Indian GP rescheduled to December 11

[1]

The inaugural Indian Grand Prix, supposed to be held on October 30, has been rescheduled to December 11 to accommodate Bahrain GP which was postponed due to civil unrest.

Confirming the date, president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs in India, Vicky Chandhok, said the FIA’s annual prize-giving gala will also be held on the same night. “Our chairman Vijay Mallya, who attended the World Motor Sports Council meeting in Barcelona on Friday, gave no objection to Bahrain’s request to host the race on October 30. The decision was taken after consulting all the concerned parties,” said Chandhok.

The tweaked calendar means the season now extends in length by a fortnight. Chandhok said it would be a big challenge for the Indian organisers to host the season-finale and prize-giving gala on the same day.

“But we are ready to put up a great show. It’s an opportunity to prove what India’s capable of,” he added.

Chandhok said the Noida track is well on schedule and would be ready for the final inspection in August. “We would have been well-prepared even if it’s October date. By rescheduling the race, we now have to address logistical issues such as hotel re-booking and flight tickets,” he said.

Chandhok also confirmed that the two support races (MRF International Challenge and JK Asia championship) will also be held on December 11.

The FIA announcement to reinstate Bahrain in calendar has caused a quite a stir in the motor sports circles as people in the know say F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was keen on putting Bahrain back on calendar given the reported $40 million race fee on offer.

Hispania racer Narain Karthikeyan said stretching the season will be gruelling for the drivers, mechanics and the technical crew. “The break will not be sufficient to prepare for the next season,” Narain added.