Sentul International Circuit is a permanent motor racing circuit located in Babakan Madang, Bogor. Away from the Toll Gate of Jakarta towards Bogor, Indonesia. Its pit facilities got easy access from the Jagorawi Toll Road. The course (run clockwise) is actually a truncated version of the original design. The current circuit, shortened by 40 percent compared to the original design, is predominantly used for motorcycle racing and the Asian F3 series.
Track Description:
- Track length: 4.02 km (2.50 mi)
- Width: 15 metres (49 ft)
- Longest straight: 900 metres (3,000 ft)
- FIA Grade 2 track license
- 50 pit garages
- 2 covered grandstands
History:
Sentul International Circuit was designed to meet the Formula One motor racing standard. The project was also the first serious attempt outside Japan to meet such a standard in Asia. The vision came to Indonesia around 1990 when Hutomo Mandala Putra, motor racing enthusiast and son of President Suharto, began promoting the construction of a track at Sentul. Racing had previously been held at the short, tight and relatively dangerous Ancol Circuit, on the Java Sea coast in north Jakarta. In August 1993, the circuit was officially opened by Suharto.
While Sentul International Circuit was intended to be Indonesia's Formula One showcase to the world, and indeed an Indonesian Grand Prix was held in 1993 for the Australian-based Formula Holden series as a demonstration. However, its tight corners and shortened length (4.12 km in total) rendered it unsuitable for the fast and furious world of Formula One. The domino effect from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis worsened the situation and made motor racing an unaffordable luxury for many Indonesian enthusiasts who had been participating. The 1993 facility also has been overshadowed by the Sepang International Circuit completed in 1999 with a superior track layout and facilities when compares to Sentul. Sentul does, however, continue to serve as a safe course for drivers competing in the Pertamina Fastron Asian Formula 3 Super Series, Formula V6 Asia, Formula BMW Pacific, ATCS, Carrera Cup Asia, National Superbike Races and similar events.
On February 12, 2006, Sentul International Circuit hosted the eighth race in the 2005–06 A1 Grand Prix season and on December 10, 2006, it hosted the fifth race in the 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season. However, The 2009–10 A1 Grand Prix season race in Indonesia will not be run at Sentul but at a specially-designed road circuit in Karawaci, west of Jakarta.
On May 9, 2014, this circuit is also used for Top Gear Indonesia test track.
Its future may be in doubt as it lies near several choice luxury housing developments, and its location next to a toll road exit would also make it a prime location for residential or business development. Sponsors have been few and far between since the end of the Suharto regime.
Facilities:
- Grand Prix track
- Motocross, Autocross and Go-Karts Circuits
- Three-star International Hotel
- Bungalows / Guest House
- International Golf Course
- Restaurant
- Recreation Centre
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