The Indian Grand Prix could be dropped from the next year’s Formula One roster, putting a premature end to India’s controversial foray into the world of high speed cars.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said that India is likely to lose its place on the 2014 F1 calendar as he intends to limit the number of races to 20.

“Is India going to happen next year? Probably not,” Ecclestone was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency in Budapest where the Hungarian Grand Prix concluded on Sunday.

Asked about the reason, the 82-year-old Ecclestone replied: “Very political.”

The fate of India hosting the 2014 F1 GP will now be decided in the World Motorsport Council meeting in September where Ecclestone is expected to present the provisional 2014 calendar to the governing International Automobile Federation.

India hosted its controversy-marred first Grand Prix in 2011 amidst raving reviews from the F1 community about the 5.14 kilometre-long Buddh International Circuit (BIC), clean paddock and facilities.

This year, the third edition of the race is scheduled for October 27 at Greater Noida as the 16th round of the 19-race championship.

But with Russia, New Jersey and Austria now shortlisted as additions, there are 22 venues vying for a place on the F1 calendar with teams expressing a preference for a maximum of 20 races.

It is believed that tough taxation rules in India, event’s financial viability and bureaucratic hurdles might have prompted Ecclestone to come up with such a statement.

Only last month, race promoters Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) had issued a statement responding to rumours that the race could be axed from 2014.

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