MotoGP: No, the Indonesian Grand Prix is ​​not new

Indeed, it may seem strange, but the Indonesian Grand Prix scheduled for Lombok on the circuit of Mandalika won't be the first. In the mid-1990s, the paddock had already visited the archipelago twice.

The Sentul circuit, located on the western part of the island of Java, was designed in the early 1990s. The idea was simple: try to welcome Formula 1 to Southeast Asia. For the moment, the country only had a precarious route located north of the capital Jakarta

President Suharto, favorable to this idea, then finalized the project in Sentul during the year 1993. Unfortunately, the too narrow and short appearance (initially designed larger but shortened because of the adjacent river) made it unsuitable to accommodate the Formula 1, primary objective of the Indonesian authorities.

On the other hand, the Superbike world championship is interested! From 1994 to 1997, the world WSBK settles down there, quickly joined by the motorcycle Grands Prix.

It was at this period that DORNA decided to look into this new market with great potential. Indeed, the motorcycle is one of the preferred means of transport in this part of the world; it is therefore not difficult to attract enthusiasts, the Thailand Grand Prix This is the proof.

Sold ! In 1996, Indonesia will have its Grand Prix, sponsored by Marlboro. In 125cc, the Aprilia of Masaki Tokudome wins by nothing against the Honda of Haruchika Aoki, the youngest in the family. The inevitable Tetsuya Harada carries out a real quarter-litre hold-up, imposing the only competitive Yamaha in the field! Max Biaggi, specialist in the category, is second. Ralf Waldmann completes the podium.

On the 500cc side, the inevitable Mick doohan wins again and heads towards a third world title. Next Alex Barros, also on Honda and Luca Cadalora, the only well-ranked representative of Yamaha The world championship did it again in 1997! On the other hand, the Grand Prix has this time been moved to the end of the season.

The young Valentino Rossi, just world champion, takes control of the 125cc race, while his long-time rival Max Biaggi wins in 250cc. Let us note the beautiful 3rd place of our Olivier Jacque national during this race. Thunderclap in 500cc! Mick Doohan, on a streak of 10 consecutive victories, lets himself be picked off by Tadayuki Okada on the line for less than a tenth. No harm done, he was already titled with four races remaining. Doohan in the text.

This is the first victory in 500cc for the man who is undoubtedly the greatest Japanese rider of all time. Then comes the terrible Asian economic crisis of 1997 and the stopping of the Grand Prix. Indonesia has not escaped the bursting of the bubble and is suffering, like many countries in South-East Asia. The country passes its turn.

However, it is difficult to re-enter after going out. Moreover, Sepang, the jewel of Only, opened in 1999 and offers much better facilities in the neighboring country: Malaysia. It is the end… until 2017! In fact, a new “urban” route had been in the works since that date. We first thought of a return to Feel, still in operation, but there is a lack of funds to upgrade it.

Since 2015, a brand new circuit claiming to be “road” (even if it only has the name) has been under construction in the East, in the province of the Western Lesser Sunda Islands, more precisely on the island from Lombok. Mandalika is open in 2021, directly released by Superbike.

Officially on the 2022 MotoGP calendar, riders were able to discover it this winter, as well as its particularly dirty track. But never mind ! The authorities are currently doing everything possible to ensure that everything goes smoothly, “improving” roads and slums.

Watch out for the time difference! Meet early in the night for the small categories and at eight o'clock for the MotoGP. What do you think of this new establishment in this part of the world? Are you looking forward to it? Tell us in comments