Will this Grand Prix return to the calendar? 'Talks are forthcoming'
Rumors
- GPblog.com
The Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit may return to the F1 calendar. India's Business Today reports having heard from insiders that talks with the FIA will take place soon.
The race in India was on the F1 calendar from 2011 to 2013. It was in Sebastian Vettel's championship years and the German won every race held in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. According to the Indian media, the event was a success and attracted enthusiasts from all over the country. One of the biggest reasons the GP was removed from the calendar after three years was because of the government's withdrawal of tax exemption for entertainment.
GP India may return to Formula One calendar
The same newspaper reports that there is a possibility of the GP India returning: "Discussions with the organisers of F1 are expected to commence shortly." In doing so, the medium mentions that the MotoGP held at the circuit may have contributed to a consideration for F1 being given a place on the F1 calendar again.
The Formula E race held in Hyderabad for the first time in 2023 was also received positively by the Indian public. The event was also well received by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. He then said, "There's more that can be done in India, including a return of F1." According to Ben Sulayem, constructors and audiences are there, in India and China: "We have not scratched the surface yet. We are talking about 2.8 billion people in these two countries and we have less than 8000 competitive licenses."