The MotoGP pre-season test at the Mandalika Circuit, West Nusa Tenggara, is over. The racers expressed the impression of trying out the recently opened circuit.
For Indonesia, this is the first time to host again after 25 years. Previously, the MotoGP event was held at the Sentul Circuit, Bogor.
For three consecutive days, from 11-13 February 2022, Marc Marquez and others got to know the Mandalika Circuit for the first time, which has a track length of 4.31 km with 17 corners.
The first time I saw - not using a motorbike - these MotoGP racers were impressed. Because, the circuit which has the name Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit is in a natural area, right on the edge of the beach and hill.
When using the 'iron horse', these riders feel that the track at the Mandalika Circuit makes their racing clothes and motorbikes dirty.
A quick wipe down for @polespargaro after his first laps at the #MandalikaTest pic.twitter.com/VWOf60y6sp
— Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP) February 11, 2022
In addition, Alex Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo complained about the presence of gravel around the track which made them injured.
However, this problem was immediately addressed by the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) by cleaning the Mandalika Circuit track so that it could be safely passed by the riders.
"It's dirty because of tire debris, it's only natural because it was crossed by motorbikes today," said Priandhi to the media crew at the Media Center of the Mandalika Circuit, Friday (11/2) afternoon WITA.
The man who is familiarly called Andi added that the marshal had moved quickly to clear the track. The next pre-season test can run smoothly.
"The Marshal worked hard to clean up and make everything run smoothly. We have to appreciate them. The use of red flags is also a natural thing," he continued.
In addition to the evaluation of this pre-season test, the Mandalika Circuit will continue to improve until the peak of MotoGP will be held on March 20. The Mandalika MotoGP will be the second series, after the first series at the Qatar MotoGP.
What an incredible place! The Mandalika Circuit is firmly in the category of most beautiful circuits in the world ❤️
Amazing place! Mandalika Circuit is the most beautiful circuit in the world ❤️#MandalikaTest pic.twitter.com/J3A1qyWKAC
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) February 12, 2022
Primer día de test en el Mandalika Circuit 😍
First day of test at the Mandalika Circuit!#MM93 #MandalikaTest #indonesia pic.twitter.com/rjXXebawJe
— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) February 11, 2022