India's F1 future not in jeopardy, says Vijay Mallya

Vijay Mallya – Force India owner

Force India Team Principal Vijay Mallya has insisted that he has no doubts regarding the long term future of the Indian Grand Prix.

“Obviously we built a fantastic track, fulfilled the aspirations of hundreds of millions of young Indians, and then started moving and getting established in a country with huge long-term potential,” Mallya said to Autosport.

“So to miss a year for whatever reason is obviously disappointing. Racing schedules are obviously important, but whether a country as important as India should miss out on a race in one calendar year is a debatable question,” he added.

The 2014 race was called off by Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone after facing calendar issues. However, the Grand Prix will make a return in the 2015 season.

“I think Bernie is smart enough to understand the enormous potential that there is in India. I don’t think he will take a short-term view,” said Mallya.

Mallya also rejected the claims that he would turn his back on F1 after the incident by saying that he did not make the team aiming the Indian Grand Prix.