> Indonesian circuit joins pan-continental championship
Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia Powered by AWS will make its long-awaited and eagerly anticipated debut at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit next season.
The venue located on the scenic Indonesian island of Lombok headlines a 2025 calendar revealed at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa earlier today. SRO Motorsports Group founder and CEO, Stephane Ratel, met with representatives from the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) last weekend at Fuji Speedway where the multi-year agreement was officially signed.
The 4.3km-long, 17-turn layout has hosted MotoGP and the FIM Superbike World Championship since its completion in late 2021. Fanatec GT Asia will be the first major four-wheeled series to visit the circuit when 30+ GT3 supercars race there in May.
In doing so, Indonesia becomes just the sixth country to stage a Fanatec GT Asia event since the championship’s formation in 2017. As well as the current quartet of Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and China – all of which return in 2025 – the series also visited South Korea in 2019.
Benjamin Franassovici, Championship Director: “GT racing at Mandalika promises to be spectacular! I have visited the circuit several times and am always struck by the beauty of Lombok as well as the quality of its motorsport facility. There is nothing else like it in Asia. I am also certain it will prove a very popular addition to our calendar. This announcement is the culmination of several years’ work, so it’s fantastic to finally confirm Indonesia’s place on Fanatec GT Asia’s schedule.”
Mr Priandhi Satria, President Director of MGPA: “This is a historic moment for Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit which will host a popular multi-brand GT3 car racing event in Asia. This remarkable achievement not only cements our standing in the international motorsport arena but also adds to our impressive track record of organising prestigious international racing events.
“Hosting such a high-profile event demonstrates MGPA’s commitment to excellence in motorsport and highlights the circuit's world-class facilities and capabilities. By hosting Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia, MGPA demonstrates Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit’s full readiness to accommodate other major international events, reinforcing our position as one of the most beautiful circuits in the world of motorsport.”
Ari Respati, President Director of ITDC: “This partnership marks a significant milestone by solidifying The Mandalika’s status as ‘The Ultimate Lifestyle Sportstainment Destination’ in Indonesia. Moreover, the event will bring substantial economic benefits to the local community. This influx of tourism and the associated economic activity will not only raise the area's profile but also provide sustainable economic growth, improving the livelihoods of residents and fostering new business ventures. In essence, this collaboration is a strategic move to elevate The Mandalika's global standing while ensuring positive, long-term economic impacts for the surrounding community. ITDC fully supports MGPA's collaboration with Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia, recognizing its pivotal role in realizing these goals and enhancing The Mandalika's appeal as a premier destination.”
The event’s specific date will be revealed in due course along with those of the other five venues. Three Southeast Asia circuits – Sepang, Mandalika and Chang – comprise the first half of the campaign between April and June before two rounds take place in Japan over the summer. China rounds out the season in October.
Fanatec GT Asia teams are also expected to play a starring role at the revived Suzuka 1000km, which joins Intercontinental GT Challenge next year. However, this event will not count towards Fanatec GT Asia’s regular season.
PROVISIONAL 2025 FANATEC GT ASIA CALENDAR
April | Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia | 2x 60min races
May | Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia 2x 60min races
June | Chang International Circuit, Thailand 2x 60min races
July | Fuji, Japan | 2x 60min races
August | TBC, Japan | 2x 60min races
October | TBC, China | 2x 60min races