#Unlock1: BIC and MMRT Start Track Events

The Union Government had recently released the guidelines for opening up the economic activities in the country, after a prolonged lockdown due to Coronavirus pandemic. Being termed as #Unlock1, it has given big relief to two of India's most anticipated racetracks - Buddh International Circuit (BIC in Noida) and Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT in Chennai). The auto enthusiasts and racing aficionados can now breathe a sigh of relief as both of the aforementioned racing circuits have opened their gates and track events will resume soon.

The private testing sessions at the MMRT have already started. Vicky Chandhok, Vice President of the MMRT, says, "The MMRT has basically started its operations last week. The circuit is open on every day of the week for anybody that wants to do any testing, be it manufacturers, be it track days, or be it corporate days. We're following strict norms laid down by the government. So, we've got sanitisation regulations, indemnities being signed and temperature checks by gauges. We're following every single norm that you can follow. The bikes can come out testing with one additional person. The cars can come out testing with two additional people. We're restricting it to a first-come, first-serve basis."

The BIC will hold its first track day this weekend since the closure due to lockdown in March. All the Union and State Government guidelines will be strictly followed regarding sanitisation and hygiene. In fact, the briefing sessions for drivers will also be limited to 8 persons at one time. On asked when the motor racing will resume in India, Chandhok said, "We're making up a draft calendar to kick-start with September for racing, preceded by early August with the South India Rally that'll form round one of the FIA APRC. That's the plan for now. It all depends on how the next few weeks go, regarding the government's outlook the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are going to be looking at that very carefully, and we're staying in touch with all our counterparts in various other clubs."

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