FIA Grants Madras Motor Race Track Grade 2 License

When people talk about race tracks around the world, you hear big names like the Nurburgring, Silverstone, Hockenheim, Suzuka, Monaco, even Monza for that matter, but never would an Indian track (though we have three of them) be named among these.

However, that might change in the coming decade as the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) motor race track has been granted a Grade 2 license by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world motor sport.

So, things are going to get very busy for the MMRT as this Grade 2 license will enable it to host races such as Indycar, World Endurance Championship, DTM, GT Racing and many more. The MMRT are now evaluating plans to revamp the infrastructure at the circuit with a brand-new pit building housing the pit garages with a hospitality and media centre above.

Things have not been easy though, as the MMRT has seen numerous inspections from FIA officials over the past three years in their bid to upgrade the circuit. This includes work on the run-off areas, kerbs, Armco barriers, and fully advanced race control room. MMRT has also laid special emphasis on safety measures to make the circuit safe for competitors.

Ajit Thomas, President, MMSC, said "We have been working closely with the FIA inspectors for over three years to not only satisfy licensing requirements but also to make our circuits as safe as practically possible."

The MMRT was first used for racing in 1990 and has been the main breeding ground for the country's two Formula 1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.

Image Courtesy: MMRT