IMI chairman Bambang Soesatyo said in a press release on Monday (15/11) that the association was a member of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) as well as the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
By
ISMAIL ZAKARIA / WISNU AJI DEWABRATA
·3 minutes read
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) is to assist in resolving the issues that led to the postponement of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC) at Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The motorcycle race was scheduled to be held on Sunday (14/11/2021), but was postponed due to unfulfilled requirements on ensuring driver safety.
IMI chairman Bambang Soesatyo said in a press release on Monday (15/11) that the association was a member of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) as well as the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
"IMI and the Sentul International Circuit management will coordinate with the management of Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in preparing the [race] marshals to comply with the FIM regulations, which require at least eight marshals at each circuit post," said Bambang, who is also Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR).
Tinton is also a manager of Sentul International Circuit in West Java.
He added that the association had assigned motorcycle sports deputy chair Sadikin Aksa and IMI trustee Tinton Soeprapto to handle technicalities in the field. Tinton is also a manager of Sentul International Circuit in West Java.
According to Bambang, Sentul International Circuit was renowned for hosting various international racing events, including World Super Bike, MotoGP, A1 Grand Prix and the Asia Talent Cup.
Bambang explained that the IMI had received confirmation from Dorna Sport and the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) that the Mandalika circuit would still host the IATC on 19-21 Nov., concurrently with World SuperBike.
NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah called on all parties to correct the shortcomings so the Mandalika circuit could host a world-class automotive competition properly. He also promised to work on the issues regarding the marshal with the race organizers.
The governor confirmed that the race had been postponed for the unpreparedness and shortage of marshals.
"However, based on the inputs from marshals, the blame is not solely on them, but also on the organizers of the [event]. Limited preparations and communication with the organizers is considered to be one of the main problems,” said Zulkieflimansyah.
Enthusiasm
Meanwhile, people are still enthusiastic about buying daily passes to World Superbike, both online and offline. According to Kompas’ observations at Epicentrum Mall Mataram on Monday, potential spectators were waiting before the ticket counter opened at 11 a.m.
“I and five friends travelled all the way from North Lombok to get tickets for the first day of the race. I'm enthusiastic because I don't want to miss watching the race in my own country,” said one customer, Hadi Putrayono (38).
"I'm not really a racing fan. But I still feel happy and excited. Moreover, [at] being the host and part of history, because it is the first time [the race is being held] in Lombok,” said M. Juaini from Central Lombok, who bought seven tickets. (ZAK/WAD)
(This article was translated byKurniawan Siswoko).