A new street circuit in Chennai, called the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, was supposed to host rounds of the Formula 4 (F4) Indian Championship and Indian Racing League this year. However, plans for the night races this year have now been scrapped due to Cyclone Michaung, which resulted in heavy flooding in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Organisers were hoping for the rounds to be rescheduled, but they have since confirmed that the street track’s debut will be pushed to next year.

1. Madras International Circuit hosting all rounds
2. Goa Aces’ Hyman, Shah win 2023 IRL
3. Bangalore Speedsters win 2023 IRL teams’ title

Indian Racing League, F4 India rounds rescheduled

Plenty of tweaks have been made to the calendar for the 2023 Indian Racing League (IRL) and F4 India Championship. The Hyderabad Street Circuit was supposed to host the season opener, but this was shifted to Chennai’s Madras International Circuit at the last minute due to elections in Telangana.

The Chennai street circuit round was originally slated to be held on December 9-10, and tickets had gone on sale for the same on November 4. The cancellation of this round means the entire 2023 season is now being held at the Madras International Circuit.

The 3.7km street track is located around the Island Grounds in the heart of the city. An official statement released by the organisers says the circuit had received FIA certification and that all necessary permissions were in place. However, given the rescue and relief work underway in the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, the Tamil Nadu Government had requested organisers Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL) to reschedule the round.

“Unfortunately, the technical calendar precluded us from conducting the event [later] in December or in January,” the statement explains, hinting that a later slot perhaps didn’t align with technical partner MP Motorsport’s schedule. “Hence, in consultation with the Tamil Nadu Government, it has been decided to shift the event to the upcoming racing season.”

Raoul Hyman, Sohil Shah win 2023 Indian Racing League

The second season of the Indian Racing League has been shortened to three rounds, at the end of which Goa Aces’ Raoul Hyman and Sohil Shah bagged the title with two wins, three pole positions and 87 points shared between the two of them.

Bangalore Speedsters – with drivers Kyle Kumaran, Sarah Moore, Oliver Webb and Ashwin Datta – emerged as the Teams’ Champion.

An additional round of the F4 Indian Championship will be held this weekend at the Madras International Circuit, where the overall winner will be determined. With Super Licence points up for grabs, the championship has attracted young talent from around the world. All participants are racing the FIA-homologated Gen 2 Mygale F4 car, which is also used in the French F4 championship.