Construction has begun on the new ~$360m circuit, located in the Greater Noida area, approximately 40km from India’s capital city, New Delhi. Currently named the Jaypee Group Circuit, the track will reside in a larger complex of other leisure amenities, notably a golf course, cricket stadium and sports academy (much like the Yas Island project in Abu Dhabi).

When Ecclestone was asked about a possible return to Indianapolis for the United States Grand Prix, Bernie seemed positive about wanting to make it happen, and said the famous speedway was the best venue to hold the event.

It’s only the fact that it’s all the wrong crowd and the wrong people and they didn’t really… nothing worked there really, we’d have to have a big change round. But we’d like to get back there. Bernie Ecclestone.

Formula One will return to North America this year when the teams arrive in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. However, with such a large automobile market, the USA is an important area that the sport has neglected in recent times.

More information on the Jaypee Group Circuit can be found at BlogF1’s sister site, AerialF1.

Original article by BlogF1.

Bernie Ecclestone Suggests 20-Race Calendar For 2011

Force India team owner Vijay Mallya, although not directly involved, had stated that he believes the new track will be ready by 2010, and that this is not the issue. Perhaps Bernie needs some more time to axe some more traditional races from the calendar before squeezing in the new ones, or maybe flying to India upsets the three-week holiday Ron Dennis had planned… who knows!? But the rumour was confirmed earlier today and India will host their first grand prix in 2011 and not 2010 as previously mooted.

From my information, even though I am not building the track, the track will be ready for 2010. But as you know the F1 schedule is decided by Bernie and I guess everyone has to accept what Bernie decides.

The land has been acquired and there is the usual process of preparing the ground for building, but my information is that it will be ready for 2010. Vijay Mallya.

Ecclestone also confirmed that despite his best efforts to change half the championship into an after-dark affair, Singapore would remain as the only night race on the 2009 calendar.

Every GP from that side of the world [Asia, Oceania] could in theory be moved to a night slot. But in 2009 it will just be Singapore. As for Europe I see no reason to stage a race after sunset. Bernie Ecclestone.

Erm, I can think of a few reasons Bernie, not least of which is that if Formula One becomes a night racing series, it won’t take to long before the novelty wears off. Besides, I prefer to wake up earlier than stay up late. And at Bernie’s age, I’m surprised he isn’t the same!

Original article by BlogF1.

Indian Grand Prix Postponed Until 2011

Force India is in fact the same team that Karthikeyan drove for back in 2005, although it has changed hands a few times since. Currently, Indian businessman Vijay Mallya owns the squad and has invested much needed funds into the development and improvement of the team. Only last weekend did the outfit show off their new motor home in the Spanish paddock, equaling the already impressive McLaren Brand Centre located next door. Considering the difference in budgets the two teams run on, the new-and-improved image is certainly a strong statement.

But A1GP’s chairman doesn’t feel the team, which does have ‘Indian flavours’, are sending out the right message to the millions of Indian fans who cheer Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil at the races.

The Force India thing, although great for India, is a little bit negative in terms of youngsters and getting them to race if you are never going to win a race.

It’s the wrong message. I think Vijay is trying to set something up which is a long-term plan but it’s not the right message having Force India and non-Indian drivers.

I don’t see Force India winning a race in F1 for the next five years. Tony Teixeira.

From that, I would suggest Teixeira wants the message to be something like ‘It’s not the taking part, it’s the winning that counts.’ Or, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, count your losses and give up.’ Honestly, that is exactly what went through my mind when I read those quotes from the A1GP boss. Of course winning is important, but it was Tony who mentioned children in his quote. Had he been talking about grown men and women then obviously it is all about the winning. And be it far from me to suggest to someone how they should run their team or racing series, but attitude is very important, as is persistence, determination, and waiting a little while (ie. more than four races) before judging. These are my own personal beliefs, I hasten to add, but polite, patient and respectful they certainly are.

The whole article seems to read as a ‘big-up’ for A1GP, and perhaps the comments about Force India were just to draw attention to himself and the series. There was also a small part about the Formula One team not running an Indian driver, but this is easily rebutted with performance reasons. If Mallya could find an Indian driver with the experience and capabilities of Fisichella, I’m sure he’d sign them up – it would be a marketing dream for the squad. Alas, I can only presume Mallya believes Karthikeyan, or any other Indian driver, is not at that level just yet.

India will almost certainly become a major force in international motor sport in the future, and it is the intention to hold a race there next season. But instead of slagging off the efforts of Mallya and his team, surely he should be praising their participation and offering verbal support privately or through the media, rather than suggesting that because they aren’t winning yet, they should not compete.

Original article by BlogF1.

Tony Teixeira Is Sending Out The Wrong Message

We have received a letter in this regard from Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One. The IOA will be the promoter, the first event of which will be held in 2009. Suresh Kalmadi.

The current agreement is still preliminary, as a circuit that meets the strict FIA guidelines has to be built.

Original article by BlogF1.

India Joins The 2009 Formula One Calendar