India Not Giving Up Hope For Return Of F1 After Being Dropped
India's motor sports federation "is optimistic the tax problems that have jeopardized the country's Formula One race will be resolved and the home Grand Prix will be back in 2016," according to Sudipto Ganguly of REUTERS. F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone said that the Buddh Int'l Circuit near New Delhi "will not be hosting a race next year after being dropped from the 2014 championship." Problems over taxation, with F1 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." FMSCI Chair Akbar Ebrahim said, "It's unfortunate but once the government gives the recognition I am very hopeful that Mr. Ecclestone's concerns will be satisfied." Reuters