The Madras High Court on Saturday granted an extension to the organisers of the Formula 4 Street Car Race, allowing them additional time until 8 PM today to secure approval from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for the event scheduled in Chennai.
The decision was issued by a bench comprising Justices R Suresh Kumar and P B Balaji, responding to a request from Racing Promotion Private Ltd. The organisers sought more time following delays caused by unexpected rain on Friday, which impeded final preparations on the track.
According to the court’s discussion, the FIA has recommended modifications to a specific corner of the race track. The organisers are actively working on these changes, which they expect to complete by 6 PM today.
Racing Promotion Private Ltd. has reportedly invested approximately Rs 200 crore in organizing the event and has already sold around 5,000 tickets. The substantial financial stakes and logistical commitments were highlighted during their plea for an extension.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by an earlier decision on Friday, when the Acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice P B Balaji of the first bench passed interim orders. These orders permitted the event to proceed as planned, provided it does not disrupt local traffic and that the FIA certification is presented by noon on the day of the race.
