F1 supremo gives thumbs-up ahead of inaugural race
Last Updated: October 26, 2011 3:45pm
New track: Ferrari's Felipe Massa at the Buddh International Circuit
Bernie Ecclestone said on Wednesday that those responsible for the Buddh International Circuit, venue for this weekend's inaugural Indian Grand Prix, had done a "great job".
Just a fortnight ago, Formula One's commercial supremo had viewed a series of photos of the new venue and expressed concern that it would not be ready in time.
Two weeks on and it is ready - just - as track workers put the finishing touches with the first practice session just 48 hours away.
Vicky Chandhok, president of the Indian Motor Sports Federation, has described the venue as "rough and ready", and it is easy to see why as preparations and works are still being carried out.
But this is year one of a vast £250million 'Sport City' project being undertaken by industrial conglomerate the Jaypee Group.
Chandhok concedes there will be "endless teething problems" over the next few days, but insists the Jaypee Group are involved for the long haul.
He added that Ecclestone, who celebrates his 81st birthday on Friday, is happy with the 5.137km track 35km south east of Delhi.
"It's very significant something like this has come up to showcase India," Chandhok said. "It's not about Formula One, it's not about motorsport - India has never hosted something on this magnitude ever.
"When I say on this magnitude, I'm not talking about a cricket game or the Commonwealth Games.
"This is an opportunity of showcasing India to 570million viewers worldwide, to get India recognised as a player capable of hosting the most technologically-advanced sport in the world.
"Suddenly it's now a patriotic thing, to say 'hey guys, we can also do it'. It's more about that.
"This is our first year and there are bound to be endless teething problems per se, but despite that this place is fantastic. It is absolutely stunning.
"I had Charlie (FIA race director Whiting) drive me round the track this morning, and after Bernie came up, slapped my face and he said to me, 'How did you put up such rubbish?'
"I looked at him aghast and said, 'What are you saying?'.
"Then he laughed, gave me a big hug, a slap on the back and said, 'Great job'."
Vindicated
That was the vindication Chandhok had been seeking after 10 years of hard work trying to stage a race in his homeland.
Happily, there are no stories of scandal and corruption associated with the new race, unlike last year's Commonwealth Games - a government undertaking that was paid for by the taxpayers.
"Tell me, who watched the Commonwealth Games?" asked Chandhok.
"First of all I don't really see the purpose of the Commonwealth Games, with the viewership so low.
"Of course, it's a great thing for the athletes. It's great for them to compete and perform.
"But the amount of money that was spent on putting up facilities that are not going to be looked after is something this country could ill afford.
"That was taxpayers' money, our money that went into that, but this is private enterprise and it will be looked after.
"We need nothing from the government, except an acceptance of the sport.
"We have been given an opportunity to showcase India - let's not ruin it.
"We're getting this event for next to nothing, so all we have to do is show that India can work well with it."
Serious
The Jaypee Group, founded by Jaiprakash Gaur, would appear to be putting their money where their mouths are, and for Chandhok that is all the proof required that India is serious about F1.
"The circuit onwers, the Jaypee Group, are very new at this sort of thing, new to motor sport," added Chandhok, whose father founded the Indian Motor Sport Federation and Madras Motor Sports Club.
"So they have followed certain guidelines and experts from all over the world. It's an eye-opener for them.
"But nothing is stopping them from keeping going. They are willing to invest more money to make it even better, and I think very few promoters in the world exist like this.
"So for me, what they have done is overwhelming from a personal point of view, and they are giving out the right signs, making the right noises, and that is so encouraging."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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