The first paving of the Mandalika Circuit last year could not be directly supervised by the two experts because they could not travel abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
By
AGUNG SETYAHADI
·4 minutes read
AGUNG SETYAHADI
The race track experts from consultant Roads Runways Racetracks or R3, David Woodward (left) and Campbell Waddell, became important figures in the re-paving of the Mandalika Circuit, West Nusa Tenggara, Friday (11/3/2022).
PRAYA, KOMPAS — The repair works on asphalt pavement at the Pertamina Mandalika Highway Circuit involves world-class experts with long experience working on racing tracks. They present science, technology and a quality-oriented work culture.
In order to supervise the asphalt pavement works of a part of the Mandalika circuit track, Campbell Waddell and David Woodward, two specialists in paving and testing the surface coating of the racing track from consultant Roads Runways Racetracks (R3), are willing to reschedule many other commitments.
Although not at all easy, the repair works on the circuit track can be completed with the quality requested by the International Motor Racing Federation (FIM). The circuit will become a MotoGP race arena on March 18-20.
“Four weeks ago, we were still in Miami [United States] working on the asphalt for the Formula 1 track. I only had time to go home for two days and then come here. It makes my wife less happy," said Waddell laughing out loud when interviewed, on Friday (11/3/2022), in Mandalika.
Waddell and Woodward are scientists from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland. They have been working on paving race tracks for decades, including for Formula 1 (F1). The two set up an independent consultancy, R3, in September 2019 after working together on a road circuit in Singapore for the F1 race.
KOMPAS
Some improvements to the Mandalika circuit ahead of the MotoGP race.
The first paving of the Mandalika Circuit last year could not be directly supervised by the two experts because they could not travel abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The asphalt in a number of spots at the Mandalika Circuit was then peeled off and a number of MotoGP racers complained about it during the pre-season test from 11 to 13 February.
So, a number of parties, including racers, foreign journalists, and Dorna (the holder of MotoGP's commercial rights), suggested repair works at a number of spots of the circuit for safety reasons. However, there were concerns about the lack of time.
Apparently, the re-pavement works could be completed on Wednesday (9/3). "Previously we couldn't be here because of Covid-19. So, we monitor remotely. Now we've been here for three weeks,” said Waddell, who is none other than the Managing Director of R3.
It was then decided to use the aggregate or gravel material for the asphalt layer from East Lombok, not from Palu as before.
After knowing the problem with the asphalt on some of the tracks, then they evaluated the material, designed the asphalt mix, tested it on the field, and planned to redo the asphalt pavement on the 1,602-kilometer track. It was then decided to use the aggregate or gravel material for the asphalt layer from East Lombok, not from Palu as before.
“We do not pick the same aggregate from the previous sources. It's the best [material] we can get and it doesn't have weathered aggregate particles like the previous aggregate sources," said Waddell.
Almost impossible
Waddell admitted that the re-paving had encountered a number of minor problems, among others, related to the availability of equipment. “We don't have an optimal asphalt mixing plant, so we need some compromises. There is not enough time to provide all the tools that meet the requirements,” said Waddell.
However, he was satisfied with the result. "The track [now] is very smooth," said Waddell.
ISMAIL ZAKARIA
The kerb painting (colorful parts) of the Mandalika circuit
They said the repair works on the track could proceed according to the target because of the good cooperation and communication between PT Pembangunan Perumahan (PP), PT Indonesia Tourism Development (ITDC), Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), PT Position Partners, Roadgrip Motorsport Indonesia and the government of Indonesia.
“We have transferred our 40 years of experience in the United Kingdom, China, the United States and around the world to PT PP. They [PT PP] absorb a lot of things to make improvements. It also builds mentality because we work as a team and the result, finishing the race track that you see now. This was nearly impossible because the time was tight and everything was difficult here. Now, you will have a race next weekend. This is very important for Indonesia,” said Woodward.
My university principal has been asking me where I am. If I don't go home soon, I could be fired.
Waddell and Woodward don't know yet whether they will watch the MotoGP race before going home because a lot of commitments, which they had postponed to get to Mandalika, await them. “My university principal has been asking me where I am. If I don't go home soon, I could be fired,” said Woodward jokingly.
The repair works, which involve world-class circuit experts, are proof of Indonesia's commitment to making MotoGP a vehicle for country branding. This is an important step to implement the agreement between Dorna Sports and ITDC in holding a world-class race, MotoGP, in Mandalika for 10 years.
