Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone on Thursday asserted that the troubled Indian Grand Prix has run out of time for a 2015 return and its organisers must settle the contractual obligations for a possible comeback in 2016.
Ecclestone was hoping the race organisers, Jaypee Group, will sort out the five-ear contract in time for a return next year but that has not happened yet, leaving the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) owners too little time to get the event back on track.
Usually, the FIA World Motor Sport Council ratifies the next season’s calendar in September and the final one in December.
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“It is too late for 2015. We (Formula One Management and Jaypee) are looking at 2016 now and hopefully the tax issues in India will also be sorted out by then.
“The organisers also need to settle the existing contract before we get back. I am expecting to see them next week,” said Ecclestone from his London office.