3 10 月, 2021

Mandalika Circuit ready for holding WorldSBK Championship: MGPA

LOMBOK, INDONESIA, Oct 3, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The major work and the infrastructure at Mandalika Circuit, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, is nearly 100 percent complete, stated Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) CEO Ricky Baheramsjah. Supporting facilities - and vaccinations - are being accelerated in a bid to ensure the success of the MOTUL World Superbike (WorldSBK) Championship to be held at the Mandalika Circuit on November 19-21.An aerial view of construction works at the Mandalika Circuit, Mandalika Special Economic Zone, in the Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Indonesia. (ANTARA FOTO/Ahmad Subaidi: 7/6/2021)For the first time since 1997, WorldSBK returns to Indonesia for the final round of the 2021 season, set to take place at Mandalika Circuit. "The main work and circuit infrastructure are complete. Now, we are focusing on the operational aspects, including deploying the circuit staff and medical team as well as ensuring that we have adequate equipment," Baheramsjah said here on Saturday.As of September 9, work on the supporting facilities had reached near 100 percent completion, comprising pit building, helipad and medical center which have reached 100 percent completion with the race control building being 92.25-percent complete. The tunnel spanning 65.57 meters in the Northern circuit and the 117.77 meter tunnel in the Southern circuit had also reached 99 percent completion as of Sept. 9.As of August 4, the 17.36 kilometer bypass road linking Lombok International Airport with the Mandalika Tourism Special Economic Zone (KEK) had reached 81.17 percent completion. Meanwhile, access to the Circuit via the 748-meter road to Seger Beach and 244-meter road to Serenting Beach is ready.In terms of COVID-19 vaccination, coverage in West Nusa Tenggara as of September 8, had reached 18.95 percent for the first dose and 9.84 percent for the complete dose. Baheramsjah noted that the provision of 1,025 million vaccine doses is being expedited to achieve 70 percent coverage. "Hence, we target 45 thousand people per day," he stated.The committee has also prepared for traffic management at Lombok entrances, such as Bangsal Port, Lembar Port, Gili Mas Port, Kayangan Port and Lombok International Airport. Connectivity between Surabaya, the capital of East Java, and Bali to Mandalika has been strengthened, including managing the parking zones. "We are cooperating with the NTB Land Transport Organization (Organda) and have provided 46 Damri (state-owned busses)," he stated.The Circuit has received the praise of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, who, while attending the pre-launch at the Mandalika Grand Prix Association on September 23, observed that the track would 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 former MotoGP racer, with world championship achievements during1994-1998, said that he considered the Mandalika circuit very challenging. "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. "Changes occur quickly from one point to another. This means it will be a very tight race, the competition will be fierce and the riders will find racing on the circuit extraordinary. The winner will be determined on the last lap. Very interesting," Doohan concluded.Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MPGA): www.themandalikagp.com, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcmf-Ot_hJlf7MF8nG-dQ3QReporter: Juwita Trisna Rahayu, Editor: Fardah Assegaf, Copyright (C) Antara 2021 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

22 9 月, 2021

Mandalika Circuit to have Multiplier Effect on Lombok Tourism

LOMBOK, INDONESIA, Sep 22, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Mandalika International Circuit will have a multiplier effect on the development of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the welfare of residents in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara province and surrounding areas, a House of Representatives member said. The circuit is being prepared for MotoGP and other international racing championships.Tourists at Kuta Beach, Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Central Lombok, Indonesia, August 15, 2021. (ANTARA PHOTOS/Ahmad Subaidi/wsj/rst)According to a member of Commission X of the House of Representatives, Andreas Hugo Pareira, the Mandalika SEZ is a tourism complex with adequate area and is supported by all existing facilities. "I think Mandalika will become an inclusive area for the surrounding communities. There is an aspect of a multiplier effect for the benefit of the welfare of the community.""The Mandalika Circuit is expected to help drive the development and promotion of tourism in the Mandalika SEZ, Lombok, and also Indonesia," Andreas added. "The presence of the Mandalika Circuit is an awakening momentum in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic." The MotoGP Circuit at Mandalika, in the Central Lombok district, is expected to have an impact on the economic progress of the community and the local culture, observers said.Central Lombok culturalist Datu Tuan H Lalu Putria pointed out that the construction of the MotoGP Circuit will bring benefits to all parties, especially the local community. He also emphasized that the circuit will absorb many workers through micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and transportation services, among others."If the circuit is completed and MotoGP activities begin, then surely the human resources of the community can take part. So all parties must be prepared to welcome from now on," he said.The 4.31-km, 17-cornered Mandalika International Circuit is surrounded by panoramic views of the hills and the sea. The circuit's track has been constructed with the latest stone mastic asphalt (SMA) asphalt technology, which is said to be the best in the world, officials said.Reporter: Aji Cakti, Resinta SEditor: SuhartoCopyright (c) ANTARA 2021 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

