Mandalika Circuit: Welcoming MotoGP 2021 and Its Latest Developments

The Mandalika Circuit is an international standard street circuit prepared for the MotoGP 2021 race. For the first time, Indonesia is hosting MotoGP and is currently building the track for this prestigious event.

According to the official MotoGP website, the international racing event will take place in October 2021 at the Mandalika Circuit, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

As the end of 2020 approaches, construction and infrastructure development are still ongoing. The Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), as the MotoGP promoter, aims to complete the Mandalika Circuit work for MotoGP Indonesia by July 2021. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, what is the progress?

Recently, the Chief Strategic and Communication Officer of MGPA stated that the construction progress of the Mandalika Circuit is nearing 50 percent. The construction work includes earthworks, drainage installation, and the sub-base process, which is the layer before asphalt.

Based on data collected in early September 2020, the earthworks progress has reached 428,125 square meters or 81.57 percent. The installation of the surrounding precast concrete fence has reached 85.23 percent. The track excavation has reached 84.47 percent, and the earth embankment work is at 29.25 percent.

Unfortunately, with the completion target set for July 2021, the Mandalika Circuit will not be able to hold pre-season tests. However, it can be ensured that every rider will be able to try out the track before actually competing, as this is one of the homologation requirements from the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

It is important to note that the Mandalika Circuit construction project involves 7,500 workers! Meanwhile, 300 local residents have been appointed as technical staff for the project.

Mandalika Circuit Design

The Mandalika Circuit construction project in Lombok, NTB is being accelerated to be completed by July 2021. Through the Instagram account @motogp, a 3D render video design can already be seen as a depiction of the Mandalika Circuit in the future.

The Mandalika Circuit is built with a street circuit concept. It will certainly be different from existing circuits such as in Monaco, Singapore, and especially Macau, as the Mandalika Circuit offers exotic views such as hills and beaches. Additionally, when not in use, this circuit can be accessed by local residents.

This circuit, with a track length of 4.32 kilometers, consists of 17 corners and has runoff areas like modern circuits. Safety features are also ensured to be complete and meet world-class safety standards, such as the availability of evacuation routes in case of incidents or disasters.

Another uniqueness is that the Mandalika Circuit is the first track homologated for the MotoGP championship. The track characteristics are also considered balanced because there are nine left turns and eight right turns, providing advantages for riders and preventing tires from wearing out on one side only.

Three braking points are created at Turn 1, 10, and 16, while the rest has minimal engine braking and is more flowing. Thus, riders cannot only rely on speed but also on suspension, bike settings, and their skills. Such track conditions are believed to provide more entertainment for spectators.  

Indonesia also has a Mandalika Racing Team that will compete in the MotoGP 2021 event.

Location of Mandalika Circuit

The MotoGP 2021 event at the Mandalika Circuit will adopt a ‘street race’ concept similar to the circuits in Monaco and Singapore, but with beautiful coastal views and hills. Looking at its location, the Mandalika Circuit is situated on the eastern side of Indonesia. The exact location is on Lombok Island, between Bali and Sumbawa.

Mandalika itself is part of the Central Lombok Regency and is a part of Indonesia's Special Economic Zone (KEK) for tourism. It covers an area of approximately 1,000 hectares, and if traveling by plane, the travel time is about 2-3 hours.

Since May 2020, the construction of a 17.4-kilometer Bypass road leading to the Mandalika Circuit has begun. This Bypass road project will facilitate spectators wanting to watch MotoGP 2021 at the Mandalika Circuit from Lombok International Airport (BIL). The BIL Bypass road is being constructed with a width of 50 meters and four lanes, equipped with sidewalks. Additionally, flood control infrastructure in the Mandalika KEK area is being built along 5 kilometers and is targeted for completion by December 2020.

Luxury Facilities in the Mandalika Circuit Area

The Mandalika Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara has various special features as it is built in the middle of a Special Economic Zone (KEK). The 4.32-kilometer track surrounded by beach views, golf courses, solar cell farms, and hills is guaranteed to make riders and spectators comfortable when visiting the Mandalika Circuit.

Designed as a world-class circuit, the Mandalika Circuit is expected to accommodate around 150,000 spectators. This does not include two special grandstands on the hills that can hold more than 30,000 people. Spectators can watch their favorite riders from the top of the hill!

The Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is known to be focused on building and managing tourism areas outside Bali, namely Mandalika tourism, NTB. The circuit, built on an area of 105.40 hectares, will be equipped with various excellent facilities, including a COEX (Convention-Exhibition) Building, a Hospital, and shopping areas.

The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) will also build a Promenade in Gerupuk Village, Central Lombok Regency, which will become one of the tourist destinations along with the MotoGP 2021 event.

For those of you who only have a little budget but are very curious to watch MotoGP 2021, don’t worry! A total of 750 homestay accommodations will also be built by the Ministry of PUPR along with a self-help housing program, commonly known as home renovation for 2,300 units, so that tourists will not have difficulty finding accommodation when visiting the Mandalika tourist area.

Pre-booking Tickets Sold Out

From January 20 to February 20, 2020, MGPA as the promoter has opened pre-booking tickets for watching MotoGP 2021 at the Mandalika Circuit. Pre-booking refers to the tickets for watching MotoGP 2021 that will be prioritized for purchasing ticket slots once the prices and classes are officially released by Dorna MotoGP.

In less than a month, 3,200 pre-booking tickets have been sold out of a total of 10,000 tickets. Due to the enthusiasm of MotoGP fans continuing to rise, the pre-booking ticket sales schedule has been extended, and the quota has been increased to 20,000 tickets.

The Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) recently mentioned that the price of MotoGP tickets will start from Rp 295 thousand. The MotoGP will be held over three days. The first day is Testing Day, the second day is Qualification Day, and the third is Race Day. The ticket prices each day will also vary, but the Race Day ticket is expected to be the most expensive compared to other days.

Spectators who purchase the cheapest tickets are expected to be able to enter the circuit area but will not have seats. This will certainly be different from those who purchase grandstand seats. There will also be class or zoning divisions in each grandstand with varying prices.

Although it is not yet confirmed when the organizers will release the official ticket price list for MotoGP 2021, let’s start saving now to buy plane tickets, accommodation, and watch your favorite riders at the Mandalika Circuit!

Author: Dinno Baskoro