Asphalt Of The Mandalika Circuit Is Considered Too Risky To Hold The MotoGP Grand Prix

Marc Marquez's racer during the MotoGP pre-season test at the Mandalika Circuit on 11-13 February 2022 (INSTAGRAM @marcmarquez93)

JAKARTA – FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer Franco Uncini assessed that the asphalt of the Mandalika Circuit was too risky to hold a MotoGP grand prix. For this reason, the track must be immediately addressed so that the race runs safely.

The Mandalika race will take place on March 18-20. Thus, FIM can still coordinate with Mandalika to resolve existing problems.

"We completed the test without any problems, but we were afraid to do a grand prix in these conditions," Uncini said.

The Mandalika Circuit has just finished holding the 2022 pre-season test on February 13 yesterday. In three days of testing the riders were interrupted by a dirty track on the first day.

In addition, the Monster Energy Yamaha racer Fabio Quartararo was also hit by a gravel impact. The Ducati rider Pecco Bagnaia was hit by a rock in the arm and left bruises.

Even so, Uncini promised to immediately find a solution with the Mandalika.

"We spoke to those responsible and we understood and showed what the problem was. So we are looking for a solution to do the GP safely and calmly," he said.

Mark Hughes as the architect who supervised the construction of the circuit will be in charge of this work. He was with Jarno Zafelli as a technician.

"We still need a few days. It is true that there are stones coming from the asphalt that are loose. But the situation is not out of control because there are some parts that are more damaged than others. The biggest problems are at corners 1, 5 and the last. In the near future , we will immediately find a solution," said Uncini.

Mandalika is the second MotoGP series this season. The race will take place after the Qatar series which starts on March 6.