Mandalika Officially Becomes Host of Indonesian Formula 4 Starting 2026
Source: Amtara/Akhyar Rosidi.
The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit in West Nusa Tenggara has been officially appointed as the host of the Formula 4 Indonesia four-wheel car racing series starting from the 2026 season. This designation marks a significant milestone for national motorsport development, while also signaling the beginning of a more structured and globally-oriented pathway for Indonesia's four-wheel racing development.
Formula 4's presence in Mandalika goes beyond merely adding to the national racing calendar. This event is positioned as a long-term development foundation for young Indonesian drivers aspiring to reach international racing levels. With global regulatory standards, Formula 4 serves as the initial gateway before advancing to higher tiers like Formula 3, Formula 2, and ultimately Formula 1.
Michael Indradjaja, CEO of Formula 4 Indonesia appointed by Ligier, emphasized that this event is designed to strengthen the domestic motorsport ecosystem, not only for athletes but also for supporting industries.
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“The Formula 4 Indonesia event simultaneously opens doors for Indonesian driver development and motorsport industries to reach the world's highest level,” stated Michael in his written announcement in Mataram on Monday.
According to Michael, Formula 4 plays a crucial role in the international racing development map. All drivers currently competing in Formula 1, he noted, began their professional careers at this level. Therefore, Formula 4's presence in Indonesia represents a strategic step to end national drivers' dependence on foreign competitions from an early age.
“Today we introduce the Formula 4 car in Indonesia. Why Formula 4? Because Formula 4 is the gateway to Formula 1. All world drivers start from Formula 4,” he explained.
Interestingly, Formula 4 Indonesia doesn't exclusively target professional drivers. The event also features a special class for gentleman drivers, providing opportunities for non-professional racing enthusiasts to experience formula car competition firsthand.
“The races we create aren't just for professionals. Gentleman drivers will have their own class. We want this ecosystem to grow inclusively,” Michael clarified.
Furthermore, Formula 4 Indonesia is projected to become a platform for human resource development in racing engineering and technology. Michael mentioned that since the initial stage of the Formula 4 cars' arrival, they've involved university students to accelerate technology transfer and technical motorsport knowledge.
“We hope Formula 4 will produce Indonesia's first Formula 1 driver, along with skilled Indonesian technicians and engineers. Even during the car unboxing process, we've involved students for technology transfer,” he stated.
Michael also invited drivers, racing teams, and national motorsport industry players to actively participate in building Formula 4 Indonesia as a sustainable competition.
“Join the movement, build your team. Information can be accessed through Formula 4 Indonesia's Instagram and later through our official website,” he announced.
From the circuit management perspective, Priandi Satria, Main Director of Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), believes Formula 4 Indonesia aligns with MGPA's long-term vision of building a national four-wheel racing development pyramid. MGPA itself was appointed by Injourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to manage the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit.
“Formula 4 is the crucial foundation for driver development,” said Priandi.
He added that with Mandalika as the main base, Indonesia now has a clearer and sustainable development pathway to guide drivers toward international levels.
“We've prepared Mandalika Special Economic Zone as the center for national motorsport development,” he affirmed.
With international-standard infrastructure and continuously developing ecosystem support, Formula 4 Indonesia at Mandalika is expected to become the starting point for a new generation of Indonesian drivers, technicians, and engineers ready to compete on the global motorsport stage.
