After two Grands Prix in a row on the Misano circuit (Italy), the MotoGP teams now have their sights set on Asia, and specifically the Mandalika circuit in Indonesia. On the calendar since 2022, the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit is a recent venue in the world of racing, being inaugurated in 2021. Located on the island of Lombok, in the south of the Indonesian archipelago, it is 4.3 kilometres long, with 6 left turns and 11 right-handers, as well as a short 507m straight. A layout that creates challenges for the tyres, and where the hard braking zones into turns 1 and 10 offers challenges for the riders.
Last year, when the asphalt had just been resurfaced, Michelin brought additional MICHELIN Power Slick options. This season, in line with the regulations, the Michelin Motorsport teams have prepared a more classic package, with a choice of three front tyres and two rears.
"This is the third time we have been to Mandalika, a circuit whose specific nature we are now well aware of," says Piero Taramasso, Michelin's two-wheel racing manager. "We know that the track is very demanding due to its series of bends which create a lot of acceleration and braking forces, and we know the versatility and consistency of our tyres will be put to the test, especially as the weather conditions are often difficult. Last year, the track temperature regularly exceeded 60°C, both on Saturday during the Tissot Sprint and on Sunday for the Grand Prix. Knowing that they could count on the performance of our tyres at all times, the riders were able to base their choice on the distance to be covered. The majority preferred Soft tyres front and rear for the 13-lap Tissot Sprint, while some switched to Medium or even Hard compounds for the 27-lap Grand Prix. Taking into account the data collected, and in order to offer them the same range of possibilities, we have chosen a tyre package based on the compounds used last season."
For the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, Michelin’s partners will have the choice of Soft, Medium and Hard compounds (all symmetrical) for the front, and Soft and Medium for the rear – which will be asymmetric due to the greater number of right-hand turns.
Located not far from the Indian Ocean, the circuit can experience bad weather conditions. Consequently, the MICHELIN Power Rain tyres will be offered in Soft and Medium compounds, and like the slicks these will be symmetrical for the front and asymmetric for the rear – again with the right side reinforced.
Records to beat
The all-time circuit lap record of 1’29.978 is held by Luca Marini (Mooney R46 Team).
The race lap record, set last year by Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo team), is 1’30.906.
The reference time of the Grand Prix is 41'20.293, and that of the Tissot Sprint is 19'49.711.
In addition, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) holds the top speed record, with 316.7 km/h.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia will start on Friday 27 September with a first practice session from 10:45 to 11:30. This will be followed by a second session from 15:00 to 16:00, that will allow the 10 fastest riders to directly access the second phase of qualifying (Q2). After a final free practice session on Saturday morning from 10:10 to 10:40, Q1 will allow the two fastest riders to also join Q2 in order to determine, at the end of Q2, the starting grid for the weekend. The 13-lap Tissot Sprint will start on Saturday at 15:00, and the 27-lap Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday 8 September, also at 15:00.
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