Sports

Formula 1 Returns to India: Revival Talks Begin for Buddh International Circuit


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

After more than a decade-long hiatus, India could soon witness the return of the world’s fastest motorsport spectacle — the Formula One World Championship.


The Government of India has reportedly initiated discussions to revive Formula 1 in the country, with the legendary Buddh International Circuit expected to host the event if plans materialise.

A Historic Track Ready for Revival

The Buddh International Circuit previously hosted the Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013, drawing global attention and enthusiastic crowds. The circuit witnessed dominant performances by Sebastian Vettel, who secured memorable victories during India’s earlier stint on the F1 calendar.

Now, after 13 years, the roar of F1 engines could once again echo through Greater Noida.

What This Comeback Means for India

If successfully revived, Formula 1’s return would mark a significant milestone for India’s sporting and economic landscape.

The potential benefits include:

Boost to Tourism: Increased international visitors and global media exposure

Global Investment: Strengthened opportunities in sports infrastructure and business partnerships

International Recognition: Reinstating India on the global motorsport calendar

A Defining Moment for Motorsport Fans
The revival represents more than just a race — it signals India’s renewed ambition to position itself as a global sporting hub. For motorsport enthusiasts, it’s a chance to relive the electrifying atmosphere of packed grandstands and high-speed drama.
As discussions progress, fans across the country are hopeful that this could be the beginning of a powerful comeback story.

Events in Goa

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Drove Goa ‘Beyond Beaches’ with RFC India 2025


Goa, August 2025
For decades, Goa was synonymous with sun-kissed beaches and relaxed holidays. But under the visionary leadership of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the state ventured deep into uncharted terrain—both literally and figuratively.

The 11th edition of RFC India 2025 officially kicked off in the hinterlands of Goa, putting the spotlight on the state’s rugged natural terrain and potential as a top-tier destination for adventure and sports tourism.

A Bold Vision: Goa Beyond Beaches

“Known over the World as a Sun, Sand & Sea Destination, Our Goa is going Beyond Beaches with alternative options of Adventure & Sports Tourism,”
Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa

With that statement, Minister Khaunte signaled a clear intent: Goa’s future lay not just on its shores, but also in its forests, hills, and challenging off-road tracks. Hosting RFC India was not just about motorsports—it was about tourism reinvention.

RFC India 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

Organized by Cougar Motorsport, RFC India was the official Indian chapter of the iconic Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia—rated among the world’s top five toughest off-road events. Since its debut in 2014, it had grown into India’s most prestigious motorsport event.

🚜 Key Stats:

  • 77 teams from 11 Indian states
  • First-time participation from Meghalaya
  • Women participants across all 3 categories
  • Host state Goa represented by 9 teams

The competition was expanded with the addition of:

  • 4X4 Extreme (25 teams, 26 stages)
  • 4X4 Modified (22 teams, 20 stages)
  • 4X4 Stock (30 teams, 14 stages)

Why This Mattered for Goa Tourism

Goa’s participation as both host and competitor reinforced Minister Khaunte’s broader tourism strategy—diversification, sustainability, and year-round attraction.

From promoting hinterland trails and treks to welcoming national and international adventure events, Goa crafted a new tourism identity that was:

  • Less seasonal
  • More inclusive
  • Environmentally conscious

Economically decentralized

Inclusivity and Growth

RFC India 2025 was also a model of inclusive sports tourism:

  • Women competed in all categories
  • New regions like Meghalaya entered the circuit
  • First-time 4X4 owners participated thanks to the Stock & Modified formats

The Minister’s Mission

By bringing events like RFC to Goa, Rohan Khaunte tapped into a growing segment of global travelers seeking active, immersive, and experiential journeys. Goa’s unique terrain, combined with its hospitality infrastructure, made it an ideal hub for sports-based tourism.

“You will be tested in mind, body and machine — a true initiation into the global RFC community.”
Luis J.A. Wee, Founder, Rainforest Challenge

A New Goa Emerged

RFC India 2025 was more than a motorsport event. It was a statement—that Goa was evolving.

From the beach to the backwoods, from cocktails to camo, from leisure to challenge—this was the Goa of tomorrow.