F1 Comeback Hopes as Racing Returns to Buddh International Circuit After 13 Years
Racing returns to Buddh International Circuit after 13 years. RPPL Chairman Akhilesh Reddy discusses F1's possible comeback and government support.
The roar of engines has finally returned to the racing return to BIC, marking a historic milestone for Indian motorsports. After a long hiatus of 13 years, the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida once again hosted FIA-level racing, sparking renewed hope that Formula One (F1) might soon make its grand return to Indian soil.
The revival was spearheaded by the Indian Racing Festival (IRF), which brought the F4 Indian Championship (Round 4) and the Indian Racing League (Round 2) to the iconic 5.125-kilometre track on October 31 and November 1. For the motorsport community, the event was more than just a race; it was a signal that India's premier racing venue is back in action.
A "Great Moment" for Indian Motorsports
Akhilesh Reddy, the Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), expressed deep emotion over the event. Describing the return to BIC as a "great moment," Reddy noted that the entire community is overwhelmed to see the circuit active again.
The RPPL chief highlighted that the return of high-level racing is a catalyst for the sport's growth in the country. He emphasized that the return of Formula One, in particular, would act as a massive trigger to revive public interest and expand the fan base for domestic racing series like those managed by RPPL.
The Road Back to Formula One
While the current events focused on F4 and IRL, the ultimate goal remains the return of the pinnacle of motorsport. According to Reddy, there are active and "aggressive" efforts underway to bring F1 back to India.
He revealed that the government, the Adani Group, and Formula One authorities are working closely toward this goal. Reddy believes the interest is mutual, stating that both the FIA and Formula One are keen on returning to the Indian market, which would be a win-win for the sport and the nation.
"We are all waiting; the RPPL especially is waiting for Formula One to get back so that the moment Formula One gets back, the amount of Formula 1 fans will increase, people would start watching the Motorsports again," said Akhilesh Reddy.
The Struggle for Support: Motorsports vs. Cricket
Despite the optimism, Reddy pointed out a significant gap in the support provided to motorsports compared to other sports in India. He made a candid plea for government intervention, suggesting that the ecosystem would thrive if it received even a fraction of the attention given to cricket.
Reddy stated that organizers, parents, and young aspiring racers would be incredibly satisfied if motorsports received at least 50 per cent of the support that cricket enjoys in the country.
Government Action and Driver Perspectives
The push for a revival is already seeing institutional movement. In September, the government established a task force under NITI Aayog. This body is tasked with examining the development of the broader motorsports ecosystem and identifying the specific challenges that need to be overcome to bring Formula One back to India.
International and domestic drivers who competed at the circuit also shared their excitement:
- Raoul Hyman: The South African driver described racing at BIC as a "great feeling," noting that the facilities and the track are already at a level capable of hosting MotoGP and Formula One.
- Saishiva Sankaran: The Indian driver echoed this sentiment, calling it an ideal F1-grade track and expressing his personal desire to buy tickets to watch an F1 race at the venue.
The Buddh International Circuit holds a storied past, having hosted the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013. During those years, Germany's Sebastian Vettel dominated the venue, winning all three editions for Red Bull Racing. With the recent return of FIA racing, the dream of seeing the world's fastest cars back in Greater Noida seems closer than ever.