implemented At The Mandalika World Superbike Event, Bamsoet: Red And White Keep Flying

Lombok Mandalika Circuit (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Motorcycle Association (IMI) Bambang Soesatyo ensured that as the host of the 2021 World Superbike (WSBK), Indonesia could still fly the Red and White flag and sing the anthem Indonesia Raya amidst the polemic of sanctions from the world anti-doping agency WADA.

Bamsoet, who is also the chairman of the MPR-RI, said that based on the latest communication by the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) with Dorna Sport as the organizer of the WSBK (World Super Bike) based in Madrid, Spain and the FIM, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanction does not apply. recede.

"Given that the cooperation contract between Dorna Sport and the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) was signed in 2019, it is certain that WADA sanctions cannot be applied to WorldSBK 2021 activities in Mandalika," said Bamsoet, as quoted by Antara.

The WSBK international racing event will be held on 19-21 November 2021, at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit.

"Because, all activities that have been matured and signed before the imposition of sanctions on October 7, 2021, can still be carried out," said Bamsoet in a press release, Thursday.

Furthermore, Bamsoet revealed that from the coordination carried out by MGPA with Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta on October 25, 2021, the cooperation contract between Dorna Sports and MGPA related to the implementation of WSBK, Asia Talent Cup, to MotoGP, was signed in 2019.

So that WADA sanctions cannot be applied to the 2021 WSBK activities in Mandalika. Dorna Sports is also waiting for final confirmation from the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) as the parent international organization for two-wheeled motor sports which is also a member of WADA.

"For example, Russia which received more severe sanctions than WADA on December 9, 2020, had to apply sanctions from WADA in the implementation of MotoGP because their work contracts were signed after 2020, when the sanctions had already taken effect. On the other hand, Russia could continue to implement Formula 1 because the work contract was signed before 2020," said Bamsoet.

The head of the FKPPI State Defense Agency also explained that racers who take part in racing events under the auspices of Dorna Sports, always follow the doping examination procedure which is coordinated directly by Dorna Sports, not by the government of the host country.

Dorna Sports also does not hesitate to impose sanctions on drivers who violate it. Last year, for example, there was one MotoGP racer who did not pass the doping test, and Dorna Sports was immediately given a suspension from participating in the championship.

"Indonesia once hosted the WSBK from 1994 to 1997. After a vacuum for 24 years, Indonesia is finally trusted to hold the 2021 WSBK again," he said.

"Especially in this event, the Indonesian racer, Galang Hendra Pratama from Team Ten Kate Racing Yamaha, will enter the WorldSSP class. This pride is a momentum for the revival of automotive sports in Indonesia," concluded Bamsoet.