CHENNAI: The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) handed over the first installment of 15 crore, out of the total of 40 crore allotted for conducting the Formula Racing Circuit in 2023, on December 9 and 10, to Racing Promotions Private Limited on Friday.
Sports minister Udhayanidhi Stalin handed over the amount to the promoters in the presence of sports secretary Atulya Misra and other officials
“This amount will be for preparatory civil work like installing crash barriers. Another Rs 15 crore will be provided by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA),” said J Meghanath Reddy, member-secretary, SDAT.
The 3.5-km-long street circuit around Island Grounds will be prepared for the races. SDAT officials said that this will be the longest street circuit in India. “The route will be around Island Grounds, the Victory War Memorial, and the Napier Bridge. There will be 19 corners, and the pit and paddock structures are planned on the island grounds,” added the official.
Men and women racers are expected to take part in the event.
Two weeks ago, the state highways department, along with officials from SDAT, GCC, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, and police, conducted a site visit to study the feasibility.
“The roads will be prepared for the race by the GCC and a portion by the State Highways,” an official explained.
The FIA (International Automobile Federation), the global governing body for motorsport, will assess the circuit before giving the green light for hosting the F4 Indian Championship.
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