How Moto GP is trying to avoid the pitfalls that scuppered F1’s foray into India

September 12, 2023 09:09 pm | Updated September 13, 2023 06:51 pm IST Ten years ago, India made its mark on the world motorsport map with the inaugural Indian Grand Prix Formula One race in 2011, which ran for three years at the Buddh International Circuit. The Jaypee group, which built the circuit, promoted the race before it hit financial troubles, leading to Formula One dropping the country with two years left in the contract. Earlier this year, a big-ticket motorsport event returned when Hyderabad hosted a round of the FIA Formula E championship around the city’s streets, with the local government being heavily involved in bringing the race. It was also a mindset change for Dorna to let go of certain things, and we convinced them that we can handle some things better.” The GIST The Formula One Indian GP was an audacious effort from a private enterprise with little government support The Jaypee Group, which built the circuit and promoted the race, hit financial troubles, leading to Formula One dropping the country from the calendar The government’s decision to classify motorsport as a sport, from the earlier classification of entertainment, in 2019 has worked wonders in bringing Moto GP to the country After having lost F1 and uncertainties around Formula E, a lot rides on MotoGP While some logistical stuff has been smoothed out, there were issues regarding the track itself.