29 8 月, 2021

Indonesia honored to host MotoGP pre-season at Mandalika

Lombok, Indonesia, Aug 29, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Indonesia is honored to host the MotoGP pre-season test at the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on February 11-13, 2022, Chief Strategic Communication Officer of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) Happy Harinto stated.Flyer of MotoGP Pre-season on February 11-13, 2022 at Mandalika Circuit. (ANTARA/HO/rst)"It is an honor for the Mandalika circuit, and for Indonesia, to be able to serve as a location for the pre-season test in 2022," Harinto told ANTARA on Saturday.Although counted as a new circuit, the Mandalika Circuit has also joined the World Superbike calendar as the host of the closing series on November 12-14 this year.Harinto believes this is an extraordinary opportunity for Indonesia, since not all countries can be trusted as locations for holding pre-season tests. Various aspects are tested during the pre-season test, starting from the physical racers, motorbikes, engines, chassis, tires, to clothes and helmets."Hence, basically everything is being tested from drivers to test technicians, so later standardization or technological specifications will be applied during the 2022 racing season," he stated. Most importantly, all MotoGP riders along with manufacturers and partners will come to the Mandalika circuit, he remarked.Harinto noted that this is an Indonesian automotive asset which will attract the world's attention. Indonesia should be able to take a cue from automotive industries of other countries."Hopefully, the future of Indonesia's automotive industry will be brighter," he emphasized. "This is an encouragement not only for the automotive, but also the tourism industry. We should package and manage the presence of a MotoGP class world event properly."Prior to Mandalika, MotoGP had scheduled a pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on February 5-6. The shakedown test session will also be held from January 31 to February 2 in Sepang, with attendees comprising test riders and rookies.After testing the latest motorcycle package in Malaysia, the racers will head to Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).Reporter: Nanien Y, Resinta SEditor: Sri HaryatiCopyright (c) ANTARA 2021 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

23 8 月, 2021

Indonesia’s Mandalika Circuit: Racing to end the 26-year wait

Lombok Island, Indonesia, Aug 23, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has completed the paving of the main track of the Special Road Area (JKK) of the 4.31-kilometer Mandalika Circuit in Central Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province. The completion of the work was marked by a ceremony held at corners 2 and 3 of the Mandalika International Street Circuit on Sunday (August 15, 2021).Photo Credit: ANTARA FOTO/Ahmad SubaidiThe ceremony was attended by NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah and members of his administration, Assistant Deputy of Tourism & Creative Economy, Minitstry of Maritime Affairs & Investment Sartin Hia, ITDC Director Abdulbar M Mansoer and ITDC boardmembers, Director of Infrastructure at PT PP Yul Ari Pramuraharjo, Head of Central Lombok District Lalu Pathul Bahri, and Director of Construction & Development at MGPA Dwianto Eko Winaryo.The completion of asphalting construction marked the Mandalika Circuit's readiness to host the international FIM Superbike World Championship (WSBK) from November 12-14, 2021, officials said.Advantage MandalikaDirector of construction and development of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), Dwianto Eko Winaryo, revealed that the newest Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), said to be the best in the world, was used for the Mandalika International Circuit, giving it an edge over even Malaysia's Sepang Circuit."Not all circuits in the world use this type of asphalt. Because the product was only released in 2015. Several circuits with SMA are Silverstone, Dubai, and Philip Island. Not even Sepang (has used SMA) because it was built in 2012," he informed during Sunday's ceremony.SMA is an asphalt mixture that is used to coat the top surface of the asphalt, Winaryo explained. The asphalt layer is intended to strengthen the structure of the surface layer of the track so that it remains strong through stone-by-stone contact, he added."This type of asphalt has a high penetration power or Penetration Grade (PG) 82. And this PG 82 was only released in 2014-2015, so not all circuits in the world use this kind of asphalt," said Wiaryo. "There are a number of advantages of using SMA. One advantage is that the track remains non-slippery when there is rain. This reduces the risk of accidents during rains. To support the asphalting progress using SMA, the MGPA brought in coarse aggregate Tau stone from Palu, Central Sulawesi - famous for its hardness. But for the underlay asphalt, we used stone from North Lombok and East Lombok. Seven thousand tons of Palu stone were transported in two stages for the asphalting."In addition, MGPA brought in cellulose fiber additives from Germany to glue the stone and asphalt. Meanwhile, the limestone filler was brought in from Ponorogo and Probolinggo, East Java" he said. "So, we brought the best in the world to the Mandalika circuit," he emphasized.A scenic viewAutomotive expert Arief Kurniawan said if all its facilities are properly equipped, the Mandalika Circuit will become the new favorite track for racing. He believes that the Mandalika Circuit would be able to beat even the Sepang Circuit, Malaysia and Chang Circuit, Thailand, which have already hosted MotoPG events.The Mandalika Circuit has a natural selling point with its location, he pointed out. "The circuit has a unique selling point, the location is in a special economic area, and the beach is also beautiful. Even though the access (to the) road is still difficult, but in the next four to five years the access will be easy, it takes a process," Kurniawan stated."Surrounded by panoramic views of the hills and the sea on the southern coast of Lombok Island, the Mandalika International Street Circuit is set to later become the only roadway circuit in the MotoGP calendar," he added. "The circuit's paddock area can accommodate 40 garages, while the main tribune has a capacity of more than 50 thousand seats."While the standing tribune is designed to hold approximately 138 thousand people and hospitality suites are planned to accommodate 7,700 people. The paddock area, main tribune, standing tribune, and hospitality suites will not be permanent and can be dismantled when there is no racing, including the circuit track that can be converted into a highway," he noted.Fastest constructionDirector of PT Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Abdulbar M Mansoer, claimed the construction work of the main track in the Special Area Road (JKK) has been the fastest, ever. "Work on this circuit began on June 15, 2020 and finished by August 15, 2021, or one year and one month, and this is the fastest in the world. We want to finish the construction quickly since we aim to host the 2021 MotoGP," Mansoer explained."The installation of concrete barriers and the construction of tunnels has been completed, which will serve as the audience's access to the circuit area, the service area, the hotel, and other facilities in the track area. Overall, the construction work on the Mandalika International Street Circuit is around 92 percent complete, he said. Work is in progress on other supporting facilities, such as the race control and foundation pit building," he added."Currently, we are preparing a medical center equipped with a helipad. The operation and procurement of medical equipment for medical facilities are supported by the Ministry of Health. Overall, the construction of the JKK has approached 92 percent," Mansoer remarked.The circuit is expected to be completed by September 12, 2021, or before the FIM Superbike World Championship (WSBK), an international motorcycle racing event, scheduled to be held from November 12-14, 2021. The Circuit's homologation virtual assessment was conducted on August 12 this year and attended by representatives from Dorna Sport, the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) and ITDC's subsidiary, MGPA. "The assessment was the world's first virtual assessment of the circuit track and was carried out in a professional manner," Mansoer remarked. "We are very grateful that during the virtual assessment, Dorna Sport expressed their positive feedback and confidence in the construction progress of the Mandalika Circuit."He said he was optimistic that the Mandalika Circuit can end Indonesia's 26-year wait for hosting international motorcycle racing.By Riza F, Resinta SEditor: Rahmad NasutionCOPYRIGHT (C) ANTARA 2021 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

