MotoGP | Mandalika: in the tests more than 54% of the pilots ended up on the ground

The common thread between 2021 and the start of the new season is represented by the tests that took place in Malaysia and Indonesia. Both circuits marked a pre-season full of technical innovations and new components that the teams hope will benefit in the first race of the year. However, before the inaugural appointment in Qatar, the novelties had to be tested and this was the focus of the work in Mandalika.

The Indonesian circuit has entered the MotoGP calendar, revolutionizing the public but also the riders. Characterized by dust and dirt, it has become the center of discussion and criticism in the premier-class paddock. The curves have their own personality, the track is fun, but there is something wrong: the credibility ahead of the Grand Prix. Virtually no rider remained silent when deciding on the state of the track and everyone agrees on one aspect.

The conditions in Mandalika are not suitable for a race, given the nature of the asphalt, responsible for more than 15 crashes over the weekend, meaning more than 54% of the MotoGP grid went to the ground during the three days of testing.

This situation made it very difficult to carry out the time attack and to fully test the new components that could make the difference in the first grand prix of 2022. In its place, precaution and prudence took over in the pits.

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Curves 9, 10, 11 and 12, which are also the fastest on the track, made up of 17 total curves, were the theaters of more than a dozen crashes. Drivers such as Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin and Aleix Espargaro crashed on more than one occasion, fortunately without consequences. However, one of the drivers who suffered the most is Raul Fernandez, who ended preseason early due to a concussion that resulted in double vision.

In addition to an infallible technique to not lose the front and take advantage of the grip of the track, a safety addition was necessary against the Mandalika gravel, which caused a major injury on Pecco Bagnaia’s arm. Furthermore, the presence of grass between the wall and the pit lane also represented a point of criticism of the paddock, with the riders asking to lay the asphalt to reduce the possibility of avoidable falls. However, this request was rejected by the organizers and the Indonesian government.