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Indonesia is not ready to push for a round of the formula one world championship, Jean Todt said last week.
During the FIA president’s recent visit to the fourth most populous country in the world, rumours suggested Indonesia might be contemplating joining the sport’s annual calendar in the near future.
Indonesia’s premier circuit is the permanent Sental track, located 42 kilometres from the Jakarta toll gate.
“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,” Todt said during an interview with the Jakarta Post.
The Frenchman said that despite F1 featuring Asian rounds in Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and now Korea, Indonesia should instead target a round of the World Touring Car Championship.
“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,” said Todt.
He said F1 is not a feasible goal for Indonesia within the next five to ten years.
“Yes, not now,” Todt confirmed. “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.”
© RIF|GMM
