fter various controversies and multiple delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jakarta is finally ready to host its first-ever Formula E electric motorsport on Saturday at Ancol Beach, North Jakarta.
It is the second international racing event being held in the country this year after the MotoGP grand prix at the newly built Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, in March.
The event in Jakarta will be Formula E’s ninth round of the season. According to the Formula E website, Saturday’s action gets underway with free practice from 7:15 a.m. Jakarta time, a qualifying session at 10:40 a.m. and the race from 3 p.m.
The venue for the race – a 2.37-kilometer, 18-turn brand new Ancol circuit – was completed just months after the central government rejected an initial plan of using the streets around the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta, the city's iconic landmark.
The track kicks off with a tight opening sector after a long run down the start/finish straight before a series of fast, long straights and natural high-speed corners. It offers unique banked sections, undulations, bumps and a mix of technical and high-speed sections and will provide an uncharted territory for 22 drivers competing in the E-Prix. The clockwise track is inspired by the Kuda Lumping, a traditional Javanese dance that portrays troops riding horses made from woven bamboo and decorated with paints and fabrics.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said on Wednesday that all the necessary preparation for the E-Prix was almost completed.
"We're finalizing a few non-essential details, such as painting [the venue] and applying [sponsorship] stickers. But all the substantial facilities for the race are ready," he said as reported by kompas.com.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.