Organisers for the upcoming Indonesian MotoGP round have agreed to make emergency changes to the Mandalika Circuit ahead of its debut on the 2022 MotoGP schedule after concerns were raised during pre-season testing.
The Asian nation returns to the MotoGP calendar for the first time since 1997 with a visit to the newly-built Mandalika Circuit on the island of Lombok.
Inaugurated with the concluding round of the 2021 WorldSBK Championship, MotoGP got its first taste of the tropical venue with three-days of pre-season testing over the weekend.
However, while the high-speed layout and safety standards were praised, riders were less enthused by the poor cleanliness of the track on first touch, with a significant amount of dirt and mud build up on the surface.
There were also concerns about the quality of the track at certain turns, with reports of it breaking up under the stress of the more powerful MotoGP machines.
With little more than a month to go before Indonesia hosts Round 2 of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship on 20 March, the FIM has reached an agreement with the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to make necessary improvements in the short turnaround before the event.
This includes the circuit being resurfaced between Turn 17 and Turn 5, plus more stringent cleaning standards.
“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,” read a statement from the FIM.
“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, demonstrating their high level of support and commitment to the sport. All parties have reacted quickly and work towards these improvements is 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 world leading technology to ensure the entirety of the surface meets MotoGP™ standards.
“The FIM and Dorna would like to thank the ITDC for their incredible support and prompt reaction. All parties would also like to assure our Indonesian fans, and all those around the world, that the 2022 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia will take place on the planned date, and MotoGP™ is very much looking forward to returning to Lombok.”
