COUNTDOWN TO THE FIRST MANDALIKA MOTOGP RACE

Published on Mar Mon, 2023 | 15 images

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A quarter of a century of waiting is finally over. Tens of the world's most sophisticated prototype motorcycles finally pave the circuit in Indonesia: Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). It's a very long wait, considering that the last MotoGP was held in Indonesia on 26-28 September 1997 at the Sentul Circuit, Bogor Regency, West Java.

In the midst of the rainy season, 24 elite world racers from 12 MotoGP racing teams underwent the 2022 MotoGP pre-season test session on 11-13 February 2022. The riders tested the asphalt on the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, a week after taking the first pre-season test at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.

For the drivers and their teams, it is very important to collect technical data about track conditions and the entire circuit during the pre-season test at the Mandalika. Record of technical data becomes a provision for the first appearance in the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia on 18-20 March 2022, which is the second series of races in the 2022 MotoGP calendar.

After three days of testing the Mandalika circuit, a number of world racers admitted that they were amazed by the design and layout of the 4.31 km circuit with 17 turns. Including its charming location because it is located on the beach. Not surprisingly, MotoGP has also named the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit as one of the most beautiful circuits in the world.

Although praised for its beauty, the Mandalika circuit is also not free from criticism. A number of drivers complained about the dirty track conditions in some parts. Gravel loose from the asphalt is considered a danger to the safety of drivers. Responding to the racer's complaint, the organizers immediately dispatched a team to clean the asphalt surface with special equipment. Around 17.5 percent of the track on the circuit was re-paved and completed on 9 March 2022.

Although Indonesia has not been able to send a representative rider in MotoGP, hosting a world-class race becomes Indonesia's pride. After successfully holding the 2021 WSBK race on 19-21 November 2021, Indonesia is now preparing to show itself off to hold the prestigious event of the second 2022 MotoGP series.

Photo and Text : Andika Wahyu

Editor: Nyoman Budhiana

SLIDESHOW

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A group of people on the hill watching the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Officers wave the finish flag during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

An officer uses a special vehicle to clean the tracks during the break of the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

A group of workers watching the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 while Aprilia Racing racer Maverick Vinales is seen on the track at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Marshall carries a motorcycle of Tech 3 KTM Factory Racing racer Raul Fernandez after having an accident during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Mooney VR46 Racing Team racer Luca Marini attends a press conference after taking the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

A technician carries a racing suit belongs to Tech 3 KTM Factory Racing during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

LCR Honda racer Takaaki Nakagami falls during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Ducati Lenovo Team racer Francesco Bagnaia enters the track during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Repsol Honda Team racer Marc Marquez prepares to participate in the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Crew members check on a motorcycle of the Gresini Racing MotoGP racer Enea Bastianini during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Gresini Racing MotoGP racer Enea Bastianini is seen practicing start during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Motorcycle of the Gresini Racing MotoGP racer Enea Bastianini is seen in the team garage during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

A member of the crew of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team stands beside the information board that used to communicate with racers during the pre-season test session of MotoGP 2022 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.