Motorsports in India: Formula 3 racing track coming up in Andhra Pradesh, pending FIA approval

Motorsports in India: A Formula 3 racing track is being built in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, on lines of the Buddh International Circuit.

It has been long since the last F1 race was held in India, at the Buddh International Circuit. The track where Sebastian Vettel famously dominated got mired in ‘entertainment tax’ related issues, which left FIA with no option but to pull the plug. That is India’s only F1 circuit, although the racing track located at Irungattukottai in Tamil Nadu is also quite prominent.

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Now, Andhra Pradesh wants to make its mark for motorsports in India and is building an F3 circuit. The 3.4 km racing track is coming up at Kotapalli in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district. Due recognition will be sought from The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

F3 racing track as part of a resort project

The track is coming up as part of a multi-million dollar resort and golf course, with an amusement park planned in the next phase. The racing track will allow speeds up to 250 kmph,  and will have the straights and high-speed corners expected in an F3 race.

Regional Director (Tourism) B. Eswariah hoped the project will help employ around 200 people from the district, speaking to The Hindu. 

“With its proximity to the Bengaluru airport and a number of motorsport enthusiasts in the metropolis, the ₹100-crore resort, planned with a wellness centre and a golf course on 50 acres, is bound to bring a large number of tourists,”

The racing circuit expects to cover Lepakshi and Tadipatri temples, and the Penukonda and Gooty forts in Anantapur. Apart from this, Belum Caves, Mahanandi and Ahobilam in Kurnool district, and Gandikota fort and canyon in Kadapa.