Lombok continues to cement its reputation as a world-class sporting venue, with the latest in a series of high-profile events. From 11-13 November, the island’s Mandalika International Circuit will host the World Superbike (WSBK) championship, drawing riders and race fans from around the world to one of Indonesia’s up-and-coming destinations.
According to Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, preparations are already well underway, as Lombok prepares for the opening race. “I praise the preparations that are being carried out well, including the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government along with the local government, stakeholders, the tourism industry in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and many parties in preparing for this event,” said the minister in a recent statement.
Working in partnership with Dorna Sports and the International Motorcycle Sports Federation, the Tourism Ministry has been working to get the circuit ready, while also overseeing some additional improvements and upgrades. This includes re-paving the track; adding run-offs at corners 10, 11 and 12; and improving safety standards with a redesign of the kerbs in several places.
“The circuit is continuously being improved,” explains Rizki Handayani, who is the Deputy for Tourism Products and Event Organizers at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, who is seeing a rise in standards along with a boom in popularity among motorsport tourists. “After the development of MotoGP and WSBK, of course, there will be more fans of motorcycles in Indonesia,” he added.
World Superbike Mandalika 2022 will either be a chance for Alvaro Bautista to secure his championship credentials, or an opportunity for his competitors to close the gap before the WSBK moves on to Australia. Bautista currently leads the pack in the 2022 standings, streaking ahead of his nearest competitors – Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea – by 82 and 98 points, respectively. At World Superbike Mandalika 2022, there will 62 points up for grabs across two races (2×25 points) and one sprint race (1×12 points).
In addition to world-class racing, the event will showcase a range of attractions aimed at entertaining visiting tourists. This will include the “Lombok Sumbawa Fair”, which will feature various handicrafts, foods and performances rooted in local culture. These attractions will showcase local wisdom and highlight many unique traditions the region has to offer.
Zulkieflimansyah is the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). He is excited to see Lombok on the world stage once more, and is looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe for a weekend of racing. In a recent statement, he said “we invite all people to come to Lombok, and Lombok is ready to present the World Superbike.”
