Formula One rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone has
given his backing to the new Buddh International circuit in India, where
the country’s inaugural grand prix will be staged this weekend.
According to Vicky Chandhok, president of the
Indian Motor Sports Federation, Ecclestone proclaimed the new circuit as
a “great job” after visiting the venue. Chandhok also highlighted to
The Press Association the positive intangible impact of staging the race
for India’s sports economy.
“It's very significant something like this has come up to showcase India,” Chandhok said. “It's not about Formula One, it's not about motorsport – India has never hosted something on this magnitude ever. When I say on this magnitude, I'm not talking about a cricket game or the Commonwealth Games.”
He added: “This is an opportunity of showcasing India to 570 million viewers worldwide, to get India recognised as a player capable of hosting the most technologically-advanced sport in the world. Suddenly it's now a patriotic thing, to say 'hey guys, we can also do it'. It's more about that. This is our first year and there are bound to be endless teething problems per se, but despite that this place is fantastic. It is absolutely stunning.”
In other news, reports have emerged of a new US$200 million circuit being built in Russia for the country’s inaugural F1 grand prix in 2014. Russia previously secured a seven-year deal to stage Formula One races in Sochi, which will also host the Winter Olympic Games in 2014.
“It's very significant something like this has come up to showcase India,” Chandhok said. “It's not about Formula One, it's not about motorsport – India has never hosted something on this magnitude ever. When I say on this magnitude, I'm not talking about a cricket game or the Commonwealth Games.”
He added: “This is an opportunity of showcasing India to 570 million viewers worldwide, to get India recognised as a player capable of hosting the most technologically-advanced sport in the world. Suddenly it's now a patriotic thing, to say 'hey guys, we can also do it'. It's more about that. This is our first year and there are bound to be endless teething problems per se, but despite that this place is fantastic. It is absolutely stunning.”
In other news, reports have emerged of a new US$200 million circuit being built in Russia for the country’s inaugural F1 grand prix in 2014. Russia previously secured a seven-year deal to stage Formula One races in Sochi, which will also host the Winter Olympic Games in 2014.
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