Government's NITI Aayog Task Force Aims to Revive Formula One at Buddh International Circuit

Concerns Raised Over Task Force for Formula One Revival

New Delhi, September 16: Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has expressed skepticism 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) in Greater Noida. He has accused the Modi administration of engaging in 'cronyism.'

In a post shared on X, Ramesh claimed that the task force was created to promote the revival of the Formula One Grand Prix at BIC through various financial incentives and support.

Ramesh stated, 'It is not surprising that NITI Aayog has formed a task force to bring back the Formula One Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit with financial backing. The BIC and other assets were recently acquired from a private firm by the Modani conglomerate. Each day, the Modi government sinks deeper into cronyism. More details will emerge soon.'

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 hindering the growth of motorsports in the country, while also assessing the potential international, economic, tourism, and investment advantages of hosting motorsport events.

Additionally, it will pinpoint essential priorities, infrastructure needs, and operational requirements for sustainable sector development, as well as consider the necessity for a comprehensive policy framework for motorsports.

The task force is also expected to propose appropriate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to foster the growth of motorsports in India.

Chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, Programme Director at NITI Aayog, the task force includes members from various government departments, including the Joint Secretaries from the Departments of Sports, Commerce, and Tourism, along with representatives from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), and state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. It also includes representatives from the Buddh International Circuit and Madras International Circuit, as well as the President/Secretary General of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and a technical expert nominated by FMSCI.

The task force may invite additional members as needed.

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 in Greater Noida, indicating the government's commitment to 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's 17th round, with Vettel taking the victory.

Since 2013, Formula One has not returned to the Indian circuit. India did host a MotoGP event at the Buddh International Circuit in September 2023, but it has not been repeated since.