Categories: 2016 SeasonF1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ecclestone puts pressure on India for F1 return

Bernie Ecclestone has imposed a two month deadline on the organisers of the Indian Grand Prix to get the race back on the F1 calendar in 2016.

The Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi was the home of the Indian GP from 2011 to 2013 before it was dropped from the season's calendar in 2015 due to taxation and bureaucratic issues.

Jaypee Group, the events' promoter, has been burdened with financial troubles and would struggle to pay FOM the contracted hosting fee, but should investors step up and provide the necessary toll, Ecclestone would be more than happy to fulfill F1's obligations.

“I hope we have a race in India next year. I am waiting for the promoters to come back to me,” Ecclestone told the Press Trust of India. "We will do whatever is needed to make sure India is back. There are no added challenges to the event. We just need the Jaypee Group to say that 'we are happy to carry on' and we can revive the existing contract.”

Formula 1's supremo has however enforced a two month deadline for all parties to reach a tentative agreement and green-light a return to India.

"They need to be in a hurry. Within the next two months, we need to know," Ecclestone concluded.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.