Madras Motor Race Track gets Grade 2 certification from FIA

The Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) has announced that the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world motor sport, has granted the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) a Grade 2 license to run all international motorsport events outside of Formula 1. The Grade 2 license will enable the MMRT to host races such as Indycar, World Endurance Championship, DTM, GT Racing and so on. The MMRT is now evaluating plans to revamp the infrastructure at the circuit with a brand-new pit building housing pit garages and a hospitality and media centre above.

The MMSC claims that FIA officials have been on numerous inspection visits to the track over the past three years. Work has been done to improve the run-off areas, kerbs, Armco barriers, and race control room. Safety measures have also been beefed up to make the circuit safe for competitors.

The MMRT is India's first ever FIA recognized race track and was first used for racing in 1990. India's only two Formula 1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok have competed in many events at the track in the past. The certification should bring in more international events to the track which in turn will help many young drivers develop their racing skills.