LOMBOK TO HOST MOTO GP RACE
JAKARTA POST
LOMBOK TO HOST MOTO GP RACE
Riza Roidila Mufti and Ramadani Saputra
Indonesia will host a world-class motor racing event for the first time after more than two decades as the country has secured a deal with Dorna Sports’ MotoGP for a slot in the 2021 season.
The country had held two consecutive MotoGP stints at the Sentul International Circuit in Bogor, West Java, in 1996 and 1997. Legend Valentino Rossi of Italy won Indonesia’s 125 cc title in 1997.
Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a state-owned company, sealed the deal with Dorna for the prestigious motorcycle race. The event is to be held on a new circuit in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone on the island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), which was hit by a devastating series of earthquakes last year.
“We signed a contract in Madrid on Jan. 29 with Dorna, the MotoGP operator, and Mandalika’s street circuit is targeted to have its first race in 2021. Now, we will focus on establishing the venue, infrastructure and facilities,” ITDC president director Abdulbar M. Mansoer told the press on Tuesday.
The deal includes hosting the race as well as developing the circuit.
The construction of the 4.32-kilometer racetrack through beautiful scenery from mountains to pristine beaches is part of the effort to turn Mandalika into a world-class tourist destination.