Can Viewers Change the Face of Motorsports in India?

While cricket and football have a tremendous number of fan followers in India, motorsports do not. This is a tough sport, which requires a huge investment, and the newly appointed president of Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, Arindam Ghosh, does not think that will change anytime soon but believes their strong fan base will be able to make a difference. Being an ex-rally driver himself, Ghosh was talking about "restructuring everything" within the motorsport domain to inspire greater interest and encouragement.

Interest Boost Through City-Based Races and Corporate Investment

Arindam Ghosh insists it would involve a strategic approach with sufficient backing from the corporate houses. He believes that if more fans become interested, then the sport would fetch more investment, thus reducing the burden on those racers who are presently funding their entire racing journeys.

The city-based races will include hosting races from bespoke racing tracks in more accessible, central locations in the city. He cited the Chennai is a very good example of city-based street race. According to Ghosh, city-based events would therefore attract bigger crowds since they are better positioned. This is contrary to traditional race tracks located on the fringes.

Another thing he addressed is grooming young talent through properly structured talent hunts. However, he said that getting those kinds of initiatives organised will call for a clear plan and huge funds—two things he feels could be met with the increased corporate sponsorship.

Beyond National Events

Besides national events, the scenario in India's motorsports could also witness the return of premier international tournaments. FMSCI Councillor and Head of Disciplinary Commission Tamal Ghosal confirmed that MotoGP is expected to make a comeback in India by 2025 with the support of the Uttar Pradesh government. Though the fate of Formula One remains uncertain due to financial issues being sorted out in the Buddh International Circuit, Ghosal hinted that the F1 community is interested in returning once the circuit's situation stabilizes.

In another significant announcement, Ghosal remained hopeful that motorsports would be an Olympic event in the near future. While International Olympic Committee recognition had been granted to the International Automobile Federation (FIA) back in 2013, FIA has been fighting to make it an Olympic event since then. Ghosal remains hopeful that motorsports will make their debut in the Olympics by 2036, transforming the profile of the sport globally. This would come as a very radical shift from the IOC's stance that exists presently, wherein human skills have been considered over everything else, as driving is highly skill-intensive with great precision.

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Bright prospects exist for motor racing across India and its other counterparts, and Ghosh and Ghosal are not wrong when they forecast that viewers' interest, corporate sponsorship, and strategic alternations in event management and representation can evolve into a successful culture of motorsports in India.

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