Shubhiksha G V, Pune
Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhaynidhi Stalin inaugurated a new racing strip in Chennai on August 16. The circuit is laid in the Island Grounds (Theevu Thidal) locality, spanning 3.5 km. The circuit was launched ahead of hosting Asia’s first F4 night race in December.
The existing racing strip in Chennai, Madras International Circuit, is located at Irungattukottai, which is 35 km away on the outskirts of the city. The Formula 4 races that are usually hosted at MIC will now be shifted to the Urban Square strip. Chennai is now set to host the Indian Racing League’s final leg in December. It will also host the Formula 4 Indian Championship, comprising six teams.
In a celebratory tweet, Udhay Stalin said, “We are proud that this will be the first ever Formula 4 Street Circuit in India and South Asia to host a Night Race. This prestigious F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League will be held on the street circuit around the iconic Chennai Island grounds on December 9th and 10th, 2023.” Following the Chess Olympiad in 2022 and the Asian Champion Trophy in 2023, this is the third international-level tournament that will be held in Chennai on a grand scale.
The project was undertaken by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) in collaboration with Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and later involved the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). One of the main partners in the project is Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL).
The racing circuit is constructed under the Urban Square program proposed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (TNLA). The initial proposal for adding the racing circuit was made in July 2023. The Island Grounds is a common host for social events like fairs and conventions. The Urban Square for this locality specifically focuses on adding public structures for entertainment and recreation.
Formula 4 races are lower-level motorsport races conducted for junior drivers. They are slower and not very global compared to Formula 1 races. However, Formula 4 races are a step closer for drivers aspiring to participate in Formula 1. They are inexpensive compared to Formula 1, but they follow the global guidelines that are set for the sport.