Marini: Mandalika turns 6-7 'best corners in the world'

While serious concerns were raised over the state of the Mandalika track surface, and emergency repairs will be carried out before next month's MotoGP race, the layout of the Indonesian track received high praise from many riders.

As well as copious amounts of run-off area, the 17-turn seaside circuit has some very fast corners. Among them are the Turn 6-7 right-handers, which VR46's Luca Marini labelled as 'the best corners in the world'.

"I think the track is one of the best of the calendar, just it needs to be clean," said the Italian.

"Apart from this, the track is really nice. Corners six and seven are the best corners in the world, it’s a fantastic place. I really enjoy that moment every lap.

"But the problem is the [clean] line is too tight. To have a race today would be difficult. You just have to follow the rider in front and hope they make a mistake.

"If you try and overtake and go on the dirty part it's impossible to stop the bike and it’s really dangerous."

Marini, preparing for this second season in the premier-class, topped the timesheets on day two of testing with a lap that kept him third overall after the final day, when the young Italian focussed on a race simulation with the new Ducati GP22.

"I did a race simulation with a [medium] rear tyre. I started behind Bez and it was really difficult with the hot temperature when you stay in the slipstream.

"I was really worried about my tyres and tried to overtake him as soon as possible because it was really hot behind him. My front tyre was starting to become like lava and in every corner I was losing the front.

"With the slipstream you also lose a lot of downforce, so it’s also difficult to stop the bike.

"Anyway, I felt good feedback from the tyres, from the bike. I’m quite satisfied."

Following the Qatar season-opener, MotoGP will return to Mandalika for round 2 of the 2022 world championship, on March 18-20.