New Delhi, July 20: In the battle for grabbing eye-balls, Formula One has given all other sport a black eye. It lures 500 million to its call every year.
Leave apart the Olympics and World Cup soccer, and F-1 is the undisputed heavyweight of the ratings game. And F-1 head-honcho Bernie Ecclestone’s not resting content.
“He has committed to us that India will have a race in the coming years. Given the infrastructural requirements, we are targeting 2007,” revealed Vicky Chandhok, president, FMSCI. Chandhok and chairman Vijay Mallya have flown to Silverstone this weekend to finalise plans for Bernie’s visit to India. “He’ll be meeting three-four CMs who have shown interest.
As of now, Naidu’s personal drive makes Hyderabad the most likely place.” Michael Tuab, a private promoter who had earlier evinced interest in Kolkata, apparently met Naidu on Friday.
An initial cost of $110 million will be needed to set up the infrastructure. But compare it to the benefits: 11 European Grand Prixs in 1997 generated a spending of $500 million fuelling 738,354 jobs and 21,100 temporary ones. $2 billion is generated through sale of TV rights and ads annually by F-1. Mind boggling possibilities for India.