Todt Rules Out Indonesian GP for the Next 10 Years

When the president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) visited Indonesia last week, several publications in Europe and worldwide took this as a sign of Formula One maybe heading towards that country in the near future. As the sport is seeking expansion in several markets of the world – and being that Indonesia is the 4th most populous country in the world – this move would not surprise anyone.

The country has only one decent track hosting international races, namely the Sentul International Circuit some 40 kilometers out of Jakarta. Some of you might recognize the circuit from its presence in the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport series a few years back.

Nevertheless, talking to Jakarta Post, Todt insisted that the circuit is not at all compliant with the F1 rules and that several changes are needed in order for it to be included in Bernie Ecclestone's “map for the future.” However, the good news is that Sentul might enter the FIA calendar soon enough, as a regular host of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

“Of course, F1 is the pinnacle of motor sport and I must say it's encouraging to see the evolution of the sport in the region of Asia. I myself went to the Sentul (International) Circuit, and it was definitely not the standard Formula One circuit, but I'm sure with some renovation, this circuit could be and host the touring car championship,” Todt was quoted as saying to the aforementioned source.

While insisting that an Indonesian race in Formula One is not a feasible prospect for the upcoming 5 to 10 years, the Frenchman made it very clear that the FIA WTCC should be regarded as a viable option for the country.

“Yes, not now,” said Todt about the country's F1 prospects. “But the World Touring Car Championship is (feasible). It depends from where you start, it's a step-by-step progress. If you want to make the F1 race you need a standard circuit. At the moment you do not have one of that standard,” added the 63-year old Frenchman.