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THE END of July, which is only days away, is the deadline for the Mandalika Circuit developer before the final homologation process from the FIM international motorcycle racing federation to determine the feasibility of the circuit in Lombok, NTB as a World Superbike and MotoGP venue later.
Carrying the official name of the Mandalika International Street Circuit, the 4.3 km long track with 17 corners built on the Mandalika Special Zone Road will be the only highway circuit that is part of the MotoGP calendar.
However, in order to get the green light to host the world’s most prestigious motorcycle racing world championship, the Mandalika Circuit must meet the standards set by the FIM during the final inspection.
Usually, homologation for a permanent circuit must be completed three months before the day of the race, in this case the Mandalika Circuit must meet Grade B for the World Superbike event on November 12-14 as the season-ending series and Grade A for MotoGP.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s ambition to host MotoGP in October this year has not been realized when in April the Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir, decided to postpone the plan to next year following a visit by FIM safety inspectors with Managing Director of Dorna Sports Carlos Ezpeleta to Mandalika.
Although the developer and manager of the Mandalika area, namely the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), believes that the progress of the construction of the Mandalika Circuit is going according to the timeline for homologation, various reactions have emerged. There are those who are optimistic, while others are anxious about reflecting on the reality on the ground.
“We are satisfied with the progress of JKK’s work to date and ensure that the work will continue according to the timeline, including the homologation target in the second half of 2021,” said Managing Director of ITDC The Mandalika, Bram Subiandoro, in a written statement last month.
“We hope that all construction activities run smoothly and optimally to welcome the upcoming World Superbike (WSBK) event in November at The Mandalika,” said Bram.
The Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) as the circuit operator and promoter is also diligent in providing updates on the progress of the Mandalika Circuit construction by utilizing social media to reach audiences.
In its upload, MGPA stated that until mid-July, the cumulative progress of construction work had reached 81.42 percent, with almost 100 percent completed works, including run-off gravel (99%), grass run-off (95%), tunnel & retaining. north wall (98%), outer & inner service road (95%) and concrete barrier installation (99%).
“When it is finished, this is a very good, beautiful, flowing circuit, including a fast circuit. It will be the new prima donna for racing,” said automotive observer Arief Kurniawan when contacted by Antara this week.
The former editor-in-chief of Tabloid Bola admitted that he was very enthusiastic about Indonesia being the host of an international-level race, but was one of those who was worried about the homologation target given the progress.
“The reality is here, if you look at the update, it is still far from the requirements because the paddock doesn’t exist yet,” said Arief.
“We’re not talking about the COVID situation first, but talking about the FIM textbook. If this inspection is usually a complete package… in a sense, a complete circuit, of course, includes asphalt, run-off, and other facilities such as pits and paddock buildings , access to the medical center, helipad, and where is the hospital,” Arief continued.
According to Arief, the medical standard from the FIM is the most difficult thing that must be met because the availability of medical services is absolute to ensure the safety and security of the riders.
Currently Mandalika Hospital has been prepared at a location approximately 13km from the circuit, and the construction of a 17.3km bypass road is being accelerated as direct access from Lombok International Airport to the Mandalika Circuit.
In line with Arief, Ezpeleta when met by Antara in Lombok during the pre-homologation last April revealed that, “for homologation, everything must be completed including marshal, medical, medical center, and the track itself.”
“Of course, everyone knows there is still a lot to be done… but we can’t wait to see MotoGP here and we are sure the MotoGP riders will like it,” said Ezpeleta.
New prima donna
Indonesia is undeniably one of the biggest markets for MotoGP with a very large fan base and millions of dollars that have been poured by a number of Indonesian brands to teams competing in various world championship classes.
However, you could say that the largest archipelagic country in Southeast Asia is not a country that has a strong heritage or tradition in the world of motorsport.
However, it is never too late to start with the success of neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Thailand which have had success becoming a regular part of the MotoGP calendar.
“If I say that Indonesia should be the host country first, but routinely, don’t lose it for a year or two, like in Sentul before, only 96-97 years were gone,. If you want to be considered a motorsports host country with a strong tradition, the events must also be held regularly,” said Arief.
Arief explained that if this Mandalika is later completed, Masyaallah it will all ‘pass’. Because this circuit and its location are really good, it’s very beautiful. If all the circuit facilities are complete and meet FIM standards, Arief is sure that the Mandalika Circuit can become the new prima donna for the racing world.
“If the selling language is Mandalika, it has a unique selling point, the place is in a special economic area, the beach is also beautiful. It is indeed difficult to access it, but in the next four to five years the access will be easy, it takes a process,” he said.
Not to mention the enormous branding power of the MotoGP racing event itself which will raise Indonesia’s prestige in the eyes of the world, thereby increasing the confidence of manufacturers and international companies to establish partnerships.
“This means that when it is held, Indonesia has become part of the global players that this country is safe, advanced, friendly country because people don’t have to worry about coming to Indonesia because they can hold (races) successfully,” Arief added.
However, he continued, achieving that euphoria would take a long way. Again, we have to be realistic. The reality is that we are still far from the fire. But I’m sure that my friends at MGPA and ITDC are enthusiastic and confident. And this is also supported by the president, and indeed, God willing, this Mandalika MotoGP must be done, who knows when, if possible 2022, thank God.
“If you haven’t, I don’t think you will be discouraged because I believe this could be a ‘wow’ at any time. The wow effect will be big in Mandalika,” he concluded. [antaranews/photo special]
