Indian Racing Festival makes a comeback at Buddh International Circuit after 13‑year hiatus

The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is set to roar back onto the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida after a 13‑year absence, organisers announced on Monday. The revival comes with a full weekend programme that includes Formula 4 (F4) and Indian Racing League (IRL) action, giving Indian motorsport fans a chance to watch home‑grown talent compete on a track that once hosted the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix.

According to Sportstar, the event will run from 22‑24 November 2024, with practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the main races on Sunday. The festival will feature a mix of single‑seater and touring‑car categories, with the F4 championship acting as a stepping‑stone for young drivers aiming for higher echelons of motorsport. The IRL, a touring‑car series that showcases Indian manufacturers and drivers, will also race on the 5.14‑km layout.

The Economic Times highlighted that the return to BIC is part of a broader push to rejuvenate motorsport infrastructure in India after the F1 contract ended in 2013. The circuit, which still meets FIA Grade 1 standards, has undergone recent upgrades to its pit facilities and safety barriers, making it suitable for high‑performance racing once again. Organisers expect a strong turnout of local sponsors and a growing fan base, especially after the recent surge in interest following the 2023‑24 Formula 1 season.

India Today added that the festival will be streamed live on FanCode, the leading sports OTT platform in the country, with matches scheduled to start at 10:00 IST for the practice sessions and 13:30 IST for the main races. Fans can also follow live timing on the official IRF website and engage with interactive content on social media. Ticket sales open next week, with a tiered pricing structure that includes family packages and student discounts.

For India: The weekend’s schedule aligns well with Indian prime‑time viewing, and the FanCode subscription cost is modest compared to international streaming services. This makes the IRF a convenient way for Indian motorsport enthusiasts to enjoy high‑octane action without leaving home. The event also provides a platform for Indian drivers to showcase their talent to potential sponsors and teams, potentially feeding the talent pipeline for future Formula 1 aspirations.

Source: Sportstar