Three new racetracks to be built in India

The tracks are to be built in Hosur (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad and between Mumbai and Pune.

Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) President Akbar Ebrahim confirmed that they were in talks with parties from these three places. However, he did not disclose further details.

“I can’t disclose details at the moment because they are in talks with us and it has to be confidential right now,” he told Motorsport.com.

“We are aware that they are interested in putting up tracks in these areas. Till they announce it, we will not be disclosing details.

“But for sure, we are in discussion with people from these three areas. Once they have firmed up everything and start work, I am sure they will also announce it,” he added.

In reply to a query, Ebrahim said: “It is all private corporate investment and it has nothing to do with the government.”

Asked what FMSCI’s role would be, he said: “The FMSCI will support them with whatever they ask for in terms of homologation and specifications etc., what level of circuit they would like to build, whether it is Grade 4, 3 or 2. There are different specifications that FMSCI will provide them.”

Asked whether they were looking at international level, tracks, he said: “It all depends on how much investment they are prepared to put in and what level they want the track to be.

“If you go higher, more infrastructure is needed. It is not just about the length and width of a circuit. They have formed concrete plans to complete these projects. They are definitely interested,” he added.

Ebrahim also said that this would be the much-needed boost for Indian motorsport. “I have always been saying that when more infrastructure comes up across the country, the sport grows that much faster because people have access to the tracks. One can’t keep travelling from one place to the other all the time,” he said.

“When you have more karting tracks and racetracks near your hometown, you will take up the sport.”

Right now, India has three major tracks viz. Buddh International Circuit (FIA Grade 1) in Greater Noida, Madras Motor Race Track (FIA Grade 2) in Sriperumbudur and the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. These apart, there are international level karting tracks in Bangalore and Hyderabad. The others are mostly recreational karting tracks or those that can host National Championships.