Sports Ministry Plans Grand Return of Formula 1 to India
Government inspects venue to resolve tax issues and restart racing
Thirteen years after the engines last roared at the Indian Grand Prix, the thrill of Formula 1 may soon return to Indian soil. The Union Sports Ministry is actively considering plans to revive the racing circuit at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, a venue that has remained largely silent for over a decade.
According to recent reports, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the facility last week to assess its condition. The track, originally inaugurated in 2011, hosted three successful Formula 1 races between 2011 and 2013, all won by legendary driver Sebastian Vettel. However, the event was discontinued primarily due to complex taxation disputes between organizers and the government.
Official sources indicate that the government is now keen to resolve these past hurdles. During his inspection, Minister Mandaviya held discussions with the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), which currently manages the facility following the bankruptcy of the Jaypee Group. The goal is to calculate the maintenance required to make the track race-ready again.
"We are looking to restart the unused facility. The taxation issues that plagued the event will be resolved," a source stated. To expedite the process, the minister has reportedly instructed officials to lease the venue to a professional sports management company for a few years. This strategic move aims to bring high-level motorsport back to the country.
Challenges Ahead for F1 Revival
Bringing Formula 1 back is no small feat. The circuit was last used for a major international event in September 2023 for the Bharat MotoGP. That event faced significant operational hurdles, including visa delays, marshal shortages, and extreme weather conditions, leading to its eventual removal from the calendar.
Furthermore, hosting an F1 race involves massive financial commitments. With wealthy nations in the Middle East often fully funding their races, India faces stiff competition for a spot on the global calendar. However, the world-class infrastructure at Greater Noida, combined with renewed government backing, offers a promising opportunity for organizers eyeing the vast Indian market.
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