Indian Grand Prix

The Indian Grand Prix is a race planned to be part of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile annual Formula One automobile racing championships. After months of negotiations between the Indian Olympic Association and F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, India has been announced as a potential candidate on the F1 calendar for 2009.cite web | date = 2007-06-14 | url = http://indiangrandprix.net/announcement.html | title = Indian Grand Prix 2009 | accessdate = 2007-06-23] [cite web | date = 2007-06-17 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6751929.stm | title = India agree deal on Grand Prix | publisher = BBC News | accessdate = 2007-06-23] However, two motor sport bodies in India have cast doubt whether such an event will be held.

On 17 September 2007, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that India will host its first Formula One race in 2010. [cite web | date = 2007-09-17 | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/sportsplus/sportsplus.php?id=121757 | title = India to host its first Formula One race in 2010 | accessdate = 2007-09-17]

On Sept 30, 2008 Bernie Ecclestone announced that the Indian Grand Prix has been delayed to 2011 [cite web | date=2008-09-30 | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/3108572/Indian-Grand-Prix-debut-pushed-back-to-2011-Formula-One.html | title=Indian Grand Prix debut pushed back to 2011 | publisher = telegraph | accessdate = 2008-10-08 ]

The circuit

The circuit location has been finalized as Greater Noida, near Delhi. The circuit will be roughly 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) and will be designed by F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke. A contract has been given to Jaypee Group to build it.Fact|date=September 2008

Economic benefits

Delhi has been seeing a lot of infrastructure improvements for 2010 Commonwealth Games. However, there has been no direct funding provided for an Indian Grand Prix yet. Any financing would be from the government or from private funding according to the Indian Olympic Association.

Reactions

Leading businessman Vijay Mallya said after signing a sponsorship agreement between his Kingfisher Airlines and the Toyota team that he was confident the sport would come to the subcontinent. "It has always been my dream to bring Formula One to India," he told a news conference on the sidelines of the launch of Toyota's new TF107 car. "The government of Delhi I think really wants Formula One in India and I am optimistic that maybe we will be able to host our first race in 2009." [cite web | date = 2007-01-13 | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/India-could-host-F1-race-in-2009/2007/01/13/1168105210783.html | title = India 'could host F1 race in 2009' | publisher = The Age | accessdate = 2007-06-23]

Both the Motorsports Association of India and the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India have expressed some scepticism. The latter's president, Rajat Mazumbar, has said that "The only authorised body that can run motorsports in the country is ours" despite the fact the deal has been signed with the Indian Olympic Association.

Fans have expressed joy [cite web | date = 2007-06-15 | url = http://desicritics.org/2007/06/15/001610.php | title = India Offered Formula-1 in 2009 | publisher = Desicritics | accessdate = 2008-09-17] at India being included in the season and also at India's particpiation in Formula 1 with Force India [cite web | date = 2008-01-23 | url = http://www.forceindiaf1.com/ | title = Force India Official Website | publisher = Force India | accessdate = 2008-01-23] , Vijay Mallya's F1 team. Increased awareness has led to the popularity of merchandise, Formula 1 tickets, race tours to F1 destinations [cite web | date = 2007-01-23 | url = http://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/sep/29desi.htm | title = Destination Shanghai For Indian Fans | publisher = Rediff | accessdate = 2008-01-23] .

References

External links

* [http://www.indiangrandprix.net IndianGrandPrix.net - Unofficial Indian Grand Prix site]
* [http://www.formula1.com Formula1.com]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6751929.stm India agree deal on Grand Prix - BBC News]