POLE POSITION: INDIA -- ADITYA AWATHARE, II YEAR, MBA BT

Just seconds to go and there is neck to neck heat with the two drivers battling out for the finish, and the chequered flag is waving, we have the winner of India’s first Grand Prix, what a thrilling win for…”, yes this will be the excitement and jubilation in the air on 30th October 2011, when India will host its first Grand Prix. Sixty one years after its inception, this is the first time that a sport of this calibre is being hosted here. This will put India on the prestigious list of countries that host this event every year. Millions of fans will be gearing themselves up to witness this historical event as they will support their favorite drivers and their teams.
The Indian racing track is developed by Jaypee Group (JPSI). The 5.14km long Buddh International Race Circuit has been designed by renowned German architect and race track designer Herman Tilke. In October, there will be races in Japan and Korea before the F1 teams arrive in India. Sebastian Vettel of RBR – Renault is currently leading the driver’s standings while there is a tough competition between McLaren Mercedes-Jenson Button, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso & RBR – Renault’s Mark Webber for the second position. RBR – Renault is also leading the Constructors standings with 491 points with five races to go before the season ends. After Indian GP, the F1 race will move to Bahrain and finally to Brazil.
There was much speculation in media regarding F1 being hosted in India. There were many factors such as political, environmental and the support from Ministry of Sports. On one side, this was considered as entertainment and not a sport in India and was always ridiculed. It was considered as a costly sport, which is not in Olympics and it wouldn’t attract much crowd in India. However there was always presence of Indians in this motor sport. Narain Karthikeyan was the first Indian to drive and compete in F1 race. He was a driver for team Jordan in 2005 and also was a test driver for William’s team. Karun Chandok currently is a driver for Lotus – Renault. Business tycoon and billionaire Dr. Vijay Mallya’s purchase of Spyker Formula One team for €88 million and renaming the team as ‘Force India’ was a big achievement and indicated that a day is not far when India will be on the global map competing and hosting a race, and here we are just weeks away from it.
Apart from the F1 Grand Prix, the world will also feel the strength this country possesses in the automotive sector. A country where world’s cheapest car ‘Tata Nano’ was launched when the global economy was facing recession and also the buyout of European giants ‘Jaguar’ and ‘Land Rover’ showed the world the strength of Indian automobile sector. India is also home to other form of motor sports such as MRF racing, JK Tyre Rotax Carting Championship, National Drag Racing Championship which is governed by The Federation of Motor Sports Club of India (FMSCI).
With the advent of Formula One Grand Prix in India, it is believed it’ll bring a revolution in the country’s automobile sector and the other forms of motor sports. It will also have an impact on economy since the revenue generated by the event in India is expected to be in excess of $ 100 million. This will not be in the form of sales of tickets but hotel & hospitality services, petrol stations, shop owners, insurance, investments, etc. It will also generate job opportunities in the form of Marshall’s, transportation, maintenance team, security. It is going to have a very significant impact on Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and it will also promote India abroad. This is a global event that will be seen by people in around 187 countries and will be a good source for branding, since other countries view India as the ‘Land of Cricket’ where people worship cricket. This will change the world’s outlook towards India. The world will see what a great event India can put on and the passion and excitement around sports in India.
Feel the G force on ‘The Race Day’ with adrenaline pumping and heartbeats racing when the most awaited race is flagged off on 30th
October.