Greater Noida, November 2025
The thunder of high-speed racing engines may soon echo once again through the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). In a significant development, a delegation from Japan Race Promotion Corporation (JRP)—organisers of Japan’s premier open-wheel series, Super Formula—visited the circuit this week to explore the possibility of hosting an international racing event in India.
The high-level Japanese team, led by JRP President Yoshihisa Ueno and Technical Director Takuya Hori, met senior officials of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), including CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh, to assess the circuit’s readiness. According to officials, the visit marks an important step toward reviving world-class racing in Greater Noida.
“The inspection went well. The delegation appreciated the infrastructure and layout of the Buddh circuit. If the follow-up assessment is positive, discussions could advance towards finalising an event,” a senior YEIDA official said.
YEIDA CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh further stated, “Japan’s premier single-seater racing series, Super Formula, has expressed its intention to organise a race at the Buddh International Formula One circuit. If the delegation finds the circuit suitable, we will move ahead with detailed planning and work out terms for hosting the championship. We want to revive the events at BIC that is an international level facility in the country.”
From F1 Glory to Global Revival
The Buddh International Circuit, located in Jaypee Sports City, put India firmly on the global motorsport map when it hosted the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013. Designed by renowned German architect Hermann Tilke, the track earned international acclaim for its challenging turns and dramatic elevation changes.
India’s tryst with F1 ended abruptly in 2013 due to taxation and regulatory hurdles. The Uttar Pradesh government classified F1 as an “entertainment event” rather than a sport, imposing heavy taxes and making hosting financially unviable. Despite that setback, the infrastructure remained world-class, awaiting its next moment in the spotlight.
Adding to this, the Uttar Pradesh government has shown renewed commitment by allocating substantial funds and logistical support for major motorsport events, including ₹80 million for MotoGP upgrades in 2023, and the formation of high-level committees to attract global championships. A top government representative confirms: “Our priority is to maintain the race at Buddh International Circuit, which holds a long-term contract for hosting international events.”
MotoGP Success Rekindled Hope
In 2023, the circuit made a successful return to global racing by hosting MotoGP Bharat, drawing over one lakh spectators and widespread international coverage. The event showcased India’s ability to manage and deliver a global motorsport spectacle. Although MotoGP could not return in 2024 due to financial and scheduling issues, it reignited worldwide attention on Noida’s potential as a motorsport destination.
This success caught the eye of international organisers like JRP, who now see Greater Noida as a feasible destination for expanding Asia’s racing footprint.
Super Formula: A New Chapter in Indian Motorsport
The Super Formula Championship—celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023—is Japan’s top-tier single-seater series, often regarded as a proving ground for future Formula 1 drivers. If Buddh International Circuit is approved, it will be the first-ever Super Formula race held outside Japan, marking a historic milestone for Indian motorsport.
Such an event would not only put Greater Noida back on the global racing calendar but also deliver major economic benefits through tourism, hospitality, and local employment. The surrounding region, from YEIDA sectors to the Yamuna Expressway corridor, would likely see renewed investment in infrastructure and services.
What This Means for Noida
Beyond the glamour of racing, the potential return of international motorsport represents something bigger for the region—a global branding opportunity. It would position Greater Noida as India’s “Motorsport Capital,” alongside its growing reputation as a hub for industry, education, and technology.
- Tourism Boost: International visitors, teams, and media bring global attention and business to local hotels, restaurants, and transport networks.
- Economic Growth: Events like F1 or Super Formula can generate hundreds of crores in economic activity within days.
- Infrastructure Upgrade: International standards for logistics, safety, and hospitality often lead to long-term improvements in connectivity and civic facilities.
- Youth Inspiration: A return of elite motorsport could spark interest among Indian youth, nurturing a new generation of drivers, engineers, and enthusiasts.
A Cautious Yet Confident Path Forward
While the recent Japanese visit is an encouraging sign, officials emphasize that the process is still in its evaluation phase. Factors such as tax clarity, operational sustainability, and long-term partnerships will determine how soon global racing officially returns.
Nonetheless, the direction is clear: the wheels are turning again. The Buddh International Circuit stands ready, the government is supportive, and the motorsport community is hopeful. If all goes well, the roar of international racing cars could soon echo once more across Greater Noida’s wide expressways, reaffirming its place on the world map.
Pulse View
This moment is more than just about motorsport—it’s about image, ambition, and revival. A successful return of global racing to Noida would not just showcase India’s readiness to host world-class events again, but also reaffirm Greater Noida’s evolving identity as a city that blends speed, structure, and vision.
The lights may have dimmed once, but the circuit never stopped waiting. And now, it seems, Noida’s race to global recognition is back on track.
