Bernie says F1 will not return to India in 2015

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Mar 06 2014 | 4:43 PM IST
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has made a shock statement that the race will "surely" not return to India next year even as the organisers, JPSI, remained optimistic that the Formula One caravan will arrive in the country in 2015.
The 2014 race was dropped from the calender due to bureaucratic hurdles even as the official version was that it was scrapped due to logistic reasons.
Ecclestone was quoted as saying by media that "at the moment, India won't be on for next year for sure".
"Probably 2016... They're gradually getting over all the bureaucracy with the tax position inside the country and the general finance," the 82-year-old was quoted as saying by the 'Guardian'.
After dropping of the 2014 race, it was speculated that the race will be held in March, 2015 instead of October.
Jaypee Sports International Ltd (JPSI) CEO and MD Sameer Gaur, who last year during the third edition of the race had said that that he would "bet his life" on race's return in 2015, said they will find a way to get it back.
"JPSI would not like to react to media reports on F1 Indian Grand Prix not happening in 2015 as we will discuss the situation with the Formula One Management soon and we're hopeful that things will be sorted out," Gaur said in a statement.
The organisers have a five-year contract with FOM to host the race at Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. The first race was held in October 2011.
Citing "political" reasons, Bernie had taken out the race from the country. Due to bureaucratic hurdles and taxation issues, teams struggle to get equipments in the country.
The Indian government does not consider F1 as sport but as entertainment.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 06 2014 | 4:43 PM IST

Next Story