JAKARTA – It is certain that the Mandalika Circuit will be re-paved (resurfacing) according to the recommendations of the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) Dorna Sport. The process covers approximately 17.5 percent of the path.
Dorna and FIM have identified issues that need to be fixed. Among them are the cleanliness of the track surface due to the large amount of aggregate, such as sand, dust, gravel, and stone fragments that are on the track.
In addition, they also recommend re-paving some sections of the track before Turn 17 to after Turn 5.
"What we will do (re-asphalt) is starting from Turn 16.5 to Turn 6.5, so approximately 17.5 percent of the entire existing track," said PT PP President Director Novel Arsyad quoting Antara.
PT Indonesia Tourism Development (ITDC) will cooperate with PT Pembangunan Perumahan and Roadgrip Motorsport Indonesia (RMI) to re-pave the circuit. The work is targeted to be completed by March 10 at the latest.
Currently, the contractor has started to bring in the heavy equipment and materials needed to Lombok. Meanwhile, the resurfacing project will start next week.
Equipment began to be imported to Lombok since February 15 yesterday. RMI has also approved the use of stone from Palu as a material to pave the circuit according to standards.
"First, we will peel off the top layer of asphalt, and immediately clean it up to re-pave it, it happens in several places, not all over the track. Hopefully next week we will be able to work in the field," said Novel.
The majority of MotoGP riders liked the layout and design of the 4.3 km circuit during the 11-13 February pre-season test officials. In addition, they also praised the safety standards, including the run off area, and very wide gravel.
However, there are also those who complain about the condition of the track being dirty, dusty and even the number of small stones on the track. This complaint was also made by the World Superbike riders in November last year.
Apart from having to be re-paved, Dorna and FIM also provided several other recommendations for the Mandalika Circuit. Among them are repainting at several points, repairing marshal's tents, and repainting weaving motifs.
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