28 7 月, 2021

Mandalika Circuit could emerge as favorite in racing world: Expert

Lombok Island, Indonesia, Jul 28, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Mandalika Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, which is expected to be completed by 2022, has the potential to become a new favorite in the international racing world, an expert has said. "Once it is finished, this circuit will be gorgeous, and the track is flowing. This fast circuit will be the new favorite in the international racing world," motorsport aficionado Arief Kurniawan told ANTARA last Thursday (July 22, 2021).Mandalika Circuit has a unique selling point: It is in the Special Economic Zone (KEK Mandalika), surrounded by beautiful beaches and the Indian Ocean.Dorna Sports S.L. has designated Mandalika Circuit as one of the venues for MotoGP.Mandalika's developer, the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), is targeting completion of the 4.3-km circuit with 17 corners to meet the specifications and pass the homologation test of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM).The Mandalika Grand Prix Association, the circuit's promoter and operator, noted that as of mid-July this year, construction work on the circuit was 81.42 percent complete. Meanwhile, work on the run-off gravel, run-off grass, north tunnel and retaining wall, outer and inner service road, and concrete barrier installation was more than 95 percent complete.Speaking on the construction progress, Kurniawan observed the circuit has not been able to meet FIM's requirements since the paddock has not been built. "But even without the homologation qualification, Mandalika Circuit has been chosen by World Superbike (WSBK) to host the championship on November 14 this year, while the plan to host MotoGP had to be postponed until March next year."Work on the circuit's asphalt and track lane is expected to be finished by the end of July 2021, before FIM's representatives inspect it for homologation, at least three months before the event, to determine the circuit's eligibility as a venue for the world racing championship, he said.To meet FIM's requirements, the asphalt, run-off, pitstop, paddock building, health facility and helipad need to be completed and a hospital provided in the surrounding area. Once completed, Mandalika Circuit will be comparable to circuits such as Sepang, Malaysia and Chang, Thailand, already well-known as MotoGP venues, Kurniawan said."Because Mandalika Circuit has a unique selling point: It is in the Special Economic Zone (KEK Mandalika), surrounded by beautiful beaches and the Indian Ocean. We will also add polish to make the circuit more accessible in the next four years," he remarked.Forty garages have been made available within the circuit's paddock area and the main tribune has been prepared to accommodate 50 thousand seats, while the standing tribune will hold 138 thousand people, Kurniawan informed. The circuit will also house hospitality suites for 7,700 people.The paddock, main tribune, standing tribune and hospitality suites can be dismantled, and the circuit track can function as a normal roadway when there is no racing schedule, explained Kurniawan. Surrounded by panoramic hills and the beaches of South Lombok Island, the Mandalika Circuit would be the only street circuit made part of the MotoGP agenda.Mandalika Grand Prix Association: https://mandalikagrandprix.com/, https://youtu.be/0bYkZYUxW-sReporters: Aditya W, Resinta Sulistiyanda Copyright (c) ANTARA 2021 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)