Now Reading: FMSCI says F1 not before 2029, pushes for WRC in India
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FMSCI says F1 not before 2029, pushes for WRC in India
FMSCI president Arindam Ghosh said Formula One cannot return to India before 2029 but the federation is actively pushing to bring the World Rally Championship (WRC) earlier. Speaking at the launch of the Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 in Chennai, Ghosh noted WRC requires no expensive permanent infrastructure, only road sanitisation and government support. He said he would not be surprised if India's next big event uses a street circuit rather than the Buddh International Circuit in Noida, citing maintenance costs.
The four-round National Championship season begins at Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore in September, followed by rounds in Bengaluru and concluding at Madras International Circuit in December. Seven categories including Indian Super Touring Cars, Formula LGB F4 and Super Stock will compete. TN Fisheries Minister A. Srinath thanked organisers for promoting motorsport and road safety awareness. FIA World Motor Sport Council member Akbar Ebrahim said Indian motorsport is being closely watched globally.
Indian Opinion Analysis
India last hosted an F1 race in 2013 at the Buddh International Circuit, which was dropped after disputes over entertainment tax classification. The WRC's appeal lies in road-based stages requiring no permanent circuit, drastically lowering entry costs. With Tamil Nadu's government backing the Madras International Circuit, the state is positioning itself as a motorsport hub. The next signal for WRC viability will be whether state administrations along potential routes provide the necessary road closures and security clearances.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
