After Mormugao protests, Mopa to host racing festival

Panaji: The Indian Racing Festival has found a new destination in Goa.State govt had initially shortlisted Mormugao as the venue but protests from locals prompted the organisers to postpone the event and look at other alternativesIt has now emerged that the race will make its Goa debut at the Manohar International Airport on Feb 14.

Mopa will host the next round of the Formula 4 championship after round 3 at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore.Spanning 2km, organisers said the FIA-grade street circuit has been specially designed to deliver a visual spectacle and a demanding technical challenge.“With 12 turns, this one-of-a-kind layout will test teams and drivers alike, while ensuring accessibility and a high-quality experience for fans witnessing top-tier racing in Goa for the very first time,” Racing Promotions Private Ltd, which runs the IRF, said on Saturday.Formula 4 is the entry-level category in the FIA’s single-seater development ladder.The total cost of the event is estimated at Rs 176.9 crore, with the state govt contributing Rs 56.9 crore. Govt has said Rs 27.9 crore will be paid to the organisers under the MoU for operational support of the event, while the balance will be utilised for infrastructure and allied works.Chief minister Pramod Sawant has been supportive of the two-day event and said a motorsport event of this scale underscores Goa’s capability to stage world-class entertainment experiences.

“The formula racing will drive tourism, create opportunities for local businesses and service providers, and open new avenues for youth to explore careers in engineering, technology, event management and motorsport operations,” said Sawant. I also commend RPPL for bringing a international motorsport event to Goa, and we look forward to welcoming teams, fans and visitors from around the world to experience Goa’s spirit of sport, and hospitality.

”Six teams feature in Season 4 of the festival, with each side consisting of an experienced international driver, an emerging international or Indian-origin talent, a domestic Indian driver.