What Change Is The Indian Racing Festival Attempting To Bring To A Motorsport-Obsessed Country?

When you think of Motorsport in the context of India, you generally tend to think of a dynamic range of images or conceptions; the imagination can span countless thoughts and multiple layers. For instance, you instantly think of the several high-octane and rigorous rallies that happen around the country including the Raid de Himalaya rally event. You think of the likes of Gaurav Gill, one of the under appreciated but huge achievers in the realm of racing in India. You admire the massive contribution of the Southern Indian region in shaping the culture of racing in India; the state of Tamil Nadu having done so much especially to raise the standard and bar of motor-racing in India.

You also think of the golden words FMSCI and think of it in terms of the year 1971 and the theme of sport governing body, one without which India and Racing cannot co-exist. But to talk of the present day, even if you are a little bit more aware, only just, than the average spectator or sport fan that has something to do with motor-racing, then you cannot imagine the sport in the absence of its latest and perhaps the most important shape-shifter: the Indian Racing Festival.

Popularly known as the IRF, the Indian Racing Festival has shaped a new identity of Indian Motorsport in India.

It has brought noted names from far reaching countries, whether in Eurasia or Europe to compete at the most pulsating part of motorsport action to India (down south), forged creation of new racing teams, given franchises a brand new identity in the Motorsport construct and ultimately, highlighted determined faces that aim to do more than just burn rubber on the tarmac.

Ultimately, it has fostered a new ambition for the talented Indian youth who wanted to get a chance to be seen in action whilst donning the racing suits and while amid wheel-to-wheel action in a sport that is usually considered expensive and hence, beyond the reach of so many whose eyes twinkle at the mere mention of the word racing.

And pioneering a brand new approach to shape the unique identity of Motorsport in India is the Indian Racing Festival, which with 2024 has brought not just the Indian Racing League but along with it, the Formula Regional and the FIA-grade F4 (for the youth).

But what is the Indian Racing League about and to what does it owe its key strength?

F1 Chronicle got some first-hand answers to clearly the man of the moment and one belonging to the beating heart of the Indian Racing Festival and the force behind it, Akhilesh Reddy:

Which are some of the best drivers competing in the league

The concept of IRL is to provide young Indians and female drivers from across the globe, the opportunity to race with and against some very talented and experienced drivers. Drivers like Ruhaan Alva, Sohil Shah, Rishon Rajeev, Mohd Ryan etc and proven time and again that Indian drivers can battle with the best. Fabienne wohelwend and Gabi Jilkova have been the standout female drivers of the series. 

In F4, we have a good mix of young Indians and foreign drivers. While Aqil Alibhai brings his experience to the table, Jaden Pariat, Divy Nandan and Ruhaan Alva have often risen to the occasion with pole positions, fastest laps and wins. 

What is the future of the F4 championship in India 

This year we have 16 cars on the grid, which is a good jump from 12 last year. While the main goal is to develop Indian talent, we would also like to see F4 India be a top choice for young drivers globally. 

What is the future of the F4 championship in India 

This year we have 16 cars on the grid, which is a good jump from 12 last year. While the main goal is to develop Indian talent, we would also like to see F4 India be a top choice for young drivers globally. 

Will the forthcoming editions of the IRL continue to be centred in Tamil Nadu, which is a great place for racing with its historic value. But will it lead to a place where new circuits might crop up, if at all?

We are hopeful for two more new circuits next year. While one is still in a southern state, the other will take the sport to Maharashtra and this will be big for the sport in the country.