The three days spent by MotoGP in Mandalika revealed weaknesses on the route and the infrastructure, potentially causing anxiety when holding an Indonesian Grand Prix. Sand and then mud after a downpour is one thing. But the projection of stones received by the pilot following another is another. Initially, we thought it was due to the work being done nearby. Now, we know that it is indeed the asphalt of the circuit that is falling apart...
This is not good news for Dorna and the Grand Prix paddock who are considering going to Indonesia on March 20 to compete in the second of the 21 rounds planned in a calendar which has never been so full. Indeed, by dint of filming on the Mandalika site, the MotoGP highlighted a problem which had not presented itself during the Superbike test last winter: the rapid deterioration of the asphalt which literally crumbles under the pressure of motorcycles of almost 300 hp…
This is where these famous stones came from which bruised the left arm of Pecco Bagnaia, touched the neck of Fabio Quartararo and damaged the helmets of Marini as Bezzecchi. When leaving the island of Lombok, the pilots were promised that these incidents would not happen again when they returned to compete. But listening to the security manager Franco Unccini, it won't be so easy to hold her...
Mandalika bitumen is falling apart
We read thus on GP One : " we are afraid of doing the Grand Prix in these conditions. We talk to those in charge and we have made them understand and demonstrate what the problems are. We are therefore looking for the solution to do the GP in complete safety and tranquility. ". Among the officials, we comment: “ we still need a few days. It's true that there are stones in the asphalt that are deteriorating, but the situation is not irremediable, and there are parts more damaged than others. The most obvious problems occur from turns 1 to 5 and also at the last. In a very short time, however, we will be able to give you the solution ».
We are therefore waiting for what happens next, knowing that a postponement of the meeting in an already tight schedule seems unthinkable. Just like a cancellation in view of the investments made and the political issues. But driving in these conditions seems just as unimaginable.
In the meantime, here is the official press release:
The Official MotoGP Pre-Season Test at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit saw the FIM MotoGP World Championship return to Indonesia for the first time in 25 years. The three track days were valuable for the drivers, teams and organization, allowing all parties to gain experience on the new circuit ahead of the inaugural Pertamina Indonesian Grand Prix.
The three days of testing also gave the organization and governing body the opportunity to ensure the venue complies with MotoGP standards and assess any necessary improvements ahead of the circuit's debut on the Championship calendar. of the FIM MotoGP World.
Feedback from drivers and teams regarding the track layout and its safety standards, including extensive tar and gravel runoff areas, has been overwhelmingly positive. During the test, two areas for improvement were identified, namely the cleanliness of the track surface and excess aggregate affecting certain parts of the circuit.
The FIM, which oversees the homologation of circuits, has communicated with the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) regarding these necessary improvements, which must be implemented at least seven days before the first Pertamina Indonesia Grand Prix.
Circuit owner ITDC has accepted the FIM's assessment and requests, demonstrating its high level of support and commitment to the sport. All parties responded 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 cutting-edge technology to ensure the entire surface meets MotoGP standards.
The FIM and Dorna would like to thank the ITDC for their incredible support and quick response. All parties would also like to assure our Indonesian fans, and all those around the world, that the 2022 Pertamina Indonesia Grand Prix will take place on the scheduled date, and that MotoGP is very much looking forward to returning to Lombok.
