Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo completed a lap of the new Mandala International Circuit in Lombok on his Kawasaki this Friday, November 12, 2021, to inaugurate the country's first world-class race track.
The 4,3 kilometer circuit is due to host a series of motorcycle Grands Prix starting with the Asia Talent Cup last weekend. It will move on to a more important stage next weekend because it will host the final round of the World Superbike Championship, decisive in deciding between Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) for the drivers' title. Then in March comes the long-awaited race for which the circuit was built: the Indonesian round of the MotoGP World Championship.
In addition to the circuit, a 17-kilometer road connecting the Mandalika Special Economic Zone and Lombok International Airport was completed earlier, President Jokowi said in his address. “Travel time between the airport and Mandalika is reduced to just 15 minutes,” the president said, still wearing his helmet and leathers.
“The Mandalika circuit, which is 4,3 kilometers long and built with the latest asphalt technology – stone cast asphalt, has also been completed and is ready for use ", he added. The circuit can accommodate around 200 visitors, including 000 in the stands. “Here we have 17 tight corners which I found very difficult, but maybe they pose no problem for the drivers”, added the President.
He delivered the speech after completing a lap of the track in wet conditions, accompanied by other figures such as People's Consultative Assembly Chairman Bambang Soesatyo and Jakarta Legislative Council Chairman Prasetyo Edi Marsudi.
The Minister of Public Enterprises, Erick Thohir, acted as Race Director and waved the checkered flag at the finish line.
“The Mandalika circuit is new and it rained just before my lap, so I limited my pace,” joked the Indonesian president, before adding that “Despite not speeding, I suppose the other drivers were far behind me. »
His bike is a cafe racer built on a Kawasaki W175 base, and was supplied by custom machine builder Katros Garage. This one has a green livery with the presidential markings “RI-1” on the screen and the rear fairing.
