Entertainment tax, applicable for large-scale shows and sponsored festivals,
has been levied on tickets this year for the first time.
A spokesman for circuit owner Jaypee Sports International Limited acknowledged
previous tax problems in 2011 but refused to comment on the new problems.
“We will wait for the court’s directive this time around as well. Whatever the
court says, we are ready to follow,” Askari Zaidi said.
Asked about the claim that taxes had not been paid last year, he replied: “Why
should we comment on somebody’s allegation?”
Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has already removed India from the 2014
schedule, leaving the future of the event at the $450 million Buddh
International Circuit in doubt.
After initially citing “logistical” problems, the billionaire was quoted in
July as saying that “political” reasons caused India to miss out next year –
believed to mean the lack of government support for his private empire.
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel is expected to seal the world title in
Sunday’s race, with local motorsports enthusiasts hoping that a successful
contest could improve the chances of an Indian GP in 2015.
“With venues in other countries also fighting for slots, we can’t afford to
miss out in 2015,” Vicky Chandhok, who heads the Federation of Motor Sports
Clubs of India, said.
“But I am optimistic that the promoters will work out an agreement with
Formula One to have two more races. We have a great facility here.”
The privately-owned Jaypee Sports International Limited, which stands to lose
the most if the race does not return, insists that it will be back in 2015.
“If we get another race, it will be by default, not by design,” motorsports
writer Harish Samtani said. “But I am not optimistic. F1 is not meant for
this country.”
The lavish F1 roadshow rolled into Greater Noida, a burgeoning satellite of
New Delhi, in 2011 and its slick organisation helped to erase some of the
memories of the chaotic Commonwealth Games of the previous year.
But while the inaugural race drew 95,000 spectators to the 100,000-capacity
circuit, numbers fell to around 65,000 last year. Sluggish ticket sales this
year could see figures drop further.