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Lippo Village Unveils Street Circuit for A1GP Indonesia

Indonesian fans of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport who have already marked their calendars for the A1GP Lippo Village, Indonesia scheduled to be held from the 6th to 8th of February 2009 will now be able to see the plans for the new Lippo Village street circuit which was unveiled today(13 Nov). With much anticipation of the track layout, a press conference was held to raise the curtains on the new track that will host the first ever street race in Indonesia and the only one in the A1GP calendar for Season 2008/2009.

A project of this scale obviously needed meticulous planning and design, and as such no expense was spared. The circuit was designed by non other than Herman Tilke, from the renowned German race track designer, Tilke Gmbh, considered by many as the world’s best. The 3.2 km circuit will run clock-wise incorporating 12 turns that is bound to keep even the most discerning of motorsports fans on their feet. Although the circuit was designed to first of all fulfill the stringent FIA safety regulations, it still provides a challenging and exciting track with an average speed of 176km/h and the top speed reaching over 300km/h. Mr. Gordon G. Benton OBE RIBA, Senior Executive – Architect, Urban Planner PT. Lippo Karawaci Tbk. said, “there were many things to consider in the circuit design phase with safety being a primary concern. I believe that we now have a circuit that will satisfy the FIA requirements, is exciting, and incorporates the unique elements of this township.”

The temporary street circuit which is being built within a community setting was cleverly designed not only to minimise as much as possible disruption to the community and commerce but also to showcase Lippo Village, the surrounding businesses, and areas; which will be representing Indonesia to a global community of 700 million households within and outside of Indonesia. Mr. Benton also said that, “this is an opportunity everyone to lend their support not only for the long-term benefit of the surrounding area, but Indonesia as a whole. We have now joined an elite group of nations capable of hosting global motorsport series on street circuits. Such circuits include Surfers Paradise, Durban, Valencia, Monaco, Long Beach, Melbourne and Singapore.”

The FIA-certified street circuit will have all the standard infrastructure of an international motorsport venue such as race control tower, public grandstands, exhibition malls, a pit complex, hospitality suites and media centre. This unique design incorporates Lippo Village’s existing infrastructure as a feature of the circuit. Planned additions to the buildings in the famous Pelita Harapan University (UPH) will double up as the pit lane complex during the A1GP period, which outside each year’s A1GP race week be utilised as part of the University’s infrastructure. New roads constructed around the township are also to be constructed with the long-term growth of Lippo Village in mind.

According to A1GP Asia-Pacific CEO, Mr. David Clare said, “we’ve of course been privy to the plans and are totally committed towards having the race here in Lippo Village for at least the next five years. There is strong commitment from those involved and A1GP will play our part in ensuring this race at Lippo Village is a success.”

A carnival atmosphere will be created around the race whereby Indonesians as well as visitors can come out and have a great day out. Basically there will be something for every one.

Support races and other on track and off track activities have been lined up to keep fans busy, including street performers, public activities, and live music. For the benefit of the fans, in addition to the existing Taman Sari and Benton Junction, additional public catering services will be made available in various areas within the circuit so fans have easy access to a variety of international and local food and beverages. Mr. Keld Kristiansen, Executive Chairman of PT Carbon Worldwide Indonesia said, “the key feature of a street circuit is what happens off the track as every city is different and lends its character to the event. We have incorporated the existing facilities at Lippo Village into our planning as well as additional just for the race weekend, so those coming to the event will be well looked after.”

With an influx of race goers and increased activity in Lippo Village, traffic control is an important aspect of the event. The Town Management Department, together with the Promoters is working with local authorities to assist in ensuring smooth flow of traffic leading to the circuit during race weekend.

Spectators are advised to car pool and take alternative forms of transport to the circuit. These include shuttle buses available from various points in Jakarta and remote car park locations to the circuit gantry. Information on the best way to get to the circuit will be made available in December.

Tickets to the A1GP Lippo Village will go on sale beginning 05 December 2008. Ticket prices will start at RP250,000, with all ticket holders receiving specially packaged “race kits” when they arrive.

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