WRC Possibly Set For Racing Return In Indonesia By 2026 Earliest

The prestigious World Rally Championship (WRC) could see itself return to Indonesia, possibly as early as next year (2026).

Reports coming out of neighbouring Indonesia recently indicates that said ASEAN nation is seeking to host a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC). In fact, the country could be set to host a round of said championship as early next year (2026) should things pan out favourably.

WRC’s possible return to the republic will end the sport’s absence of nearly three decades there. Indonesia last hosted the WRC back in 1997 where it was won by Carlos Sainz Sr – yes, THAT Carlos Sainz Sr – and co-driver Luis Moya piloting a Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC.

Indonesia last hosted the WRC in 1997 where the event was won by Carlos Sainz Sr and co-driver Luis Moya in a Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC. (Image: Toyota via Autosport.com)

If secured, it could also see Indonesia stand as the only other WRC round held in the Asia Pacific region other than Japan.

The intent to host WRC in Indonesia was announced last week by the country’s Minister of Youth & Sports Dito Ariotedjo. The announcement follows up from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reportedly signed between Ariotedjo’s office and WRC Senior Event Director Simon Larkin.

Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo (second from right) and WRC Senior Event Director Simon Larkin (right) in Jakarta last week. (Image: AntaraNews.com)

Said MoU was the result of meetings held between the minister, Larkin, as well as representatives of several sports stakeholders including the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI). Ariotedjo assessed that holding a WRC event would significantly benefit Indonesia's motorsport landscape.

"We are delighted that the WRC has formally conveyed its interest in including Indonesia in its calendar of events. There are 14 events in the 2026 WRC calendar, and we seek to add an event in Toba," said Ariotedjo as he also highlighted the city of Medan and Lake Toba as key venues.

Presently, Indonesia regularly hosts Formula E in Jakarta, and MotoGP at the new Mandalika Circuit in Lombok Island.

Racecars from WRC's top-tier 'Rally1' category sees entries fielded by Hyundai (top), Ford (left) and Toyota (right). 

Whilst Ariotedjo and his ministry are eager to have Indonesia host the event in 2026, all parties also admitted that 2027 was a more realistic goal instead. Presently, all stakeholders are also performing all the necessary assessment to ascertain Indonesia’s readiness to host the event.

The minster added that hosting a WRC round would further enrich the list of international motorsport events hosted by Indonesia. Currently, the republic is already a regular host for Formula E in its capital of Jakarta, as well as MotoGP in Lombok at the island’s new Mandalika Circuit.