Indian Racing Festival 2026 heads to Chennai for crucial F4 and IRL rounds

The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) 2026 heads to the Madras International Circuit (MIC) on 22–23 October, with a fiercely contested F4 Indian Championship title race and the opening round of the Indian Racing League (IRL) setting the stage for two days of competitive motorsport in Chennai. With five points separating the leading contenders in F4 and six city-based franchises preparing to begin their IRL campaigns, the Chennai round could prove pivotal to the season ahead.

Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru’s Aris Kyriakou arrives at the Madras International Circuit leading the F4 Indian Championship standings with 93 points. However, Goa Aces JA Racing’s Luviwe Sambudla remains firmly in contention on 88 points, setting up a compelling battle in Round 3.

Sambudla strengthened his title challenge at Round 2 at Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore, winning Race 1 from pole position before returning to the top step in Race 3, following a retirement in Race 2. Kyriakou, meanwhile, maintained his advantage through consistent performances and podium finishes across all three races. With 25 points available for a race victory, the narrow margin leaves little room for error.

Hyderabad Blackbirds’ Bhuvan Bonu occupies third place with 51 points, having won Race 2 in Coimbatore after starting from reverse-grid pole. Mahlori Mabunda, on 46 points, and Aaron Mehta, with 42, complete the top five. Ntiyiso Mabunda also arrives following two podium finishes in Round 2, while Swarnav Das and Chennai Turbo Riders’ Sai Aditya will be looking to make their presence felt. Aditya impressed in Coimbatore with a charge from 10th on the grid to a strong Race 3 finish.

Chennai has already produced memorable racing. At the circuit in 2025, Sachel Rotgé claimed three victories, while Shane Chandaria of Chennai Turbo Riders secured a race win. With three further rounds remaining after Chennai, qualifying, reverse-grid races and consistent points-scoring will be central to the championship battle.

Alongside the F4 contest, the Indian Racing League begins its new season with six city-based teams competing in India’s only four-wheel racing league and the world’s first gender-neutral racing championship series.

Reigning 2025–26 champions Goa Aces JA Racing will look to defend their title, with Raoul Hyman and Fabienne Wohlwend leading the charge. Hyman was instrumental in the team’s success, while Wohlwend captured attention with a feature-race victory at the Goa Street Circuit in February 2026.

Home team Chennai Turbo Riders will be seeking a strong start in front of local supporters, facing competition from Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru, Hyderabad Blackbirds, Kolkata Royal Tigers and Speed Demons Delhi.

Bringing Indian and international drivers together, with women racers represented in every team’s line-up, the IRL aims to broaden the appeal of circuit racing in India. With both championships sharing the Chennai weekend, the Madras International Circuit will provide a compelling showcase of emerging single-seater talent and city-based team competition.

The full 24-driver line-up for the Indian Racing League is as follows:

IRL Round 1: Driver Line-Up

F4 Indian Championship: Points After Round 2