The Indian Grand Prix is expected to return in 2016 after a "fruitful" meeting between Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and race promoters held last month in Russia.
The Indian Grand Prix was dropped from the 2014 calendar after three successful seasons, owing to tax and bureaucratic hurdles, leaving fans and experts to wonder whether the elite global event will comeback at all. The Indian Grand Prix has already been ruled out for 2015.
It still remains a doubt whether the Indian Grand Prix will run in 2016, as Formula One Management (FOM) and race promoters Jaypee Sports International (JPSI), part of the Jaypee Group, first want to honour the five-year contract and then work on securing the long-term future of the event.
"We (Sameer and I) had a good meeting in Russia. I was assured that the tax and other related problems will be sorted out in due course and then we are good to go back. It is too late for 2015 now, so we are working on 2016," Ecclestone said from his London office.
While Gaur, on his part, said, "Formula 1 remains very important for us. Unfortunately, because of the circumstances we could not do the race this year but I see the situation improving soon. The important thing is that we and FOM are on the same page. 2015 looks tough as the calendar is more or less final, so we should look at 2016 as the year for the race."
The Indian Grand Prix was dropped from the 2014 calendar after three successful seasons, owing to tax and bureaucratic hurdles, leaving fans and experts to wonder whether the elite global event will comeback at all. The Indian Grand Prix has already been ruled out for 2015.
It still remains a doubt whether the Indian Grand Prix will run in 2016, as Formula One Management (FOM) and race promoters Jaypee Sports International (JPSI), part of the Jaypee Group, first want to honour the five-year contract and then work on securing the long-term future of the event.
"We (Sameer and I) had a good meeting in Russia. I was assured that the tax and other related problems will be sorted out in due course and then we are good to go back. It is too late for 2015 now, so we are working on 2016," Ecclestone said from his London office.
While Gaur, on his part, said, "Formula 1 remains very important for us. Unfortunately, because of the circumstances we could not do the race this year but I see the situation improving soon. The important thing is that we and FOM are on the same page. 2015 looks tough as the calendar is more or less final, so we should look at 2016 as the year for the race."
Without specifying what kind of support he is seeking from the authorities, Gaur said the government's involvement could result in a win-win situation for all.
"We have signed a contract with FOM for five years and we will honour it. Beyond that, we will have to wait and see how things change. We organised three races in full harmony, full collaboration with FOM, Government of India and the state government.
"We will go the central government again in due time, once we are closer to the race time (in 2016), we will go. It could be a win win situation. F1 is right up there with hosting Olympics or Football World Cup and its presence can only benefit India," Gaur concluded.
"We have signed a contract with FOM for five years and we will honour it. Beyond that, we will have to wait and see how things change. We organised three races in full harmony, full collaboration with FOM, Government of India and the state government.
"We will go the central government again in due time, once we are closer to the race time (in 2016), we will go. It could be a win win situation. F1 is right up there with hosting Olympics or Football World Cup and its presence can only benefit India," Gaur concluded.
