New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) Formula One and GT1 are the ultimate in motor racing and India presents a great opportunity to become a major market for the sport, says founder and promoter of GT1 Series Stephane Ratel.
“India was on our list of key destinations, particularly as it is a growing market for luxury cars,” Ratel told IANS in an online interview.
After the resounding success of the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix last year, Indian motor racing fans are in for more thrills this December when luxury sports cars careen around the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) for the season’s finale of the FIA GT1 World Championship.
The GT1 series is expanding its base and it is the biggest motor sports event for luxury cars to come here after F1. It paves the way for many more prominent racing series to cash in on one of the fastest growing markets in the world.
GT1 is the first to jump on the bandwagon as the team’s manufacturers comprise the leading luxury car makers, Ferrari, BMW, Audi, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz.
Ratel, CEO of Stephane Ratel Organisation (SRO) Motorsports, organisers of the Championship, gives out the reasons for putting India on the GT1 calendar.
“To complete the global picture of the championship, we wanted to expand our international footprint. We added China last year and we are adding Russia and India in 2012 as we seek to reach the four corners of the globe.”
“There are plans to make a foray into North America in the near future to add to a calendar which currently features Europe, Asia, South America,” he said of the 10-race 2012 season that culminates at the Jaypee Group owned BIC in Greater Noida Dec 2.
There are no Indian drivers in GT1 unlike F1, but Ratel says the race in India will open doors for its drivers.
“We would definitely like to see Indian drivers, if not an Indian team, compete in the Championship. The concept has been discussed with prospective teams and drivers. There is a precedent for this type of arrangement in the shape of Exim Bank Team China which made its debut in 2011. Having a national driver or team entered adds to the spectacle for local fans.”
The track at the BIC has been praised by many. During the F1 race, McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button said the 5.14-km track has the potential to be one of the best in the world.
Talking of the track, Ratel said: “The circuit will provide a great challenge for our drivers and teams. Each of the circuits in the championship visits has its own unique character and BIC is no different.”
Ratel reveals the manufacturers are delighted with the race coming to untapped destinations like India for sports and luxury cars. One of the luxury car makers participating in the series — Mercedes Benz — recorded 22.7 percent growth in car sales in India last year.
“The manufacturers are delighted that we are visiting such important markets for luxury cars. There are potential benefits commercially for them.”
He had a word praise for the Jaypee Group and their commitment.
“We met with Jaypee representatives several times in the past on different occasions, but the final decision was made at the time of the FIA Awards Ceremony in India in December 2011.”
(Bharat Sharma can be contacted at bharat.s@ians.in)
