TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Indonesia will be ready to host Formula 1 in 2026: Association
Indonesia Motorsports Association (IMI) aims to secure Indonesia as one of the hosts for F1 in 2026.
Change Size
Red Bull's Mexican driver Sergio Perez steers his car during the qualifying session for the Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit in Baku on June 11, 2022. (AFP/Ozan Kose)
I
ndonesia Motorsports Association (IMI) chairman Bambang Soesatyo says that the organization is making efforts to secure Indonesia's position as one of the hosts of Formula 1 in 2026.
The group, he said, had earlier targeted hosting the event in 2025, with talks taking place with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) last year. However, he said the plan had to be postponed to 2026 due to delays in infrastructure preparation.
"We have been planning to host Formula 1. We made efforts to secure a schedule for 2025, but registration had already closed," shared Bambang, who is also speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly, on Tuesday. "So, we are now aiming for 2026," he added.
Bambang also revealed that the IMI has designated two circuits in the country for registration in the four-wheeled racing event. These circuits include an urban circuit at Pantai Indah Kapuk in North Jakarta and a permanent circuit on Bintan Island, Riau Islands.
With preparations currently under way, Indonesia could strengthen its place as a host of international motorsport events. As of this year, the country has hosted at least three international motorsport events: Formula E, MotoGP and World Superbike. Bambang believes the country is now better prepared than ever to host these events.
"We are actively working on making international racing a reality in our country," he said.
Reflecting on the successful organization of the Mandalika MotoGP that entered its second season in October, Bambang is optimistic that Formula 1 racing will have numerous positive impacts on Indonesia.
