The Sentul circuit has little chance of returning in 2009

The Indonesian circuit of Sentul, where the second round of GP2 Asia took place two weeks ago, has little chance of securing a spot in the calendar of the new Asian series next year.

Indeed, after several hours of testing and running by the 26 single-seaters on the track, cracks appeared on the surface, eventually leaving real holes in the asphalt after a few hours.

After two days of racing, the teams had to repair their cars several times, even strengthening them with whatever tools were available. Some were repaired with duct tape… others with aluminum plates.

David Price, the director of DPR commented on this subject: « We changed four radiators over the weekend, broken due to detached bitumen blocks or gravel… »

« It cost us 25,000 Euros per car, just in damages… »

Other events had taken place under these conditions, including a Formula Renault V6 race in 2006, which Karun Chandhok, an Isport driver, was able to compete in at the same circuit.

The drivers and teams have already expressed their dissatisfaction to the FIA by writing to the committee. The repeated violent accidents and the long periods behind the safety car have likely not improved the chances of seeing an Indonesian circuit in GP2 next season.

Marco Cordello, the GP2 Asia events coordinator, is disappointed with the current situation but has expressed his desire to have Asian races on par with the other circuits in the GP2 Series.

« We could not have predicted that, » he commented.

« When a license is granted to a circuit, we hope it updates itself as best as possible. Therefore, we will not accept a return there until drastic measures are taken. »

« Apart from that, the race itself is phenomenal, so it’s a shame to see this kind of situation… »