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Indian GP venue decision soon?

From Anantha On 9 September 2007 View Comments

It is official. Alonso and Hamilton have just completed a McLaren 1,2 at Monza. But the talking point in the Indian context is that the decision on the venue for the Indian GP is expected in a week.

This piece of news is probably a week old, but sadly slipped under the UD radar. But SPEEDTV analysts, while covering the race have just reported that F1 designer Herman Tilke (the main brain behind tracks such as Baharin, Shanghai and Malaysia) was in India last week to survey the proposed sites. Tilke has since returned to London to consult with F1 head honcho Bernie Ecclestone before the announcement can be made.

ET has reported that “the track length would be around 5 km with an investment of Rs 500 crore”. Formula One awaits the financial guarantee of Rs 60-200 crore or a letter of credit towards the licence fee from India by September 30.

According to Suresh Kalmadi, the President of Indian Olympic Association and the man in the forefront of the Indian F1 bandwagon, the proposed sites identified are Tughlaqabad Shooting Range (Delhi), Kundli-Manesar highway (Haryana) and Taj Expressway(UP). All these sites were surveyed by Tilke last week. Additionally it appears that the Rajpath venue which seemed to be the front runner earlier is no longer in the reckoning (confirming the fears that many, including yours truly had expressed).

“We have shown Mr Tilke all the sites. He would discuss the sites with Mr Ecclestone and close in on one of them. All the expenses for construction of the site would be borne by us. F1 management would only provide technical expertise to develop the site,” Mr Kalmadi said.

(link)

So we wait. Watch this space for more news as it breaks!

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  • I have to tell you, I am very impressed with Hamilton. His pass outside pass on Massa and his inside pass on Raikonnen at the first corner was amazing. But Alonso is up to his usual antics, what is up with him not acknowledging the team at the checkered flag?


    Oh ya! I saw that! Hamilton has been impressive. And btw, I sense that Alonso will not be back. Though, if you saw the post race conference, they were whispering to each other for most of the time when Raikkonen was answering his questions.

    As for the payment, it had not been made as of last Tuesday. But yes, with Mallya getting in more formally, things might be pushed in faster.
  • It is official. Alonso and Hamilton have just completed a McLaren 1,2 at Monza.


    I have to tell you, I am very impressed with Hamilton. His pass outside pass on Massa and his inside pass on Raikonnen at the first corner was amazing. But Alonso is up to his usual antics, what is up with him not acknowledging the team at the checkered flag?


    Formula One awaits the financial guarantee of Rs 60-200 crore or a letter of credit towards the licence fee from India by September 30.


    The Speed TV crew also reported that a sum was already paid by India (30 Million dollars? ). And of course Mallya now owning Spyker would mean that there is a bigger push to get a GP to India.

    And I can't wait for Thursday for the WMSC decision on McLaren. :)
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