Indonesia is set to join the MotoGP calendar in 2021 with a new street circuit in Lombok, Autosport can exclusively reveal.
A delegation by MotoGP promoter Dorna, including series chief Carmelo Ezpeleta, visited the island three weeks ago and a formal announcement is expected later on Saturday.
The contract for construction of the track has been awarded to Vinci Construction, which has been allotted a land of 131 hectares surrounding Mandalika, a business area located in the southern region of Lombok island.
Vinci will also serve as the chief investor of the race, with the French company's contribution expected in the region of €900million.
Should the track be constructed in time, it would mean MotoGP will finally secure a place in one of the world's largest two-wheel markets.
Ezpeleta first hinted about hosting a street race in Lambok last year.
"It is possible that there is an urban circuit in MotoGP," he said.
"There is a solid project in a warm city.
"In theory, a straight of the track will be urban and the paddock will be covered, integrated in an exhibition centre.
"Thus during the grand prix it will be used for the race and the rest of the year for many other things."
Finland and Mexico have been vying a spot on the MotoGP calendar for some time but were not included in the 2019 schedule, keeping the race count at 19.
According to motogp.com online portal, Dorna Group CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta commented, “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 and the MotoGP atmosphere will be even stronger once the circuit is complete. Also, by including Lombok to the WorldSBK calendar makes this offer more attractive for local fans having two World Class events in the area during the year.”
CEO of ITDC, Mr. Abdulbar M. Mansoer also adds, “We are very excited to have partnered up with DORNA and are delighted to be able to bring world-class motorsport events to Indonesia and the Mandalika in Lombok together.”
Both parties will be making additional statements in due course.
DORNA Group is the exclusive commercial and TV rights holder for the world’s leading motorcycle racing Championships, and ITDC, Indonesia’s largest integrated tourism developer and operator
Source : Yahoo! Sports | MotoGP.com
