Bollywood star John Abraham has arrived in Chennai to witness the exhilarating Formula 4-night street race. The actor, known for his love of bikes and motorsports, touched down at Chennai airport on Sunday. Opting for a casual look, John was seen in a black T-shirt, trousers, and matching sunglasses as he made his way through the terminal.
The Formula 4 race is part of the Indian Racing Festival 2024, with the qualifying rounds for F1 currently taking place at the Chennai circuit. The event is a significant moment in Indian motorsport, with Round 2 of the festival being held on a unique 3.5 km street circuit around Chennai’s Island Grounds. The race route includes prominent landmarks such as the Victory War Memorial, Napier Bridge, Swami Sivananda Salai, and Annasalai.
The street circuit, set against the iconic Marina Beach, features cars racing in an anti-clockwise direction, offering a challenging course for the 40-plus drivers competing. The drivers walked the track on Saturday, familiarizing themselves with the technical bends and fast lanes that will test their skills in what promises to be a historic event for Indian motorsport.
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly also arrived in Chennai to watch the Qualifying 1 and 2 rounds. Speaking to reporters, Ganguly expressed his excitement, saying, “We have come for the racing. I have come to see that.” His presence, along with that of John Abraham, adds a star-studded touch to the event.
The race was officially flagged off by Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Sports Development and Youth Welfare, Udhayanidhi Stalin, on August 31. Other notable attendees included Tamil Nadu Ministers Ma. Subramanian, Sekar Babu, SS Sivasankaran, and officials from the Tamil Nadu Sports Department and the Indian Racing League (IRL).
Organized by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), the Indian Racing Festival aims to set a new benchmark for motorsport in India. The night street circuit offers a unique and thrilling experience, expected to draw motorsport enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
With John Abraham and Sourav Ganguly among the high-profile attendees, the event not only highlights the growing popularity of motorsport in India but also showcases Chennai as a key destination for international sporting events. The festival is set to leave an indelible mark on India’s motorsport history, with fans eagerly anticipating the high-octane action to come.
