Mandalika Circuit Has Potential to Host F1 Event

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahudin Uno sees that the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit can potentially host Formula One or F1 events in the coming years.

This statement emerged Tuesday during Sandiaga's discussion with the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Zulkieflimansyah in Jakarta. The Mandalika Circuit has only been used for motorcycle racing championships, MotoGP, World Superbike (WSBK), and the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC). However, it has never been the venue for a car racing championship.

Zulkieflimansyah said he welcomed the offer from Minister Sandiaga Uno. This acceptance is because the F1 event is considered a prestigious car racing championship and will become a magnet for sports tourism in NTB.

"We think this is an attractive offer. According to them, it's a shame that a circuit as good as this is not maximized. God willing, we are ready," Zulkieflimansyah said on Wednesday. Indeed, organizing F1 at the Mandalika Circuit cannot happen immediately. There are special preparations that the NTB Provincial Government and the central government must follow.

The F1 audience segmentation is also different from the MotoGP connoisseur segment worldwide. They are usually fanatical and have reliable drivers in every racing. As a result, many countries dream of hosting F1 because it will positively impact the flow of tourist visits and investments. "Of course, there are modifications to the Mandalika Circuit. That's the government's business," he said.