India`s F1 calendar entry delights Mallya

Mumbai: India`s inclusion in next year`s Formula One calendar was today welcomed by Force India owner Vijay Mallya who described the world motor sports governing body FIA`s decision as "a dream come true".

"As Team Principal of India`s very first F1 team - Force India and in my capacity as Chairman of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India and a member of the FIA World Motor Sports Council, this is a dream come true," Dr Mallya said in a statement about the development. "As an Indian, I feel proud and walk tall amongst the world`s motor sports community. There are a maximum of 20 F1 Grand Prix races worldwide each year and it is a matter of pride that India is on the list," Dr Mallya pointed out. Yesterday, the FIA decided that India will host its first Formula One Grand Prix on October 30, next year in Noida, one of the 20 events in next year`s F1 calendar. The track needs to be completed by July 30 and it will get a go-ahead subject to FIA`s homologation. Dr Mallya was confident that the track would meet the deadline and live up to the necessary specifications. "I would like to record my appreciation for the bold initiative taken by the Jaypee Group in establishing a greenfield F1 race track at Noida. From the regular reports I have received, construction is in full progress and the track with considerable supporting infrastructure will be ready well in time for the 2011 event," he said. Mallya also said that the country will become one of the most attractive sporting destinations in the future. "India`s economic growth, young and aspirational demographic and the growing popularity of F1 in the country make it one of the most attractive future destinations for a high technology-driven and fantastically competitive sport like F1 where both man and machine are tested to the absolute limit," he added. PTI