(12/28/2012)
The National News Agency Antara reports that a business consortium, including multi-national companies, is planning to build a Formula 1 (F1) racecourse on a 100-hectare site in the southern regency of Badung.
Anthony Sarwono, a property investor and automotive enthusiast in Denpasar, said: “The concept has been in the wind for a long time. The circuit is planned to be built near the port of Benoa as part of a resort and marina complex.”
The F1 circuit is planned on reclaimed land on Serangan Island.
The press says that plan for the racecourse is still in the licensing and permit stage before the provincial government.
If approved, the first phase of the project will focus on the development of the resort and marina, with the F1 circuit to follow in a future phase of construction.
Sarwono told the press that Bali represents an excellent choice for the construction of an F1 circuit with Indonesian largely ignored by the F1 sport in the past.
“After Australia the F1 circuit moves to Sepang, Malaysia. Indonesia is just passed over. While, in fact, the world’s attention is focused on Asia because Europe no longer allows tobacco products as the main sponsor of international sporting events,” explained Sarwono.
Meanwhile, Nyoman Seniweca, a candidate to become chairman of the Indonesian Automotive Association (IMI), added that an international standard automotive sport facility in Bali would support the Island’s tourism industry, pointing to the success of the F1 event held each year in the republic of Singapore.
Nyoman admitted, however, whether or not a racecourse can be established in Bali was a matter entirely up to the desire and aspirations of the provincial government.
But, What About the Law?
An anti-smoking law passed for Bali in 2012 is in direct opposition to establish an F1 circuit supported by cigarette advertising. That law specifically prohibits advertising of cigarettes in public places with fines of Rp 50 million (US$5,100) and prison sentences of up to 6 months for those found in violation of the law.
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