The Indian Grand Prix

Amidst the three week break that the Formula One circuit has received, we have a look at what will be one of the most promising steps for Formula One.

The Indian Grand Prix scheduled to be inaugurated in 2011 which will be held near Delhi will be one great step forward for the Formula One franchise. Bernie Ecclestone was very much interested in entering the Indian market for many years and after the launch of two Indian drivers in the F1 arena and also an Indian owned team, what better way can anyone think of than having a race here itself? The inclusion of the Indian Grand Prix in the 2011 calendar will be a very profitable outcome for the development of the sport in India and also the rise of its popularity amongst the Indian community.

The sponsors crunch which the Indian drivers are facing now wont be there once the race calendar gets the India Grand Prix name imprinted on it. This will also lead to a huge popularity amongst the India people which will result in better marketing of Formula One. The whole thing will lead to a huge market being touched upon by the Formula One franchise.

In 2008, Bernie Ecclestone announced that the Indian Grand Prix will be held in 2011 and the Indian Olympic Association confirmed that the track will laid down in Greater Noida, 50Kms from Delhi. It will be constructed by Jai Prakash Group and the track will be a part of their sporting club.

They have roped in famous F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke to design the circuit.

The German architect has worked on many circuits and the most notable being the radical overhauls at Hockenheimring in Germany and also upgradation of Fuji speed circuit and the shortening of A1 Ring in Austria.

The lastest development is the appointment of Mark Hughes who previously worked at higher levels in developing the Bahrain International Circuit and as an advisor to the Yas Marina Circuit. He has been made the vice president of JPSK sports.

One of the most popular businessman regarding the Formula One scenario in India Vijay Mallaya also expressed his happiness on the announcement of the 2011 race and said that it was always his dream to bring the sport to India.

Even various teams such as Renault, McLaren and also Red Bull have already started publicizing their cars and merchandises in India. Vodafone which is the sponsor of McLaren also sees the Indian market as a very big one. Vodafone which is already established would want its associates also to profit by the Grand Prix and also by its existing brand name in the country.

Mark Hughes also revealed that they would incorporate some of the famous track segments from various tracks. He was also very excited to bring the sport to India and said that he has already seen a huge interest from the young generation here in working for the track and also in its development.

Hope everything goes on well and it should not be far away when we will see an Indian Team on the race track with all the huge potential and talent amongst the youngsters!!