Racing on the Asian continent has been difficult for Formula 1 in recent times: after the Malaysian and South Korean GPs left the calendar, Formula 1 in Asia was practically only held in Japan, China and Singapore. Now, news emerged of a discussion regarding the possibility of the Indonesian GP to take place for the land jet racing event. The Mandalika International Circuit is the circuit that is planned to be used for a Formula 1 event, as reported by idntimes.com.
Formula 1 in the Asian region is in difficult conditions, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Formula 1 event on the Asian continent is indeed in an uncertain condition and moreover, during the last two seasons, cancellations have continued to occur due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Japanese, Chinese and Singapore GPs have been absent from the racing calendar for the second time in a row. Plus the Vietnam GP which failed to make its debut in 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
There is a discussion on the Indonesian GP Formula 1 race, as the Mandalika circuit is expected to be included in the racing calendar. Even so, it seems that talks about another race in mainland Asia continue.
Not only to get FIM Grade A, Mandalika Circuit is also designed to get FIA Grade 1
Ricky Baheramsjah as CEO of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) explained that in addition to obtaining the Grade A standard from the FIM, the Mandalika circuit was also designed to meet the requirements to get the FIA Grade 1. It is possible to hold a Formula 1 race there.
“Our circuit can get FIA Grade A which can accommodate Formula 1. We have also discussed with F1 in Lombok. They don’t like the gravel trap we need for MotoGP. However, it’s a small problem because at the bottom of the gravel is asphalt, so it can be shifted,” said Ricky as reported by PlanetF1.
Need to build several supporting facilities, MGPA remains focused on the scheduled race titles
Furthermore, Ricky explained that his party needed to build several supporting facilities so that the race at Mandalika could run well. In addition, he also emphasized that for now MGPA remains focused on holding the races that have been prepared.
“We may need some more facilities and more five-star hotels because MotoGP is a very broad market. Ticket prices are also more affordable for MotoGP than F1.
Destinations like Lombok might be a challenging one for Formula 1, but once Mandalika is developed a bit more, there’s a fantastic opportunity for F1 if it wants to explore it. For now we are focused on the races that we are preparing for,” concluded Ricky, quoted by Firstsportz.
The Mandalika Circuit will hold a MotoGP test in October 2021, the WorldSBK race will be held in November
The Mandalika Circuit is scheduled to hold a MotoGP test in October. Meanwhile, the Indonesian MotoGP series will be held in 2022.
Besides MotoGP, the Mandalika circuit will also host the WorldSBK racing event. The race will be held on 12-14 November 2021. Will the Mandalika circuit be included in the Formula 1 racing calendar? Let’s look forward to it!
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