The World Rally Championship (WRC) is on the brink of an exhilarating return to Indonesia, marking the nation’s comeback to the rally scene after three decades.
This thrilling development came to light following a meeting between WRC Promoter and Indonesia’s Minister for Sport and Youth, Dito Ariotedjo, in Jakarta.
The discussions centred on the possibility of Indonesia rejoining the World Rally Championship calendar, and the momentum culminated in the signing of a Heads of Agreement with WRC event director Simon Larkin, paving the way for Indonesia to potentially host the championship as early as next year.
Indonesia holds a rich heritage in the WRC, with seasoned fans fondly recalling the legendary victories of Carlos Sainz Sr, who clinched the championship in Indonesia in both 1996 and 1997.
Pic Credit: Autosport
In recent years, Indonesia has been revving up its motorsport profile, welcoming MotoGP back to the Mandalika circuit in 2022 and making its Formula E debut in Jakarta the same year. Formula E is set to rejoin the calendar in 2025 after a brief hiatus.
Simon Larkin emphasised the significance of the Jakarta meetings, noting that “WRC Promoter was in Jakarta to meet with Indonesian Minister for Sport and Youth Dito Ariotedjo, along with other key governmental figures, to discuss the future of the WRC in Indonesia. This meeting is the culmination of extensive efforts involving the Indonesian ASN, the IMI [Ikatan Motor Indonesia], who hosted the visit. A substantial amount of progress was made, with all parties agreeing in a Heads of Agreement to move towards the ultimate ambition of WRC Rally Indonesia joining the WRC calendar soon. Further discussions and negotiations will continue immediately among all parties.”
The WRC has already expanded its calendar to 14 rounds this year, introducing new events in Paraguay and Saudi Arabia, while the Canary Islands steps up from the European Rally Championship to make its debut.
Looking ahead, several nations are vying for a spot in the 2026 WRC schedule. Among the highly anticipated entries is the USA, aiming for a return to the rally stage for the first time since 1988. Croatia is contracted to make a comeback, while Ireland and Scotland are eager to rejoin the thrilling world of WRC.
As the dust settles on these promising developments, Indonesia’s potential return to the WRC is generating a buzz that resonates with motorsport enthusiasts globally.
The stage is set for a high-octane comeback that promises to reignite Indonesia’s passion for rallying, bringing with it the roar of engines and the thrill of world-class competition.
Source: Autosport
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