2014 Indian Grand Prix Dropped- Official

Putting an end to all the speculations about 2014 Indian Grand Prix, Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone on Tuesday confirmed that the 2014 Indian GP will have to be dropped so to tweak the racing calendar. And he is working with Japyee Sports to have a race in first half of 2015. Though he said that his Formula 1 management always wanted an Indian GP early in the season.

"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," said Ecclestone. Explaining the reason why the plan was dropped he said that the 2014 round won't take place as it would be tough for Jaypee to host two races within six months. As the hosts pay Rs 237.7 crore for every F1 race at Buddh International Circuit (BIC) as licensing fee.

"It 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," said Ecclestone. Now when the Indian GP has been cancelled in 2014, the races in 2015 and 2016 can be held, though nothing has been officially confirmed on that as well. During the Hungarian Grand Prix las tweak, Ecclestone said that the Indian GP might not happen next year and the reason he said was 'political'. And we all know that the teams are not happy with the taxation policy of India, while there are several countries that offer attractive sops to organize race in their countries.

Source: NDTV India