The premier class moved to the new Mandalika circuit to celebrate the second week of pre-season testing in 2022, after the first ones that took place in Sepang. The MotoGP riders had serious problems on their debut on the Indonesian track, and from the start they complained about the state of the asphalt.
At 4.3 km long, it is an urban layout, although it is not open to traffic, and it will host the second round of the season. However, until the bikes roll again to seek victory, it will be necessary for the organizers to solve the dirt problems that the riders have suffered.
One of those who experienced it most closely was Marc Márquez, who lost control of his Honda RC213V for a moment in one of the start tests and almost went into the wall. The rider from Cervera skidded with the rear wheel towards the wall that separates the main straight from the pitlane, but managed to regain the reins of his machine before the watchful eye of Emilio Alzamora .
The Catalan’s manager seems to have been even more frightened than the rider himself, who returned to the garage and took off his helmet with a huge smile joking with his technicians.
The #93 finished the day in second position, less than two tenths from the fastest of the day, Luca Marini, who was able to set a time of 1’31”289 with the Ducati VR46 .
The problems with the dirt on the track were exposed by several riders, such as Alex Rins or Aleix Espargaró.
“The circuit is not ready for a grand prix. The first thing we will ask is to improve the conditions of the asphalt. If they have to drive ten hours by car, let them do it,” said the Suzuki rider after riding for the second consecutive day at the circuit. Mandalika.
“The track was not in conditions to ride, a lot of mud and dust and each rider, together with his team, must decide when to ride or not,” commented the Aprilia rider. “I’m not here to clean tracks, unless my boss tells me that he can force me to go out in a swimsuit if he wants.”
