Formula One: Indian Grand Prix in line for FIA award

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After impressing the Formula One personnel with successful conduct of the Indian Grand Prix, New Delhi is gearing up to host motorsport’s glittering annual prize-giving gala.

The awards night on December 9, where the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Sebastian Loeb will be crowned champions, is part of the FIA’s Annual General Assembly that kicks off on December 5.

For the first time since its inception, the traditional FIA event will not be held at its customary venue, Monte Carlo. Champions of other FIA-certified events such as World Touring Car, World Karting, Asia Pacific Rally, Formula Two et al. will also descend on the capital to collect their trophies.

While all the high-profile meetings will be held at Taj Palace hotel, Gurgaon’s Kingdom of Dreams will play host to the glittering prize-giving gala.

The Buddh International Circuit, which successfully hosted the country’s first F1 event on October 30, is in line for the FIA’s prestigious Race Promoter’s trophy. Vicky Chandhok, the president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs in India, strongly believes the BIC will clinch the award.

“The application for sending entries closed at the end of September, a month before we hosted the F1. However, the Indian GP — as a special exempt — is the favourite to win the award,” said Chandhok. He pointed out that the tourism department has joined hands with the organisers to chalk out impressive programme for the touring delegates.

“It’s a great opportunity for our country to showcase our tourists places. The tourism department has lined up a lot of promotional events such as sightseeing, dancing and cookery classes. There will be a high tea with Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit,” said Vicky adding that the FIA would also be conducting road safety campaigns in India.

FMSCI chairman Vijay Mallya played a significant role in bringing the high-profile event to the Indian capital.