Great news for Indonesian bike fanatics – MotoGP racing is officially coming to Lombok’s Mandalika.  MotoGP organizer Dorna Group has finally firmed up a deal to bring the race to Lombok from 2021 and we just can’t wait for the chequered flag! It’s a big coup for the island and Indonesians really are mad about motorsports. Initial details were first teased in February and a deal just officially got the green light earlier this month.

So what can we expect? The custom built street circuit will measure 4.3km long with 18 turns and will have seated and standing capacity for as many as 100,000 fans. It will feature covered pit lanes and paddock areas, and functions as a normal road when no races are taking place. Construction on the 131 hectare site will begin in October this year and will be the first ever street circuit track in MotoGP. Based on the initially renderings of the circuit, there is just one straight and several hairpin turns, so it’s a circuit that is going to provide a ton of thrills and spills.

“What a unique project this will be, having an urban, world-class circuit in a country where MotoGP has such a huge following. Indonesia is a key market for us with a considerable percentage of motorsport fans living here,” said Dorna Group CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The mega project will cost about $1 billion which is being mostly funded by French firm Vinci Construction which was chosen as main contractor to build the circuit. Mandalika operator Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation will prepare the land and add supporting infrastructure such as access roads and drainage ahead of track construction. ITDC has promised a world class facility that integrates seamlessly with Mandalika’s lush landscaping.  

By the time 2021 comes around the Mandalika integrated resort will be up and running and already open for visitors. ITDC expects at least 1,000 rooms will be open at hotels by then including the Club Med Resort and Pullman Hotel, while there will likely be continued growth in hotel capacity in the Kuta area and throughout south Lombok.  ITDC will also tap Bali’s huge hotel capacity to accommodate the huge number of travelling motorsports fans.    

Of course, My Lombok will be there and first with all the latest news and developments as the circuit begins taking shape.

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