Government sets up expert panel to revive Indian motorsport.
Government officials have constituted a special NITI Aayog task force to evaluate reviving Formula 1 racing across India. Chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, this expert committee aims to resolve existing taxation issues and develop a clear operational roadmap for the domestic motorsport sector. Historical tax disputes and bureaucratic hurdles previously disrupted international racing events within the nation. By studying these past challenges, the newly formed panel will now assess international economic, tourism, and investment opportunities related to hosting high-profile track events. It will also look at infrastructure priorities and potential Public-Private Partnership models to support sustainable growth.
Key members leading motor racing strategy
Members of this strategic group include Kunal, who serves as Joint Secretary for the Department of Sports, alongside representatives from the Ministries of Commerce and Tourism. Officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the Central Board of Direct Taxes will handle revenue aspects. State government delegates from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are also participating. Industry experts joining the discussions feature representatives from both Buddh International Circuit and Madras International Circuit. Furthermore, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India president or secretary general will contribute alongside nominated technical experts.
Looking back at previous racing glory
Indian sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently visited Greater Noida to inspect track facilities, signaling serious intentions to host events again nearly thirteen years after regular scheduling stopped. Previously, this specific venue hosted the Indian Grand Prix consecutively from 2011 to 2013. German driver Sebastian Vettel dominated those specific years, securing victories in all three editions while driving for Red Bull Racing. That inaugural race took place on October 30, 2011, marking the 17th round of that year's regular season. While four-wheel grand prix action stopped after 2013, organizers successfully brought a MotoGP round to the same circuit in September 2023, though motorcycle racing has not returned since that single event.
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI
