India’s growing participation in motorsports

Sahara Force India Formula 1 Team

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 24: Paul di Resta of Great Britain and Force India drives during the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 24, 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

The team is owned by Vijay Mallaya and Subroto Roy, founded in 2008, when the Dutch Spyker F1 team was purchased by Vijay Mallaya. The team had a rough start in 2008, with finishing at the bottom of the grid. But in 2009, the team saw its high point, as its driver Giancarlo Fisichella grabbed first pole position for the team at the Belgian Grand Prix and first podium for the team, when he scored a second place in the same race. In the following race, Adrian Sutil got the team fourth place at the Italian Grand Prix. Since then Force India has remained a successful midfield team.

Mahindra Racing

ALCANIZ, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 28: Miguel Oliveira of Portugal and Mahindra Racing rounds the bend during the MotoGP of Spain – Qualifying at Motorland Aragon Circuit on September 28, 2013 in Alcaniz, Spain. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)

Mahindra Racing, founded in 2011 has been competing in Moto GP World Championship. It is currently involved in Moto 3 category of the Championship. In 2013, it finished third in the constructor’s and its driver Miguel Oliviera scored third place and gave the team their first podium.

Mahindra will also be competing in 2014 in the newly formed Formula E Championship, a motor racing competition running electrically powered racing cars. Karun Chandhok is rumored to drive for the team next year. Former F1 drivers like Alain Prost, Mario Andretti and Aguri Suzuki have also formed their own teams.

MRF Challenge

MRF has historically been involved actively in Indian motorsport arena, MRF challenge has emerged recently as a platform for both Indian and foreign drivers to perform well in Formula cars. The championship includes rounds at both India and Bahrain.

JK Tyre National Racing Championship

Another national championship, it has been in existence since 1997. It has also served as launch pad for Indian drivers like Karun Chandhok and Armaan Ibrahim.