Official: 2014 Indian Formula1 Grand Prix Cancelled

The first cracks about India not hosting a Formula1 Grand Prix began to appear last month and this was promptly denied by Jaypee Sports, the organizers of the Indian leg of the Formula1 race. At last week's Hungarian Grand Prix, a meeting was held, after which the Formula1 Supremo Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, stated the possibility of the F1 race not being held at the Buddh International Circuit next year. Now though, it is official. The Indian leg of the F1 championship stands cancelled for 2014. 

Talks are now on to conduct the Indian Grand Prix in 2015 and 2016. A March time frame is being planned for both these races, instead of October, the month in which the Grand Prix has happened for the past two years. Jaypee Sports, the promoter of the Buddh International Circuit, has a contract with Formula One Management (FOM) to host the Indian Grand Prix for a period of three years. While the first two editions have concluded, the third edition will be held on schedule in October. 

Since the Indian Grand Prix has been cancelled in 2014, 2015 and 2016 are years in which the race could be held. However, a confirmation of this is yet to come through. There are three possible reasons for the cancellation of the Indian F1 GP from the 2014 racing calendar, 

1: The F1 teams are unhappy with the taxation structure in India. 

2: The F1 teams want no more than 20 races per season even as Mr. Ecclestone is trying to squeeze in 22 races per season. 

3: Russia, Austria and New Jersey have emerged as the other alternate locations for hosting the F1 Grand Prix, with attractive sops on offer for the race to be held in these locations. 

In light of these facts, Jaypee Sports will have to resolve these issues for the 2015 edition of the Indian Grand Prix to be held as per the new schedule in March. Meanwhile, here are comments from Mr Bernie Ecclestone, about the Indian GP's cancellation from the 2014 F1 calendar and the GP's possible comeback in 2015 and 2016. 

When we signed the five-year deal with Jaypee, we were keen on going to India in the first half and Jaypee wanted it to be in October. We gave in at that time, but now it looks we will have the race early 2015. It (hosting one race in October 2014 and another in early 2015) was too close. Therefore, after speaking to promoters, we think it is best not to have a race in 2014 and have one in 2015.  We will have to club India with the four rounds in the Asia Pacific region. The second year is always difficult for the organisers. I hope bigger crowds turn up for the third edition. I really want it to continue, but it all depends on a lot of other factors. The sport is expanding its base every year. 

Source NDTV