New Delhi wants to host winter tests

In fact, for Jaypee Sports International Limited, the owner of the premises, it is not satisfactory to settle for just one Grand Prix per year on the Buddh circuit. That is why they want to maximize the use of the infrastructure in place.

They are therefore aiming at the twelve days of private testing authorized for teams so they can fine-tune their cars during the winter break. The vice-president of JPSI, Askari Zaidi, stated to the Times of India: February is very cold in Europe, whether in Spain or France. We are in discussions with the FIA to organize the off-season tests at the Buddh circuit, which should offer better weather conditions for the teams and drivers. This is one of the many proposals JPSI is currently working on. We are also in discussions with the organizers of the World Endurance Championship for a possible future race.

Seductive on paper, this offer presents a number of issues. The first is obviously the distance between the teams’ headquarters and India. With 19 or 20 races per year, teams are already subjected to significant travel all around the world. Three round trips to India during January and February would obviously be an additional source of fatigue. Not to mention the considerable costs incurred by such travel. This does not align with the cost reduction desired by the FIA and smaller teams.

Furthermore, India also presents a significant challenge to the administrative teams of racing stables due to the substantial taxes and regulations on importing products into the country, even if they are not sold. During the first edition of the Indian Grand Prix, some drivers, including Nico Rosberg, and journalists went through an arduous process to obtain their visas to enter the country. It is uncertain if they would want to face such constraints during the winter as well.

The Buddh circuit must also face competition from other circuits that wish to host teams during the winter break. Bahrain had obtained such sessions in the past, but the unrest in the country seems to sideline the kingdom, even though the 2012 edition went smoothly without major issues. On the other hand, the neighboring country of Qatar also wants to maximize the use of its Losail circuit, which is already used by Moto GP.

Moreover, if JPSI had considered purchasing an F1 team for a while, it has since abandoned such a project: « We thought a while ago about buying a stake in an F1 team. But after a more thorough study, the operation didn’t hold much interest for us. We already enjoy great exposure by hosting the Indian Grand Prix, and buying a back-marker team like HRT wouldn’t have enhanced our visibility. »

The future of the Spanish team seems increasingly compromised as buyers do not appear to be rushing to purchase the stable, put up for sale by its current owners.

With the participation of www.Racingbusiness.fr