(16 Feb 2022)
The FIM MotoGP World Championship returned to
Indonesia for the first time in 25 years, with the pre-season
Official MotoGP Test at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit
taking place on
Lombok island last week.
The three days of track time allowed riders, teams
and the organisers to gain valuable insights into the new circuit
before the inaugural Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia in March.
The three-day test has also given the organisation
and governing body the opportunity to ensure the venue complies
with MotoGP standards and assess any improvements necessary ahead
of the track’s debut on the FIM MotoGP World Championship
calendar.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia is scheduled to take place at the Mandalika Circuit on Lombok from 18-20 March 2022
The feedback from riders and teams regarding the
layout of the track and its safety standards, including the
extensive runoff areas of both tarmac and gravel, has been
overwhelmingly positive.
During the test, two areas of improvement were
identified, which are the cleanliness of the track surface and the
excess of aggregate affecting parts of the circuit.
The FIM, which oversees track homologation, has
been in communication with the Indonesia Tourism Development
Corporation (ITDC) regarding these necessary improvements, which
are to be implemented a minimum of seven days before the inaugural
Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia.
Circuit owner ITDC has agreed with the FIM’s
assessment and requests, and all parties have reacted quickly with
work towards the improvements already underway, including the
resurfacing of part of the track.
The circuit will be resurfaced from the section
before Turn 17 until after Turn 5. The venue will also prepare for
the Grand Prix by employing technology to ensure the
entirety of the surface meets MotoGP standards.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia is scheduled
to take place at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on
Lombok from 18-20 March 2022.
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