Indonesia's Mandalika set for MotoGP in March 2022, WorldSBK in November 2021

Indonesia's new Mandalika street circuit now aiming for MotoGP race debut in March 2022, but could still host a World Superbike round and MotoGP test later this year.
Indonesia's Mandalika set for MotoGP in March 2022, WorldSBK in November 2021

Dorna and FIM officials were 'impressed' by the construction progress of Indonesia's new Mandalika street circuit during a visit this week.

However, whilst 'the target remains to host a World Superbike round on the 14th of November 2021... due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all parties involved agreed to hold the first FIM MotoGP World Championship Grand Prix at the track in the first part of the 2022 season, in principle during March.'

Until now, Mandilka had been listed as the official reserve circuit for the 2021 calendar and aiming for homologation in June.

Nonetheless, MotoGP bikes could yet be seen an Mandalika later this year with a possible test session alongside any Asian flyaway races, should they prove possible.

“I fully support the MotoGP event to be held in March 2022," said Indonesia State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir. "This is in line with the Indonesian government’s accelerated national vaccination programme. We want to guarantee the safety of both domestic and international visitors.”

A March date means Mandilka would probably be round two of the 2022 season, after the traditional Qatar opener, although there have also been rumours that Phillip Island might be moved forwards from October to the start of the year.

The visit to Lombok, where the circuit is under construction, was made by FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer Franco Uncini, Dorna Race Direction Representative Loris Capirossi and Dorna Sports Managing Director Carlos Ezpeleta.

“We thank the FIM and Dorna for coming and conducting the technical visit which went well and met their expectations," said President Director of ITDC Abdulbar M. Mansoer.

"By knowing the firm month for MotoGP event, we are assured of focusing on finishing the Mandalika International Street Circuit development project, while also maximizing the value that this world class sporting event has to offer.”

Indonesia's Mandalika set for MotoGP in March 2022, WorldSBK in November 2021

"The visit to Lombok was very successful and we can confirm that the Mandalika International Street Circuit will be one of the most important venues of the calendar in the future," said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

"We also know that the fans from Indonesia will attend massively and the GPs will become one of the most iconic ones of the whole season. Indonesia is a key market, not only for Dorna but for all the stakeholders of the Championship."

The last Indonesian motorcycle grand prix was held at Sentul in 1997.

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