Why is the MotoGP Mandalika circuit so curious?

February 12, 2022

The Mandalika International Street Circuit is an urban circuit that, despite not opening its doors to traffic on a regular basis, its street condition is a precursor to the so-called ‘modern era’ in MotoGP.

Mandalika was the scene of the WSBK 2021 final in November, and since then the circuit has not reopened its doors to competition. As is logical, the lack of utility, added to the construction work and the unpredictable weather conditions typical of the island of Lombok, took their toll on the Indonesian track, resulting in a red flag on the first day of official pre-season testing.

The dirt and dust on the track -caused by the rain- were the protagonists of Friday at Mandalika, receiving warnings from the drivers, who were forced to contribute to cleaning the asphalt after a meeting with Dorna Sports .

“Dangerous” and “unmanageable” were some of the most repeated terms in the statements that MotoGP stars used to consider the state of the track. However, 25 years later, the seventeen curves of Mandalika have made all the drivers of the premier class agree on something: their incomparable character.

With a mix of fast and slow corners, plus a not-too-long main straight, tire condition and grip are paramount. The speed on the track rises significantly based on the changes of direction, which supposes an extra effort, again, incomparable, with other layouts.

The charismatic design and its technique are the bases of the attractiveness of the Indonesian circuit. Six curves to the right and eleven to the left make up the mold of the 4.3 km long blank track, ready to fill the history of MotoGP with unforgettable overtaking and memorable moments on the circuit.

Mandalika lands in the world championship for the first time since 1997 to offer, in all probability, almost 5 km of pure fun on the heavenly track of Lombok.

The Indonesian asphalt is added to the calendar of the 2022 season as the second test of the year, two weeks after Qatar (March 6) and serving as a prelude to the appointment in Argentina (April 3).

And we already know one thing: it leaves no one indifferent.