Government Forms Task Force to Explore Revival of Formula One at Buddh International Circuit
Congress MP Critiques Government's Move
On Tuesday, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh raised concerns regarding the government's establishment of a NITI Aayog task force aimed at evaluating the potential revival of the Formula One Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) located in Greater Noida. He accused the Modi administration of engaging in 'cronyism'. Ramesh expressed his views on X, suggesting that the task force was created to promote the revival of the Formula One Grand Prix at BIC through various financial incentives. He stated, 'It is not surprising that NITI Aayog has formed a task force to revive the Formula One Grand Prix at BIC with financial and other incentives. The BIC and other assets were recently acquired from a private company by the Modani conglomerate. Each day, the Modi government sinks deeper into cronyism. More revelations are forthcoming.'
Government's Initiative for F1 Revival
The government has initiated a task force under NITI Aayog to explore the feasibility of reviving Formula One and enhancing the motorsports ecosystem in India. This task force will evaluate taxation issues and other obstacles impacting the growth of motorsports in the nation. Additionally, it will assess the potential international, economic, tourism, and investment advantages of hosting motorsport events. The task force aims to identify essential priorities, infrastructure needs, and operational requirements for sustainable sector development, while also considering the necessity for a comprehensive policy framework for motorsports. Furthermore, it will propose appropriate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to foster the growth of motorsports in India.
Composition of the Task Force
The task force responsible for assessing the feasibility of the Formula One Grand Prix is led by Yugal Kishore Joshi, Programme Director at NITI Aayog. Its members include the Joint Secretary from the Department of Sports, the Joint Secretary from the Department of Commerce, the Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Tourism, and representatives from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Additionally, representatives from the Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra governments, as well as from the Buddh International Circuit and Madras International Circuit, are included. The President or Secretary General of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and a technical expert nominated by FMSCI are also part of the task force, which may invite additional members as needed.
Buddh International Circuit's Racing History
This initiative comes as the government contemplates the return of Formula One to the Buddh International Circuit, nearly 13 years after the last Indian Grand Prix took place there. Earlier this year, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the BIC, indicating the government's interest in reviving the Indian Grand Prix. The Indian Grand Prix was hosted at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013, with Sebastian Vettel from Germany winning all three races for Red Bull Racing. The inaugural race occurred on October 30, 2011, as part of the Formula One season, with Vettel emerging as the victor. Since 2013, Formula One has not returned to the Indian circuit, although India hosted a MotoGP event at the BIC in September 2023, which has not been repeated since.