Talk about being stuck at the red light! The Jakarta E-Prix was originally pegged for 2020, but was delayed for the past two years. Great news is, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship finally makes its Indonesian debut, going green on 4 June.
The Formula E Premiere in Jakarta is actually cause for a double celebration. The first E-Prix ever to be held in the country, it will also be the first FIA-sanctioned motorsports event in Indonesia since 2006. Fans can look forward to watching 22 of the world’s most electrifying drivers going wheel-to-wheel on a never-before-raced track. It promises to be a real sizzler – and that’s not just on account of Java’s sultry weather, which regularly tops 30°C at this time of year.
A key factor adding to the excitement is the brand-new track design. The Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit (JIEC), was originally planned around the Monas National Monument – the 132-metre-tall obelisk in Merdega Square. However, this turned out to be impractical. So, local Formula E promoters Jakpro found a new location nearby: a large tract of undeveloped parkland in the Ancol district, just a few blocks from the beach. Perfect for building a racetrack. And they have not held back!
Running over 2,4km, the circuit incorporates 18 turns, ranging from quick jinks to hair-raising hairpins. Most significantly, the track lends itself to record-setting top speeds: the 600m straight, incorporating the start/finish line, is one of the longest in the Championship.
But, for the drivers - including our own André Lotterer and Pascal Wehrlein - speed is just the beginning. The track itself is markedly wider than usual in places, notably, at turns 3, 6 and 18. That extra asphalt will provide a comfortable width of up to 16m to manoeuvre through. Which of course, puts our drivers under even more pressure. When you need to exploit any overtaking opportunities, it stretches your driving skills and energy management strategy to the limit. It will mean even more fastidious planning before the race. Luckily, for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, that’s what we live for.
As we all gear up for the big event, it is worth knowing that the name Jakarta, is derived from the Sanskrit Jayakarta, meaning “complete victory.” Will that be our destiny? Join us on 4 June 2022 and let’s find out.
A key factor adding to the excitement is the brand-new track design. The Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit (JIEC), was originally planned around the Monas National Monument – the 132-metre-tall obelisk in Merdega Square. However, this turned out to be impractical. So, local Formula E promoters Jakpro found a new location nearby: a large tract of undeveloped parkland in the Ancol district, just a few blocks from the beach. Perfect for building a racetrack. And they have not held back!
Running over 2,4km, the circuit incorporates 18 turns, ranging from quick jinks to hair-raising hairpins. Most significantly, the track lends itself to record-setting top speeds: the 600m straight, incorporating the start/finish line, is one of the longest in the Championship.
But, for the drivers - including our own André Lotterer and Pascal Wehrlein - speed is just the beginning. The track itself is markedly wider than usual in places, notably, at turns 3, 6 and 18. That extra asphalt will provide a comfortable width of up to 16m to manoeuvre through. Which of course, puts our drivers under even more pressure. When you need to exploit any overtaking opportunities, it stretches your driving skills and energy management strategy to the limit. It will mean even more fastidious planning before the race. Luckily, for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, that’s what we live for.
As we all gear up for the big event, it is worth knowing that the name Jakarta, is derived from the Sanskrit Jayakarta, meaning “complete victory.” Will that be our destiny? Join us on 4 June 2022 and let’s find out.