Jakarta, Aug 19 (IANS): The circuit construction for the world-class MotoGP motorcycle racing event in Indonesia's West Nusa Tengara province has been set to finish in June next year, an official said.

"Now the progress of the construction works of the Mandalika circuit has reached more than 40 per cent and it is targeted to be completed in June 2021," said Abdulbar M. Mansoer, President Director of the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a state-owned enterprise that specialises in the development and management of integrated tourism complexes, reports Xinhua news agency.

The official said that the construction works of the circuit which is located in Lombok Tengah district continued during the novel coronavirus pandemic with tight implementation of health protocols, such as applying rules on physical distancing and hand washing as well as the use of protective equipment.

The construction works, he said, have been on track so far and are in line with the schedule. Still, for the months ahead, the construction works will be sped up, the official said in a statement.

Earlier Last year, Indonesia inked a deal with Dorna Sports, the exclusive commercial and television right holder for the MotoGP, to host the world-class motorcycling races for five years.

The contract was reportedly extended to another five years in April. The first race is scheduled to be staged next year in the province organised by the Mandalika Grand Prix Association, a business unit of ITDC.