Mandalika circuit “very open” to bringing F1 to Indonesia

The Mandalika Street Circuit is currently under construction and on course to be completed in time to host the World Superbike finale in November, before it is due to host MotoGP for the first time in March next year.

During a virtual press conference held on Wednesday morning, Ricky Baheramsjah, CEO of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association, spoke positively about the possibility of the circuit holding a future Indonesian Grand Prix.

The purpose-built street track on the island of Lombok would need to make adjustments in order to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 status required to host F1 as well as receiving additional government support, but Baheramsjah insisted the changes are feasible.

“It’s a hot topic right now, and I can understand why,” said Baheramsjah when asked by Crash.net about the potential of Mandalika hosting F1.

“Our circuit need to be homologated to either FIM standards, or FIA standards. FIM is for MotoGP and World Superbike, and then FIA is for car racing, which also includes Formula 1.

“So if you wanted to bring Formula 1 in, we basically need to homologate it to FIA standardisation. From our side, we’re very confident that our track can can meet those requirements, but it would still be a process to do that.

“At the end of the day, if we wanted to bring in Formula 1, it needs again the same kind of support that the government is offering for MotoGP. But at the same time, it needs to be discussed with Formula 1 on the other end.”

Baheramsjah revealed he met with F1 chiefs in 2018 and 2019 to initially present the project to them and said he would be keen to hold further talks, though he stressed Mandalika’s current priority lies on two wheels.

“So far the last time we have spoken to Formula 1 is back on 2018 to 2019, to just present the project to them,” he said. “We’re very open for the discussion, we’re very open for this opportunity to bring Formula 1 to Indonesia.

“But our goal right now with MGPA is really focused on World Superbike and MotoGP. That’s our main priority at this moment.”

F1 has never raced in Indonesia, while Rio Haryanto is the only Indonesian driver to have competed in F1, taking part in 12 grands prix for Manor in 2016. 

Additional reporting by Derry Munikartono