Formula One needs Asia to become a global brand

Sepang: The strong support Lotus Racing have had at their home grand prix in Malaysia has shown Formula One it needs other Asian teams in order to form a true global brand, team principal Tony Fernandes said on Friday.

Home fans cheered as Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy produced 19 competitive laps for Lotus in Friday’s opening practice session and Fernandes said India should be the next key market for the sport to target in order to progress. “I always said to (F1 supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone) ... when you have more local (Asian) involvement Formula One is going to be much bigger,” a smiling Fernandes told a news conference. “It really will become a global sport, right now it’s predominantly a European sport. “You only have to see the success of the (cricket) Indian Premier League (IPL) and the excitement that’s created around the country. If Formula One can get that in India I think it will be great for the sport.” India are represented in the sport by the Force India team led by businessman Vijay Mallya and HRT driver Karun Chandhok, who have both received good interest at home. But more is needed throughout Asia, Fernandes said. Plans, not yet ratified, are in place for a grand prix in India next season but Fernandes believes it is not just tracks and races that can build the sport but Asian teams and drivers. “I think that’s the challenge for the FIA (International Automobile Federation) and all the teams. It’s not just about the tracks, we can build tracks all over the place ... until you get (more) teams like Force India and Lotus then you won’t get the real (supporter) participation. “The IPL would not be as successful if there were just foreign teams.” The support Lotus received at the Sepang circuit on a predominately dry Friday left Fernandes delighted as his drivers ended the practice day ahead of the other two new teams of Virgin and HRT. “We are receiving tremendous, tremendous support over the last week, especially today getting the cars out, getting Fairuz in the car as well,” he said. “Both he and Heikki (Kovalainen) did a superb job overall, I can’t wipe the grin of my face. A good day.” Bureau Report