The charm of Mandalika is not just natural and cultural beauty, which continues to be a tourist attraction. In recent years, the Mandalika area, located in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has also been known as a world-class sports tourism destination. The presence of the Mandalika International Street Circuit, which has hosted world-class racing events, including the MotoGP racing event, is inseparable from this.

This year, the Mandalika GP will be held on October 13-15, 2023 as the 16th series of the MotoGP 2023 event. The organizers, MGPA and Dyandra&Co., have already begun various preparations to welcome this world-class motorbike racing event. Recent preparations include repainting the curbs (edge of the track) and installing sensors and timing systems.

Additionally, the asphalt section of the Mandalika circuit continues to be improved, with enhancements made at several points on the track, namely between turns 5 and 6, and 16 and 17. The re-paving process has received Grade A homologation from the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM), which means that the Mandalika Circuit is worthy of holding a world-class MotoGP racing event.

Currently, the Mandalika Circuit uses a modified Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course (ACWC), slightly different from last year's type of asphalt: Stone Mastic Asphalt. Replacing this asphalt type is suitable because it adapts to the hot weather, often hitting the Mandalika area.

What's New at Mandalika GP?

Besides circuit preparations, the promoter provides several new things at the Mandalika GP 2023. One exciting thing is the Special Stand for Marc Marquez's "Baby Alien" Fans. Marc Marquez fans will be able to occupy "Grandstand J" with an exclusive package including flags and official hats with the inscription 93, direct access to the rest area bar and merchandise sales area, as well as special entertainment.

Photo: Mandalika Circuit is one of the most beautiful circuits in the world (Shutterstock/raditya)

For your information, the "Grandstand J" area at the Mandalika Circuit is the most strategic place to watch the MotoGP race. This area is at the final corner, namely, turn 17 or the corner before the finish line at the Mandalika Circuit. Another advantage is a 10% discount on ticket prices for fans registered with "We Are 93".

According to the data, ticket sales started on September 2, 2023, and by the end of September, the promoter had sold more than 11,000 Mandalika MotoGP tickets, representing around 15% of the provided ticket quota. Mandalika MotoGP ticket prices vary, from IDR 200,000 to IDR 20 million, with categories ranging from General Admission, Regular Grandstand, Premium Grandstand, Premiere Class, and Deluxe Class.

Preparations to welcome the Mandalika GP are about more than tickets and preening circuits. Flights to Lombok International Airport will also be added to accommodate tourists who want to come to watch the Mandalika GP 2023.

In total, Angkasa Pura I has received submissions for 18 additional flights to Lombok, with details of 14 flights from Garuda Airlines and four from Citilink Airlines. The addition of flights at Lombok International Airport is dominated by the Jakarta-Lombok, Surabaya-Lombok, and Denpasar-Lombok routes.

Hosting the Mandalika MotoGP racing event again in 2023 can boost tourism in Lombok. So, it can achieve the target of 8.5 million foreign tourists and 1.4 billion domestic tourist movements.

Cover: One of the turns on the Mandalika Circuit (Shutterstock/chairul manek ismail)