Formula One set to remain absent until 2029, while efforts intensify for World Rally Championship, says Arindam.

As discussions intensify regarding the potential return of Formula One to India, the president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), Arindam Ghosh, has revealed that efforts are also underway to host the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the country. Ghosh stated, “F1 won’t happen before 2029, but I am pushing for WRC before that. You don’t need huge infrastructure for that. What we need is road sanitisation and government administration support. The government is supportive of it.” His comments came during the launch event for the Chennai Turbo Riders-JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026, held on Wednesday.

Ghosh further suggested that a street circuit could be a viable alternative to the traditional racing venues, noting, “I won’t be shocked if, instead of BIC, we are having a street circuit as we don’t have a maintenance issue right through the year.” This approach could potentially streamline the logistics and costs associated with hosting high-profile motorsport events in India.

The launch event was graced by A. Srinath, the Minister of Fisheries and Fisherman Welfare for the Government of Tamil Nadu, who unveiled the logo for the new National Championship. Srinath expressed his appreciation for the contributions of CTR and JK Tyre in promoting motorsport within the nation and emphasized the importance of road safety awareness initiatives. “I would like to express my gratitude to CTR and JK Tyre for their support and commitment to promoting motorsport in the country,” he stated.

Akbar Ebrahim, a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council and president of the FIA International Karting Commission, highlighted the growing significance of Indian motorsport on the global stage. He remarked, “Indian motorsport is being keenly viewed and watched by the FIA as it is a very important country at the global level.”

The 2026 Indian National Car Racing Championship will consist of four rounds, with the first two scheduled to take place at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore on September 11-13 and October 23-25. The third round will be hosted at BREN Raceway in Bengaluru from November 13-15, while the championship will conclude at the Madras International Circuit from December 11-13. The competition will feature seven categories, including Indian Super Touring Cars, Indian Touring Cars, Indian Junior Touring Cars, Super Stock, Levitas Cup, Formula LGB F4, and Formula 1300.