Chairman of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and Chairman of the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) Bambang Soesatyo with Safety Officer of The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Franco Uncini, as well as the son of the CEO of Dorna Sports Carmelo Ezpeleta, Carlos Ezpeleta who is also the Managing Director of Dorna Sports, and Race Direction Dorna Sports Loris Capirossi , visited Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to conduct a pre-homologation inspection of the Mandalika Circuit. This trip is aim at ensuring that the Mandalika Circuit is ready to host the world motorcycle racing championships, MotoGP and WSBK (World Superbike).

“The MotoGP Lombok 2021: The Story Behind The New Indonesian Circuit “Mandalika”

“So far, the FIM as the world motorbike sports federation, as well as Dorna Sports as the organizer of the MotoGP and WSBK, have always monitored the development of the Mandalika Circuit through video. This time they have been invited to see how the current condition of the Mandalika Circuit development. Including the condition of infrastructure and facilities development such as airport, hotels, homestays, UMKM industrial centers, hospitals, also the progress of vaccination of the people of NTB. “One full day we will take them around NTB”, said Bambang Soesatyo in a press conference with FIM and Dorna Sports, at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta, before taking off to Lombok, NTB, Wednesday morning (7/4/21).

Also, among others there were the President Director of the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) Abdulbar M. Mansoer, Head Advisor of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) Prasetyo Edi Marsudi who is also the Advisor of the Central IMI and Chairman of DPRD DKI Jakarta, MGPA CEO Ricky Baheramsjah, Chief Strategic Communication Officer MGPA Happy Harinto, as well as the Deputy Chairman of International and Event IMI Judiarto.

The chairman of the 20th DPR RI explained that hosting the world’s largest and most prestigious motorcycle racing championships, MotoGP and WSBK, is an honor and a pride for Indonesia. Everything started from a dream, which is now slowly becoming a reality thanks to the full support of FIM and Dorna Sports.

“After being absent from MotoGP for 23 years in Indonesia since 1997, we will finally be hosting it at the Mandalika circuit in Lombok, NTB. By hosting MotoGP and WSBK, Indonesia will have many advantages, from country branding, tourism to the multiplier effect economy. Apart from, of course increasing the passion for motorbike sports, as well as motivating the young talents of Indonesian racers to compete in prestigious world competitions such as MotoGP and WSBK, “explained  Bambang Soesatyo.

The Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also appreciated President Joko Widodo for mobilizing all resources and efforts through all government agencies in the successful implementation of MotoGp and WSBK. Not to forget also the roles of ITDC, MGPA, the state-owned construction company that built Mandalika, as well as the government and the provincial of West Nusa Tenggara.

“The development of the Mandalika Circuit area is projected to be able to attract investors up to Rp. 40 trillion. Its progress also contributes to the development of the local economy of NTB. Around 587 thousand workers will be needed until 2025. Showed that raising the sports industry, plays a role in improving the welfare of the community, “concluded Bambang Soesatyo.

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