Formula One: Track ready, say India organisers
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Organisers of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix on Monday promised a glitch-free event and said the track was ready to host its first-ever Formula One race on October 30.
India is due to hold the race at a new $350 million, 5.14-kilometre (3.2-mile) circuit designed by German architect Hermann Tilke in Greater Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi.
The circuit is part of an ambitious sports complex being built by the Jaypee group that will include an international-standard cricket stadium.
"Our and our country's reputation is on (the) line. We are responsible people and we will deliver a successful race," Manoj Gaur, executive chairman of the Jaypee group, told reporters.
"The track is ready and the homologation (approval by F1 officials) of the facility will be done in July as per the timetable of the FIA (international body)."
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone inspected the circuit site in October last year and dismissed concerns that preparations for the race could mirror the chaotic build-up to the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Formula One has been followed closely in cricket-crazy India since local driver Narain Karthikeyan raced for the now defunct Jordan team in 2005.
Karthikeyan returned to the circuit this year following a deal with the Spanish Hispania racing team.
Another Indian, Karun Chandhok, drove last year for Hispania, which finished 11th out of 12 in its inaugural year.
Samir Gaur, managing director of Jaypee Group, said tickets for the Indian GP would be launched in June.
"We can't disclose the pricing but it would be moderate. It is in the final stages and it will start from 2,500 rupees ($56)," he said.
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