Even as Formula One boss, Bernie Ecclestone, has confirmed that there would be no Formula One Indian Grand Prix in 2014, the Indian authorities have resigned themselves to hosting one the next year, in 2015.
The 2014 round of the F1 Indian Grand Prix could not become a reality given the semantics involved, said people familiar with the decision. “It would be practically impossible for the Indian organisation (Jaypee) to host two races within six months. Though Malaysia has hosted two races (October 2000 and March 2001) as has China (October 2008 and April 2009), in both cases the races were switched the next year given the problems with logistics ,” said an official.
In addition to the logistics issue, the entry of New Jersey and Russia as two new venues, has also forced the F1 team to push back the dates, said officials.
India's high taxes have also come in the way of a smooth 2014 F1 run. The host has to shell out $40 million (around Rs 237.7 crore) for every F1 race at the Buddh International Circuit as licensing fee. Other factors that could have forced organisers to tweak the racing calendar have been attributed to the fact that with 19 races in Formula One this season, and India hosting one, the Indian authorities have said that 1/19 of the sport's income should be taxed.
The organisers of the Indian Grand Prix are realty major Jaypee Group, which had inked a five-year agreement to organise the sporting event in India. Though the inaugural edition was attended by a strong crowd of 95,000 fans, it slipped to 60,000 in the second year.
Jaypee Group had organised both editions of the Indian Grand Prix in 2011 and 2012, at the Buddh International Circuit. The third edition was slated for October 27, 2013.
Sameer Gaur, CEO and Managing Director, Jaypee Sports International said the Formula 1 management had always wanted the India round early 2015, but the October slot was fixed after much deliberation given the festive season in the country.
"The October-November period suits us better weather-wise as well as it is festive season, but if Formula One management wants us to hold our race in March 2015, we do not have any problem with that," said Gaur.
Red Bull's triple world champion Sebastian Vettel won the two races in India.
Vicky Chandhok, President, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, confirmed that talks were on to shift the race from October 2014 to March 2015, with a likely extension by one more year to 2016, to compensate for the missed year.
Moreover, he said by juggling the dates, the October slot could have been freed up for the Russian Grand Prix, the new entrant to F1.