MGPA Optimistic That Mandalika Circuit Track Completes On Target Before March 10

Illustration of the Mandalika Circuit (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Mandalika Grand Prix Association is optimistic that the process of re-paving the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit will be completed according to the target on March 10 when the Lombok race track is being cleaned up ahead of this month's MotoGP event.

MGPA President Director Priandhi Satria in a virtual media briefing on Wednesday said the process of revamping the track had started after previously heavy equipment had been brought to Mandalika.

"Today, there has been a simulation or trial of a chemical binder mixed with asphalt and gravel," Prindi said as quoted by Antara.

"The asphalting will be carried out on March 4-8. While the painting will be carried out on March 9."

Previously, Dorna Sports as the commercial rights holder for MotoGP and the FIM as the racing regulator required part of the Mandalika Circuit track to be re-paved following the results of the evaluation of the MotoGP pre-season test on February 11-13.

During the three days of the test, the drivers found that the asphalt on some of the tracks was peeling and the track surface was dirty and dusty, and even a lot of small stones on the track.

Dorna and FIM identified two areas that needed improvement, namely the cleanliness of the track surface and the amount of aggregate, such as sand, dust and gravel or crushed stone, on the track and recommended repaving sections of the track before Turn 17 to after Turn 5, or approx. 17.5 percent of the total track.

Currently, Priandhi said, prior to re-pavement, the track had been exfoliated and cleaned to allow the asphalt to adhere well and reduce the risk of future damage.

He emphasized that the target for the completion of the re-paving of the Mandalika Circuit is no later than March 10. "But we hope everything is completed before the target."

In addition to pursuing track work, MGPA and PT Indonesia Tourism Developer ITDC as the circuit owner are also building spectator stands from various classes around the circuit.

ITDC Director of Operations and Business Innovation Arie Prasetyo said the organizers provided three classes of stands, namely standard grand stands, premium grand stands and VIP hospitality suites, which can accommodate approximately 53 spectators per day.

Arie said that the construction of the spectator stands should be completed on March 16 at the latest. "Hopefully we can finish it sooner," he said.

The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit will witness the return of MotoGP to Indonesia after 25 years on March 18-20 when the circuit on the coast of Lombok, NTB will host the second series of races on the calendar.