Indian F1 Grand Prix faces axe in 2014
31 July 2013 5:08 AM IST
The Indian Grand Prix is likely to be dropped from next year’s Formula One calendar as Russia prepare for its debut, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said. ‘Is India going to happen next year? Probably not,’ he said at the Hungarian Grand Prix which took place on Sunday.
Asked what was the problem with the race at Greater Noida, the 82-year-old British billionaire replied: ‘Very political.’ Ecclestone, who has run Formula One for decades, draws up the calendar and usually presents it to the governing International Automobile Federation to be rubber-stamped in September.
He currently has a possible 22 races jostling for space on the calendar with teams expressing a strong preference for a maximum of 20.
Russia, with a debut race pencilled in for the Black Sea resort of Sochi towards the end of next year, and a Grand Prix in New Jersey, are the two novelties planned for 2014 with Austria also due to make a comeback after an 11-year absence.
India first hosted a GP in 2011 to positive reviews from the F1 community and this year’s race is scheduled for 27 October 27 as the 16th round of the 19-race championship. The two races so far has been won by Red Bull’s triple world champion Sebastian Vettel. There have been bureaucratic hurdles to overcome, however, as well as concern about finances and the sport’s exposure to high local taxation.
Meanwhile, Jaypee Group, promoters of Indian Grand Prix, said they are committed to the race till 2015. The management was surprised with Eccelstone’s comments but assured they are willing to walk the extra mile to address their concerns. ‘We are yet to hear anything officially from the F1 management.
Jaypee Group is keen on having the contract till 2015 when the five-year deal will be up for renewal,’ said Askari Zaidi, senior V-P of Jaypee group.
Asked if the organisers want tax benefits, Zaidi said: ‘That issue must be taken up by the Federation of Motor Sports Club of India. We have to sit down with the government and discuss these issues. I am sure the talks will have a fruitful outcome.’
Asked what was the problem with the race at Greater Noida, the 82-year-old British billionaire replied: ‘Very political.’ Ecclestone, who has run Formula One for decades, draws up the calendar and usually presents it to the governing International Automobile Federation to be rubber-stamped in September.
He currently has a possible 22 races jostling for space on the calendar with teams expressing a strong preference for a maximum of 20.
Russia, with a debut race pencilled in for the Black Sea resort of Sochi towards the end of next year, and a Grand Prix in New Jersey, are the two novelties planned for 2014 with Austria also due to make a comeback after an 11-year absence.
India first hosted a GP in 2011 to positive reviews from the F1 community and this year’s race is scheduled for 27 October 27 as the 16th round of the 19-race championship. The two races so far has been won by Red Bull’s triple world champion Sebastian Vettel. There have been bureaucratic hurdles to overcome, however, as well as concern about finances and the sport’s exposure to high local taxation.
Meanwhile, Jaypee Group, promoters of Indian Grand Prix, said they are committed to the race till 2015. The management was surprised with Eccelstone’s comments but assured they are willing to walk the extra mile to address their concerns. ‘We are yet to hear anything officially from the F1 management.
Jaypee Group is keen on having the contract till 2015 when the five-year deal will be up for renewal,’ said Askari Zaidi, senior V-P of Jaypee group.
Asked if the organisers want tax benefits, Zaidi said: ‘That issue must be taken up by the Federation of Motor Sports Club of India. We have to sit down with the government and discuss these issues. I am sure the talks will have a fruitful outcome.’
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