FMSCI is waiting for a final clearance from the sports ministry for recognition as a national sports federation
India first hosted a Grand Prix in 2011 to positive reviews and have staged three races to date. Photo: Ramesh Pathania/Mint
Mumbai: India’s motor sports federation is
optimistic the tax problems that have jeopardised the country’s Formula
One race will be resolved and the home Grand Prix will be back in 2016.
Formula One commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone told Reuters
on Wednesday that the Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi will
not be hosting a race next year after being dropped from the 2014
championship.
Problems over taxation, with Formula One classified as
entertainment rather than a sport in India, as well as the considerable
bureaucracy governing the import of equipment have been seen as
obstacles.
The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) is
waiting for a final clearance from the sports ministry for recognition
as a national sports federation and hopes that will pave the way for the
race’s return.
“It’s unfortunate but once the government gives the
recognition I am very hopeful that Ecclestone’s concerns will be
satisfied,” Akbar Ebrahim, the chairman of racing at FMSCI, told Reuters on Thursday.
“The good thing is that the International Olympic
Committee has recognised the International Automobile Federation (FIA)
and made it a full member.
“So once we have the recognition the drivers are no longer going to be considered as entertainers but as athletes.”
Crediting race promoters Jaypee Sports International for
building a stellar circuit in India, Ebrahim was hopeful that the FMSCI
would be recognised after the country’s general elections are over in
May.
“The required paperwork that was asked for by the
government of India has been already submitted a month back,” Ebrahim
added. “It’s a priority.
“This recognition is not just for F1 but it is beneficial for the grass root level of Indian motorsports, too.”
Ecclestone said in November that a deal had been done for
the Indian Grand Prix to return in 2015 and for six years beyond that
if tax problems could be overcome.
PRASHANT SHARMA
PGDM -IIsem
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