UNION SPORTS MINISTER Mansukh Mandaviya recently held discussions with officials from the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) to explore a framework aimed at building a strong pipeline of drivers and technicians as part of efforts to revive Formula 1 in India.
The meeting took place in the national capital and was attended by sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, joint secretary (sports) Kunal, and FMSCI council member Vicky Chandhok, among others.
Mandaviya had recently visited the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, which hosted the Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013 before the event was discontinued due to taxation-related issues.
“We discussed and look at the possibility of bringing Formula 1 and MotoGP to India. The ministry is very keen and very clear that since India is the most advancing country in technology, the best sport should come here. They wanted to understand the challenges and they wanted to speak to FMSCI and see our organising skills. The minister and the entire ministry are very happy to support us,” Chandhok, who led FMSCI when the races were last held, told PTI.
Mandaviya’s intent to revive the race became evident when he held discussions with officials from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority regarding the future of motorsport infrastructure in the country during his visit to the circuit earlier this year.
It is also learnt that the FMSCI has offered to facilitate a meeting between Mandaviya and the management of Formula 1, which is led by Stefano Domenicali.
India has been positioning itself as a major global sporting destination and has already secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, which is also being considered as a potential host city for the 2036 Summer Olympics.
During the meeting with the FMSCI delegation, the minister also discussed the creation of professional racing platforms aimed at providing greater exposure and opportunities for Indian drivers.
