Sentul race track seeks to host MotoGP

JAKARTA. Sentul International Circuit in Bogor, West Java, is aiming to secure a spot on the 2017 MotoGP series calendar and will thus undergo a renovation to attain the top-grade status required to host the event.

The opportunity to host the MotoGP is still open as the contract signing deadline with Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, is on Oct. 21.

"Currently we are still waiting for official support from the government regarding our readiness to host the MotoGP. Hopefully we can complete the letter of intent within the week," said the circuit’s management director Tinton Soeprapto on Monday as quoted by Antara news agency.

He added that the plans had received support from the Tourism Ministry, but not yet from the Youth and Sports Ministry.

“The letter of intent is very important. The [new] design of the circuit must also be ready by then,” said Tinton Soeprapto.

According to Tinton, around 50 percent of the circuit would have to be renovated. World-class circuit designers have been called on for support in the renovation efforts.

Regarding the project’s funding, Tinton made examples of Singapore and Malaysia, which relied on the government's support.

"Many countries, such as India and South Korea, are eyeing [hosting rights to] the MotoGP. We should take advantage of this opportunity since I'm optimistic that there are many benefits to be gained," said Tinton.

Separately, Indonesian Motorsports Association (IMI) chairman Nanan Soekarna suggested the project should not to use the state budget (APBN) due to the current economic slowdown.

"I think the best way [to fund the renovation] is through a consortium, though we still need the government's policy support before we gain the support of sole agents [ATPM]," said Nanan on Monday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

He added that the budget needed for the project was around Rp 300 billion (US$20.63 million), excluding the Dorna Sports cooperation fee. (rad/kes)