2014 India Grand Prix dropped, race to be held in March 2015

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In a huge dampener for Formula One enthusiasts in India, the 2014 Indian Grand Prix was on Tuesday dropped following a rejig in racing calendar for the coming year, according to race organisers JPSI, who said the motorsport extravaganza will now come back to country in March 2015.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has taken the decision to drop India from the 2014 calendar and has conveyed it to the Indian authorities.

"October-November period suits us better both weather-wise, as well as it being festive season, but if Formula One Management wants us to hold our race in March 2015 we don't have any problem with that," said Sameer Gaur, managing director and chief executive, Jaypee Sports International Ltd (JPSI).

Askari Zaidi, the JPSI spokesperson also confirmed the development.

"Bernie Ecclestone spoke to Gaur and conveyed the decision. We have agreed to it as it won't be possible to hold two races in six months (October 2014 to March 2015)," he added.

The spokesperson said the decision was arrived at after prolonged discussions with Ecclestone.

Vicky Chandhok, President of Federation of Motor Sport Council of India, said the primary reason behind the decision was the calendar and other reasons were incidental. "Basically they are looking at an early slot in 2015."

"In its plea, CBI had stated Ambani was responsible for incorporation of shell companies such as Swan Telecom, Tiger Traders, Zebra Consultants, Parrot Consultants and Giraffe Consultancy "and their interlocking equity structures".

Ambani, however, is learnt to have denied the allegation that Swan Telecom was a Reliance Group company.