Indian GP will boost motorsports

Year 2010 can be termed as the start of good times for motorsports in India. It saw the awarding of a Formula One race, Force India registering its highest points tally in the F1 constructors’ championship, Karun Chandhok becoming only the second F1 driver from the country and a host of other drivers plying their trade in various series’ around the world.

The biggest of them all was the announcement that Indian Grand Prix will be held on October 30. The 18th race of the 2011 calendar will be held at the Jaypee International Race Circuit in Greater Noida.

The talk of bringing Formula One to India had been going on for a decade with cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore considered as possible venues.

The difference this time around is that a private group (Jaypee Sports International Limited) is involved in the project. Earlier, most of the projects were State-funded as a result they never materialised.

The challenge for the organisers will be to get the circuit ready in time and make sure there is no repeat of the Commonwealth Games fiasco. The FIA will inspect the circuit in July 2011 before giving the final go-ahead.

The advantages of hosting a Formula One race are numerous. It will open a world of opportunities for the aspirants in the country. It will finally provide a proper infrastructure for the sport.

As far as things on track go, Force India was consistent throughout the season. Though they failed to get on to the podium, they did manage to record their best finish in the constructors’ championship, finishing seventh with 68 points.

For Chandhok, things were not so rosy. He was dumped by newcomers Hispania Racing after the funds dried up. During his time with the team, Chandhok did manage to finish eight of the 10 races, consistently outperforming teammate Bruno Senna, who managed to finish only three races. That piece of stat may have looked superb in an individual sport but when compared to other drivers on the grid, it comes across as ordinary.

At the end of the year came the icing on the cake with the announcement that FIA Gala (which will see 2011 Formula One champion crowned officially) will be hosted at the end of next season in New Delhi, which will be held for the first time in Asia.