India’s Formula One team and drivers yesterday welcomed the country’s first opportunity to hold a Grand Prix, calling it an endorsement of its recent progress.
The World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Wednesday formally approved India’s inclusion on the race calendar for 2011, although it has yet to give a green light to the new track being built outside the capital, New Delhi.
Vijay Mallya, head of India’s first F1 racing team Force One and a member of the council, said he was “delighted” with the decision.
“There are a maximum of 20 F1 Grand Prix races worldwide each year and it is a matter of pride that India is on the list,” said the liquor baron, who also heads Kingfisher Airlines and the Royal Challengers Bangalore T20 cricket side.
“I feel proud and walk tall among the world’s motor sports community.”
India’s economic growth – which is nearing nine per cent – its young, aspirational population and Formula One’s growing popularity makes the country “one of the most attractive future destinations” for the sport, he added.
A private company, the Jaypee Group, has been chosen to build the 5.14-kilometre (3.2-mile) circuit, which has been designed by Herman Tilke, a German architect behind new race tracks including Bahrain and Malaysia.
It is hoped the project, part of a 2,500-acre (1,011-hectare) sports complex in Noida, will be ready in time for the race, avoiding the delays that have dogged preparations for next month’s Commonwealth Games.
Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first F1 driver, who raced for Jordan in 2005, and current Hispania signee Karun Chandhok, both welcomed the news.
“I think it’s fantastic. I’m really excited about it,” Karthikeyan said.
“Combined with Force India on the grid it should be a real treat for Formula One fans in our country. It should be just the catalyst we need to take motorsports to the next level.
“The automotive sector is one of the largest in Indian industry, yet until now, there has been very little interest shown by the car manufacturers in supporting motorsport.
“Having a world class race track should change all that.”
Chandhok, who acts as a consultant for the Jaypee group and is a regular visitor to the circuit site, was confident India will deliver a good race.
“One thing is clear. The organisers are very serious and they have worked really hard to make the race next year a reality,” he said.
“We are a country of unlimited potential. Almost all commercial partners involved with Formula One see India as a key market.”