Decision made on adding new F1 circuit to calendar after statement by sport minister
F1 has issued a statement as India's sports minister Mansukh Mandanayiva claimed there will be a grand prix in the country from next season.
The motorsport circus of Formula 1 is taking an enforced break in April, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East leading to the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix.
However, recent reports have claimed that the race in Saudi Arabia could yet take place this year, with negotiations to have the Jeddah street circuit as the penultimate round of the season underway.
Saudi Arabia isn't the only circuit hoping to secure itself back on the calendar, with reports in India claiming F1 will return to Buddh International Circuit in 2027.
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This comes after Mandanayiva offiically confirmed the news to the Indian media, saying: “There will be an F1 race in India in 2027. First race will be at the Buddha International Circuit."
The Buddah International Circuit is no stranger to F1, previously hosting from 2011 to 2013, however, Mandanayiva's claims of a 2027 race appear considerably innccurate.
F1 dismiss claims of 2027 Indian Grand Prix
Speaking in a statement via PlanetF1, Formula 1 confirmed there will be no Indian grand prix next year, but stressed it hasn't been ruled out in the future.
“While India is a valuable market for Formula 1’s continued growth with an amazing passionate fanbase, we won’t be racing there in 2027," the statement read.
“Interest in hosting Formula 1 events has never been stronger, and there is a limited number of spaces on the calendar.”
Buddh International Circuit initially fell off the calendar due to taxation and bureaucratic issues, with the Indian government not convinced enough to invest in the sport.
These issues led to promoters JPSK Sports owing $51 million in unpaid race fees after being denied permission to remit licencing fees back to Formula 1.
This figure is still believed to be untouched since Liberty Media secured ownership of Formula 1 in 2017, however, Mandayiva, claims the Indian government are ready to play their part in bringing F1 back.
“It will take another six months to work out the modalities,” he said.
“The government will help in getting the tax relaxations that had become a bone of contention, so that it is a viable venture for the organisers.
“Given the global situation due to the ongoing Iran war, India is being seen as a safe and viable venue for sporting events, including F1.
“We plan to have a MotoGP event before F1 returns, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) is in talks with Formula 1 right now, and we will be facilitators.”
“[It’s not just Buddh], we have good tracks in Chennai and Hyderabad as well,” Mandayiva added.
Topics: Formula 1
Tom Jenkins