F1: Airtel to Sponsor Inaugural Indian Grand Prix

Here’s the latest on the 2011 Indian Grand Prix to be held in the brand new Buddh International Circuit in October. Henceforth, it will be known as the ‘Airtel Grand Prix of India’. Bernie Ecclestone (Formula One Group CEO) and Sanjay Kapoor (CEO – India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel) together unveiled the official logo of the Airtel Grand Prix of India in a official ceremony held today. This marks the foray of the global telecommuncation major – Airtel, into the glitzy world of formula one which is followed by nearly 500 million people across the world. The Airtel Grand Prix of India will be the 17-th race of the 2011 season which will put India in the global F1 map for the first time.

Airtel has already made several sponsorships and deals with sports teams and events. It was the title sponsor for the champions league T20 for the first two seasons (2009,2010) but cancelled the deal for the 2011 event due to unknown reasons. Airtel had also made a multi- million dollar sponsorship deal with EPL giants Manchester United in 2009 ,which facilitated the availability of Manchester United related mobile content for millions of Airtel subscribers for a period of five years. With its current sponsorship deal with formula one, Airtel will be able to offer official formula one content to its 228 million subscribers across 19 countries in the world.

Announcing the sponsorship deal, Sanjay Kapoor, CEO – India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel was quoted saying,

“A sports phenomenon that initially originated from Europe and went across the globe to become a rage – Formula One today enjoys the cult following of a whopping 500 million plus fans. Airtel – with its 200 million plus customers which significantly represent the young and vibrant population, is delighted to be affiliated with F1 to bring this international sports event to India for the time first time ever! Right through its growth path, Airtel has been associated with speed, performance, calculated risks and excitement, the very words that spring to mind when you think of Formula One. Hence, it is only natural that Airtel and Formula One together bring to life the dreams of millions of young and passionate sports enthusiasts in India, giving them an opportunity of a lifetime to watch the very first Airtel Grand Prix of India in person”.

Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Group CEO was quoted saying,

“I am very pleased with our association with Bharti Airtel which has demonstrated that they are the very forward thinking company that I believe and was the reason for seeking their help in promoting Formula One in India through their 200 million plus customers. We are very good partners as we both project the same forward thinking”.

The Indian Grand Prix seems to be getting bigger and better with the recent developments. The stage is set and the Indian fans are ready to embrace the foray of F1 into their country. The wait is not too long. Come October 28, the F1 cars will be seen vrooming in the outskirts of Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Here is the official schedule for the Airtel Grand Prix of India:

Official Schedule of Airtel Grand Prix Of India:

28 October 2011 (Friday)

Practice 1: 10:00 - 11:30 IST

Practice 2: 14:00 - 15:30 IST

29 October 2011 (Saturday)

Practice 3: 11:00 - 12:00

Qualifying: 14:00

30 October 2011 (Sunday)

Race: 15:00 IST