Formula One motor racing will arrive in India in 2010. Delhi-based infrastructure major JP Associates has won an
exclusive 10-year contract to host the premier race in Greater Noida.
Manoj Gaur, managing director of JP Associates, confirmed this to the Hindustan Times and added that his group signed the agreement with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone last week. He refused to divulge details of the deal.
The race track, to be developed by the JP group, will be near the proposed Greater Noida airport about 50 km from Delhi. The Noida authority has already given in-principle approval for the site, sources said. The Rs 1,500-crore project will be spread over around 350 acres land.
Enthusiasm in FI has been the on the rise in India ever since Narain Karthikeyan debuted at the FI circuit for Team Jordan. On Tuesday, another young star, Karun Chandhok, tested for Red Bull at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
F1 track designer Hermann Tilke had recently visited Delhi to work out a possible route. Sources said the location was decided after a detailed study of infrastructure in Delhi. Since Delhi will also be hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2010, it would help organise the F1 race better, they added.
Suresh Kalmadi, president of Indian Olympic Association, said, “I have no idea (about the deal). If there is anything, it will be announced by Bernie Ecclestone.”
{{/usCountry}}Suresh Kalmadi, president of Indian Olympic Association, said, “I have no idea (about the deal). If there is anything, it will be announced by Bernie Ecclestone.”
{{/usCountry}}The Rs 34,000-crore JP group beat celebrated contenders like liquor baron Vijay Mallya in the race.