Ecclestone has high hopes for the sport's newest frontier
Last Updated: August 18, 2011 2:55pm
Ecclestone: upbeat ahead of first Indian Grand Prix
Bernie Ecclestone believes Formula One will one day come close to rivalling cricket in the affections of the people of India.
The inaugural Indian Grand Prix is due to take place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi towards the end of October.
The impact of the sport on the nation is growing, to such an extent the country's largest telecom supplier - Bharti Airtel - has been confirmed as the title sponsor of the race.
"Formula One is new to India," said Ecclestone.
"We will never catch cricket, I'm quite sure about that, but we have to try our best to do that. I'm sure eventually we will get very close."
The track has yet to be officially sanctioned by the FIA, although that is due to take place in two weeks' time when safety delegate Charlie Whiting makes his latest visit.
Inspection
Despite Whiting delaying the inspection by a month, an unconcerned Ecclestone added: "I have no doubt in my mind the circuit is going to be one of the nicest we have and that it's going to be complete on time.
"We are checking everything all the time, on a daily basis. We are very, very happy everything is on time. There are no problems."
Ecclestone is not only convinced F1 will have a major impact on India, but that staging a race in the country is also vital for the future success of the sport.
"We have to remember India is one of the top five most important countries in the world today," he said.
"So for us, it's extremely important to be in India as much as any other country in the world."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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