According to YEIDA CEO R.K. Singh, the meeting aimed to explore ways to make BIC’s facilities operational again and attract regular international racing events through strategic investment. YEIDA is open to entering a joint partnership with the Japanese company to rejuvenate the circuit and re-establish the region as a global motorsport destination.
Singh said that a proposal has been put forward for the company to invest in upgrading racing technology, improving the track, and committing to long-term event hosting. The Japanese delegation responded positively, viewing the opportunity as part of their global expansion plan.
The delegation included Yoshihisa Ueno, President of Japan Race Promotion Corporation (JRP) – the main organizer of the Super Formula series – along with Technical Director Takuya Hori, GM Corporate Strategy Takashi Matsui, and Assistant Manager International Business Genki Miura. From YEIDA, CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh, ACEO Nagendra Pratap Singh, and OSD Shailendra Bhatia were present. The Japanese team also assessed the feasibility of organizing Super Formula races at BIC.
Japan first hosted Formula One races in 1973, and the company is now marking its 50th anniversary by expanding internationally. The Super Formula series attracts top racers from around the world. Notably, in 2022, 17-year-old Juju Noda became Japan’s first female Formula One racer. YEIDA officials believe that the company’s entry could significantly boost sports tourism and help develop essential infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh.
The BIC, built at a cost of around ₹3,000 crore, hosted India’s first Formula One race in 2011, followed by events in 2012 and 2013. However, the races were discontinued afterward. Although the circuit hosted a MotoGP event in 2023, it hasn’t seen much activity since then.
Earlier, Sarojini Nagar MLA Rajeshwar Singh had urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to revive the Buddh International Circuit. In his letter, he emphasized that the venue could give Uttar Pradesh global recognition in sports. He suggested developing BIC as India’s motorsport and entertainment capital, hosting regular events like MotoGP and Formula One to maximize the use of this world-class facility.
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