Indian GP dropped out of 2014 F1 Calendar

The prestigious Indian GP has been dropped out of the 2014 F1 Calendar as confirmed Formula One Management (FOM). FOM Boss, Bernie Eccelstone has hinted the reason was political but later revealed they wanted to shift the Indian event to early March–April instead of the current schedule of October for 2015.

As the Indian promoters said they won´t be able to run races within 6months time due to the huge costs of operation, it was decided to drop out 2014 as two more new tracks are being added by the likes of Russia and Mexico and hold the Indian round during the start of the season in 2015 along with Australia, Malaysia and China which will reduce logistic costs for FOM.  

JPSI has signed the 4year deal in 2010 to run F1 races in their Buddh Circuit for 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 and the dropout of the 2014 round comes as a shock. The first year opened with much hype and expectation as was also marred with doubts and completion of the track on time while the 2012 round didnt go well with the ticket sales.

FOM states that they initially preffered a March–April date for the Indian Grand Prix but they gave in for the October date then just to go ahead with the event.

The October November period was chosen by the Indian promoters, JPSI, due to the festive season and favorable weather while the March–April period will be very Hot & Humid.

“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 Mr Sameer Gaur, MD and CEO, Jaypee Sports International Ltd (JPSI)

As for now we hope that F1 will be back in India in 2015 after an absence of 1year.