INDIA IS MAKING a renewed push to bring Formula 1 back to the country, with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) targeting a return of the sport by 2030. The announcement comes amid broader plans to attract major international motorsport events, including MotoGP and a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), within the next few years.
Speaking after meetings with the Indian government, FMSCI President Arindam Ghosh said discussions with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Raksha Khadse, senior officials, and industry stakeholders focused on bringing Formula 1, MotoGP, and the WRC back to India.
According to Ghosh, the federation emphasized the importance of developing Indian drivers, engineers, technicians, and motorsport infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy rather than merely hosting international events.
The latest push coincides with growing interest from Formula 1’s leadership. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently described India as a “priority market” and said the championship remains keen to return, provided the right promoters, commercial partners, and investment structure are in place.
Domenicali has cautioned that a comeback is unlikely in the immediate future and could take around five years or more to materialize, a timeline broadly consistent with India’s 2030 target. He stressed that any return must be built on sustainable foundations rather than rushed into the Formula 1 calendar.
India previously hosted the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013. The event received widespread praise from teams and drivers but was eventually dropped due to taxation disputes, regulatory challenges, and logistical complications.
The circuit remains one of the country’s premier motorsport venues and is widely viewed as the most likely location should Formula 1 return. Reports have also indicated interest from major corporate groups in reviving international racing at the venue.
India’s ambitions extend beyond Formula 1. FMSCI is aiming to host a round of the World Rally Championship and bring MotoGP back by 2028. Officials believe that hosting multiple global events would help create a stronger ecosystem for motorsports and provide greater opportunities for Indian competitors.
At the recent FMSCI Annual Awards in Bengaluru, the federation also highlighted achievements by Indian drivers and riders on the international stage, signaling a growing talent pool that could benefit from increased exposure to world-class events.
