The inaugural Indian Grand Prix in 2011 will prove to be a “sensational” event that breaks records for Formula 1 crowd attendance. That is the prediction of Force India co-owner Vijay Mallya, who has helped increase interest levels in F1 in his homeland since buying and rebranding the Spyker team ahead of the 2008 season.
Mallya says construction work at the brand new 3.1-mile circuit in Greater Noida is progressing well and thinks the race will capture the imagination of the Indian youth market when it joints the calendar next year.“The interest in Formula 1 in India has skyrocketed and the track is well underway,” he told F1’s official website.
"I predict that the first Indian Grand Prix will be a sensational, mega event because Formula 1 has all the ingredients that appeal to the Indian youth.
“It’s a high-tech, competitive sport and with a certain touch of glamour.”
And asked to explain what the F1 world should expect from his country’s first race, he added: “More spectators than you have ever seen for an event. Amazing fans who will bring their love and show their enthusiasm for Formula 1.”
Since joining the grid as a team owner in late 2007, Mallya has insisted that while in future he would like to hire an Indian driver for his team there currently isn’t one who is good enough to take on F1’s top stars.
Mallya has this year seen Karun Chandhok become the country’s second ever F1 driver with Hispania, but remains adamant that there isn’t an obvious candidate for his team yet.
Asked how important it was for Force India to run a home driver at some point in the future, he replied: “It is very important. I would love it.
“I’m not a fool and can see the enormous publicity potential which would come from it.
“The downside at the moment is that there is not one Indian pilot who has the potential to battle the best on the track.”
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