This initiative follows a recent discussion that included Formula One representatives, the owners of Buddh International Circuit, the Adani Group, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), and various stakeholders in motorsport.
“The key outcome of the meeting is the Ministry’s plan to form a specialized four-to-five member Task Force tasked with a thorough assessment of the motorsports landscape in the nation and the obstacles hindering its growth,” Mandaviya stated.
“The Task Force will analyze the international, economic, tourism, and investment advantages of hosting significant motorsport events in India. Additionally, it will pinpoint essential priorities, infrastructure needs, and operational requirements for the sustainable advancement of the sector and will present its recommendations to the Sports Ministry,” he continued.
The Task Force will include members from the Sports Ministry, FMSCI, the Uttar Pradesh government, and the management of Buddh International Circuit. After its formation, the group will have three months to deliver a report on the advantages and challenges of hosting major motorsport events in India.
With the Task Force’s insights, a comprehensive policy framework will be created to foster motorsports in India.
“The goal is to host a Formula One race in India by 2028, and a necessary framework will be established by next year. Special emphasis will be placed on nurturing and supporting regional and grassroots motorsport centers,” he noted, adjusting his earlier target of having a race by 2027.
“Motorsports will also be integrated as a vital part of the Government’s ‘Play in India’ initiative. There’s an entire economy that can develop around F1, and India has immense potential due to the sport’s substantial fanbase,” the minister added.
The entire initiative will be executed through a structured and gradual approach, with the Government of India fully committed to facilitating the growth and enhancement of motorsports within the country.
India hosted Formula 1 from 2011 to 2013, but the race was removed from the calendar due to taxation and financial issues.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently recognized the significant interest in India but hesitated to provide a timeline for its return, stating that adequate investment and the right personnel are essential for the plan to succeed.
According to an F1 statement from December last year, the sport’s fanbase in India was recorded at 79 million. In less than six months, this figure has increased to 98 million.
(With PTI inputs)
