According to recent reports in Times of India it is said that the vice – president (operations) of Jaypee Sports International Mark Hughes wants to quit. It has been only two weeks since Bernie had come and inspected the track that was being built at Noida. He was very much happy with the progress of the work and was assured that the work would finish off in time.
If this news is true then it will surely be a setback to the $ 400 million project. It is said that Mark Hughes has informed the promoter Gaur family of his decision while they are trying to convince him to continue.
According to the article Hughes who was hired for his wide F1 circuit experience is not looking for a full time role, though he is ready to be a consultant to the project.
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It was also stated in the article that when he was contacted he said, ” I am still working for them, though I am considering different options as I want to make the Indian F1 GP happen. Personal circumstances are behind this, Anyways, things are still being discussed and nothing has been finalised.”
While a spokesperson for JPSI was quoted saying that it was just a rumour and nothing had been finalised as of now.
The 5.14 km track which is being built 35km off new Delhi in Greater Noida has been designed by renowned German architect and race track designer, Herman Tilke.
While the actual race is slated for October next year, the track has to pass a crucial hurdle in May when the International Automobile Federation, the governing body for motor sports, will conduct its homologation (final inspection). While the project is being headed by Samir Gaur MD and CEO of JPSI, Hughes was the key foreign functionaries hired for his wide experience. The in charge of construction work is Boris Lazaric who has also done several projects for Jaypee Group in India.
So with this news out we just can hope that it does not dent the preparations for the 2011 race and hope that everything goes on smoothly. Its time India has learnt its lessons from the CWG fiasco and that the next major event goes on smoothly. South Korea is one such example with a brilliant Korean GP this year.
For all this we have to wait till May 2011 for the first report and till October 2011 for the final race!!
