Little chance that Goa will host another Indian Grand Prix
While the first Indian Grand Prix has yet to take place, it seems that Goa would like to host another Formula 1 race on its territory. However, this rumor reported by the Times of India seems very unlikely in the short or medium term.
Thus the Indian newspaper indicates that “well-informed sources” have informed them that the promoters of the Bahrain Grand Prix (which is unlikely to take place this year) and the Indian Grand Prix are touring the country to assess the possibility of a second event on Indian soil. Swapnil Naik, the director of tourism for Goa, indicated that yes, we have been approached for an F1 circuit in Goa. We have decided to go for it.
The smallest state in the Indian federation presents significant tourist interest, with its location on the southwest coast of the country. The idea around this event would be to recreate the magic created by the Monaco event and would be integrated into a vast investment plan aimed at attracting national and international tourists: golf courses, amusement parks, and boxing stadiums are also being considered.
Despite these good intentions, the chances of the circuit project coming to fruition remain very slim. The primary reason is that some have already tried to lead a project to mimic Monaco with more than mixed success. For instance, Valencia benefited from Fernando Alonso’s nationality and the infrastructure left by the America’s Cup to host the European Grand Prix. But three years later, the financial burden of organizing the race on a temporary circuit has already proved too high for the city, which is seeking alternatives for its event. Similarly, a similar project was mentioned for the city of Cape Town, South Africa, without significant developments appearing three months after its announcement.
But above all, the F1 calendar might simply be too packed to accommodate two events in the same territory, even in the world’s second most populous country. This reason had already led to the demise of a potential Grand Prix in Rome. Especially since the stands in Shanghai remain desperately empty, while sponsors and manufacturers had placed high hopes on their entry into the Middle Kingdom, to the point that the Chinese organizers requested a discount on the fee paid to Bernie Ecclestone.
It will therefore be necessary for the New Delhi event to prove itself extensively before an extension to Goa is considered.
With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr
