Bringing F1 To India

The king of good times Vijay Mallya and Indian Olympic Association ( IOA) chief Suresh Kalmadi are gungho about bringing the motor sport F1 to India as soon as 2009-2010. Announcement by the IOA about Delhi being allotted an F1 Grand Prix schedule for 2009 have been made.

India needs to develop the infrastructure with the combined effort of the government and the private sector.The work has to start from the basic need to identify a site in the capital where the racing tracks could be laid. There's a huge shipping involved .9-10 jumbo jets for the cargo part have to be shipped. The roads , airports needs much improvement. Delhi will need to make provision of some 7000 hotel rooms.

Once successful , India will be able to make a place on the tourism map for one of the priveledged countries to host the Grand Prix. The sport has huge viewership next only to football world cup and Olympics. Moreover, its hold on an annual basis rather than every four years.

But there are quite many who are skeptical about this ambitious plan given the investments and logistics involved. The Motor Sports Association Of India ( MAI ) feels that the announcement is too premature . Nazir Hoosein , President, MAI , is of the view that F1 circuits don't make money until they are established. They will have to conduct bike racing etc. to keep utilising the track. Apart from the infrastruture there is expense on training. Moreover, its more of a five star event with elite people involved in it. Hence, similar facilities needs to be made available.

Will Kalmadi and Mallya be able to get India on the F1 track? It remains to be seen , but the announcement has certainly brought lots of cheers to the F1 enthusiasts.