Don't become an obstacle: Mallya tells govt on Indian Grand Prix

There are doubts about its continuation post 2015 as the govt doesn't support the event

With Indian Grand Prix facing an uncertain future because to various reasons, including red-tapism at different levels, Sahara Force India team owner Vijay Mallya has asked the government of India to facilitate the event instead of becoming an obstacle.

The Indian GP is only three years old, but it has already been dropped from the 2014 Formula One calendar with two years of its contract still remaining.

Even though the race is expected to make comeback to India in 2015, there are serious doubts about its continuation among motorsports fans because the Indian government doesn't support the event.

"I will appeal to the government to see what goes on in other parts of the world where local governments actually support Formula One. But in India it is going to be very difficult to persuade the government because of the unique nature of the country and its problems," Mallya, who himself is a Member of Parliament, said at the Buddh International Circuit here today.

"The government should not interfere or become an obstacle. The government should be a facilitator. If private enterprise is taking the responsibility of hosting Formula One event, the government should encourage it.

"The benefits of bringing Formula One to any country, including India are enormous. It provides visibility, exposure which translates into tourism," he added.