Vijay Mallya and Bernie Ecclestone's Indian Formula One dream may finally take wings as Suresh Kalmadi, President of the Indian Olympics Association said on Monday, that India will host its first Formula One event in 2010.
Apparently, Formula One management has finalised two sites on the outskirts of capital New Delhi and vested the final decision in the hands of race promoters, IOA, as regards the choice of the circuit.
Suresh Kalmadi said track architect Hermann Tilke had inspected the prospective sites earlier this month and reported back to Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone.
"I met Mr. Ecclestone in London last week and I'm happy to say he told me it is a good report and that they have selected two sites for the F1 track.He also handed over to me the two draft contracts, for race promotion of the Grand Prix of India in the F1 world championship and the circuit rights agreement.I'm happy to say the first race has been finalised for the year 2010," he added.
"We'll be signing the contract for 2010. The month is not finalised but it could be March, the first race, or after the Bahrain Grand Prix."
"We'll be signing the contract for 2010. The month is not finalised but it could be March, the first race, or after the Bahrain Grand Prix."
The two sites chosen were in Sohna, near the industrial hub of Gurgaon to Delhi's south west, and Greater Noida, a fast developing area to the capital's east.
Kalmadi said the IOA would discuss with the Delhi government before tying up with business groups for building the track.
Kalmadi said the IOA would discuss with the Delhi government before tying up with business groups for building the track.
After China and now Singapore moving into the Formula One fray, many speculate that it is time for a booming Indian economy to step into the multi-million dollar glitzy sport. There are reports of newer circuits being built in Russia and India, at the cost of removing some other non-profit making circuits being cut out of the racing schedule. But the poor infrastructure remains a concern and many think that focus on Formula One race in 2010 will deviate the Indian Olympic Association away from its 2010 Commonwealth Games preparations.
However, the Indian Grand Prix remains a bright possibility for the future with Vijay Mallya buying the Spyker Formula One team. The Indian presence in the Formula One scene is growing by the day.
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