Thursday, November 15, 2007

India lands Grand Prix

Although a deal has long been imminent, Messer Ecclestone has reportedly just signed a 10 year deal with India to host a Formula 1 race beginning in 2010.

This news coincides with a pronounced India presence at the just completed winter testing.

On hand in Barcelona was Indian GP2 driver Karun Chandhok, whom tested with Red Bull Racing alongside Formula One’s elder statesman David Coulthard. , While the newly renamed Force India F1 team ran interim painted cars, testing potential race drivers for 2008.

Yet I find it interesting how everything has already been put into place for the new tracks creation, with building permits already scheduled, a new airport nearby, new expressways along with Herman Tilke being tapped as the circuits designer. With a 700 acre parcel in Greater Noida, to have been picked for development by JP Associates.

This “Mega” conglomerate is headed by one of India’s richest businessmen, Jaiprakash Gaur . As the 75 year old magnate is currently building a new city on a 450 acre parcel nearby…