After seeing the track simulation and the layout, it is really great. It is a fast track, which means the race will be great and interesting for the driversMataram (ANTARA) - Former MotoGP legend Mick Doohan's statement that the scenic beauty of Mandalika circuit will blur the line between racing and holidaying for spectators and competitors has given a positive boost to the circuit, an official said.
Doohan's endorsement is a positive for the province of West Nusa Tenggara and Indonesia, director of strategy and communication of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), Happy Harianto, said at Mandalika Beach, Mandalika Special Economic Zone, Central Lombok on Monday.
"So, Mick Doohan's statement is a good campaign for Indonesia. This is because only in Mandalika, the drivers and the audience can have fun at the same time," he added.
Even though the Mandalika MotoGP circuit is a new circuit, it is one of the fastest to be built, he pointed out.
Related news: West Nusa Tenggara ready to host WSBK championship: Governor
Another circuit that was also built in a short time, namely the Buriram Circuit in Thailand, took four years, he said.
"Why is Mandalika the fastest circuit to build? Because it is to increase tourism, especially automotive sports in Indonesia," Harianto remarked.
In addition, he also said that the Mandalika Circuit has several unique features as it has 17 corners, while other circuits in the world only have about 14 or 15 bends.
"That is the uniqueness of Mandalika. For the fight for the World Superbike title later, the final series is in Mandalika," Harianto remarked.
Related news: WSBK series on Mandalika Circuit postponed to November 19-21
He also claimed to be satisfied, especially since on February 13-14 2022, a MotoGP pre-season test will be carried out at the Mandalika Circuit.
"The pre-season test will be held at Mandalika. The temperature and the wind at Mandalika is extraordinary. It is a challenge for tires and engines. Technology, shoes, helmets, everything will be tested here. So, we must be grateful because Mandalika is the center of research. We will follow the health protocol formulated by the government," he said.
The race schedule at the Mandalika Circuit is set for November this year. The circuit, which is located in Lombok, received praise from MotoGP legend, Mick Doohan, who, while attending the pre-launching Mandalika Grand Prix Association last Thursday (September 23, 2021), had said the scenic environs of the track will blur the distinction between racing and holidaying.
"I am afraid that racers will not be able to distinguish between racing and vacation. Because the concept of the Mandalika circuit can be called a race tour, so here, racers, spectators and all those involved in the Mandalika MotoGP can enjoy the atmosphere of the circuit concept that is attached to this beach," Doohan remarked.
The racer, with world championship achievements in the 1994-1998 MotoGP, also said he considered the Mandalika circuit very challenging. He made this observation after seeing the design and layout of the circuit.
Related news: Construction of BIL-Mandalika Bypass for WSBK is 90-percent complete
"After seeing the track simulation and the layout, it is really great. It is a fast track, which means the race will be great and interesting for the drivers," Doohan said.
He added that the characteristics of the Mandalika circuit will trigger very fast changes from one point to another. He also predicted that the competition will be fierce and the riders will find racing on the circuit extraordinary.
"Changes occur quickly from one point to another. This means it will be a very tight race. The winner will be determined on the last lap. Very interesting," Doohan said.
As reported earlier, the race schedule at the Mandalika circuit has been published on the official World Superbike (WBSK) website. The race at Mandalika will be Round 13 of the season.
The series will be held from November 19-21, 2021. Tickets to the event can be purchased online through the official website.
The Superbike race in Mandalika will follow Round 11 in Portugal (October 1-3, 2021) and Round 12 in Argentina (October 15-17, 2021).
Related news: PON: Desak Rita wins gold for Bali in sport climbing
Related news: Roxana carries South Kalimantan's hopes for gold in wrestling
Translator: Imansyah, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
