First Indian GP set for 2010
India has sealed a deal to host its first Formula 1 grand prix from 2010, the country’s Olympic Association (IOA) has announced.
IOA president Suresh Kalmadi confirmed that Formula One Management had approved two prospective sites for a circuit on the outskirts of New Dehli and that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had given the green light for it to make the final decision on which site to use.
Kalmadi added that the first race in India had been set for three seasons time and that it could possibly be the season-opener.
"I met Mr. Ecclestone in London last week and I'm happy to say he told me it is a good report and that they have selected two sites for the F1 track,” Kalmadi was quoted as saying by Reuters.
"He also handed over to me the two draft contracts, for race promotion of the Grand Prix of India in the F1 world championship and the circuit rights agreement.
"I'm happy to say the first race has been finalised for the year 2010.
"We'll be signing the contract for 2010.
“The month is not finalised but it could be March, the first race, or after the Bahrain Grand Prix."
The initial contract on the table is for a period of 10 years and Kalmadi says before signing the deal, the promoters need to ensure the new venue will be served by other events than just F1.
"The contract will be for a minimum 10 years," he added.
"We have to work out how to utilise the track round the year."
Ecclestone has made no secret of his desire to take F1 to one of the world’s largest and fastest growing-markets and told ITV Sport only last month that after years of speculation, “this time we’ll pull it off".
A first race in India has looked even more likely in recent weeks after one of the country’s wealthiest men, businessman Vijay Mallya, made a joint bid for the Spyker team that is set to be accepted after due diligence later this month.
Source: itv-f1
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