Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said the government is actively working to promote motorsports and is pushing for the return of Formula One to India before 2027, after a gap of nearly 13 years.
In an informal interaction with the media, Mandaviya said that preparations are underway for the return of Formula One (F1) to India, with the target of hosting a race before 2027.
“Preparations are underway for the return of Formula One (F1) to India after a gap of nearly 13 years. Issues related to the track have been resolved, and the work is expected to be completed within the next six months. The goal is to host an F1 race in India again before 2027,” he said.
Additionally, the sports minister said plans are in place to bring events like MotoGP to India soon, with necessary improvements currently in progress.
The Formula One Indian Grand Prix was held for three seasons from 2011 to 2013 at the Buddh International Circuit. Sebastian Vettel won all three races, driving for Red Bull Racing. The event was dropped from the calendar after 2013 due to taxation issues, high costs, and bureaucratic hurdles.
The Buddh International Circuit was the first track to bring international motorsport to India, emerging as the host of the Formula One Indian Grand Prix in 2011.
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the track was well received by drivers and seemed set to firmly establish India on the international motorsport calendar. However, a tax dispute cut Formula One’s stay short; after two more races, the Grand Prix was suspended for 2014 and eventually dropped from the calendar.
Mandaviya also reiterated that the government’s focus is on strengthening sports at every level and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in sports.
-IANS
