Formula E to race in Indonesia
Formula E arrives in Indonesia at a new circuit that has been dogged by controversy – and has not yet been fully completed
Jakarta’s first ever ePrix will take place on a one-and-a-half mile track in a beach-resort district
Jakarta ePrix June 4
Originally meant to be part of the 2019/20 calendar, the inaugural Jakarta ePrix was cancelled due to the spread of Covid. But it’s now back on track and Indonesia will host Round 9 of the 2022 Formula E season.
Five different venues in the Indonesian capital were considered to host the race, including a track by the National Monument. In December, FE announced that for the next three years, the race would be held in Ancol in the north of the city. Close to the beach and overlooking Jakarta Bay, spectators can expect a sun-kissed seaside backdrop as the cars zoom past. This will be the first Asian ePrix held since the Sanya ePrix was cancelled in 2021.
But the event has been embroiled in controversy ever since the idea was first conceived. In January 2020 it was reported that the Indonesian government had allocated over £85m to the race, higher than its flood mitigation budget of £75m. Additionally, there was an outcry about the thousands of trees that needed to be felled to build the circuit. These concerns were recently dispelled in a statement that said the trees would be relocated.
he track is reportedly ready, but in March, as this image shows, there was much to be done
Indonesia has been keen to bring the all-electric racing series to home territory in order to raise awareness about electric vehicles in what is the world’s fourth-most populated country (273 million).
This is the first time that FIA-sanctioned motor sports are back in Indonesia since 2006. Still a work in progress, with the paddock and grandstands expected to be ready by early June, it is a layout of 1.5 miles, with 18 turns and a 600-metre straight. While other FE circuits are stop-and-go layouts, the Jakarta ePrix has high-speed corners. Once it is ready, it will become the country’s fastest race track. And as at other races, the E-Village will host various trackside entertainment events for the fans.
MotoGP — Grand Prix of Italy
Mugello, May 28-29
The 3.3-mile track carries the reputation of being the safest in the calendar. Enea Bastianini will be going full throttle to win his home grand prix, while Fabio Quartararo will be gunning for maximum points in his fight to retain his crown.
Indy 500 – 106th running
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 29
Tony Kanaan, who won the 2013 Indy 500, will be sporting No1 in the American Legion Honda as he raises awareness of the ‘Be the One’ campaign, which is helping to reduce military veteran suicide.
WTCR – Race of Hungary
Hungaroring, June 11-12
Round three of the World Touring Car Cup returns to Hungary. The local hero is Norbert Michelisz, racing for Hyundai, who last won here in 2015. Defending champion Yann Ehrlacher should be among the front-runners, while Audi’s Gilles Magnus, whose only win in 2021, was here, will be vying to go one better.
WEC – Le Mans 24 hours
Le Mans, June 11-12
This year, WEC launched YouTube series Full Access which gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the competition. The 90th edition of the 24 Hours is bound to be a special episode as Sébastien Ogier will become the fifth WRC champion to participate in it.
Formula 1 – Canadian Grand Prix
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, June 17-19
F1 returns to Canada after a three-year absence – and the last driver to win here was Lewis Hamilton. The race is on between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, and the reigning champion will want to assert his dominance. If Hamilton manages to find winning ways again, a first-place here will give him his eighth Canadian GP victory – one more than Michael Schumacher.
More June events
June 3 NASCAR Xfinity – Portland Int Raceway
June 10-12 British Formula 4, Round 4 – Oulton Park
June 10-12 F1 – Azerbaijan GP, Baku
June 17-19 British Superbikes – Knockhill