A1 GP wants to bring the race to India

David Clare, CEO of the A1GP Asia region, will have discussions on the project in New Delhi later in May.

The A1GP organisers are not only keen to bring the racing event to India but also want to act as a catalyst for the development of the infrastructure in the country.

The first big step to bring the race to India will be taken when David Clare, CEO of the A1GP Asia region, will have discussions on the project with the state government in New Delhi later in May.

“I will be going to New Delhi in the later part of the month and have discussions. It is important that the government understands what we want to do?” Clare said as the 2007-08 season culminated with an Indian win at Brands Hatch, Great Britain.

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“We will educate the authorities how they can also benefit from it. There is a huge competition and we will have discussions with potential sponsors also,” he said.

Clare though insisted that they would like to contribute in evolving the cities, holding races, through their event.

“One of the role (of A1GP) is to act as a catalyst. We want to become a catalyst for the development of infrastructure. Like it happened in California, because of the event the city evolved.

“If it (event) does not become relevant to the society, it won’t survive,” Clare opined.

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Clare said A1GP sought help and co-operation from the local authorities.

“We need co-operation from the city and the people. People will have chance to see and smell the race. And they need to have access to the race for that. We want to have a local event with international component,” he said.

Clare said they were targeting to bring the A1GP race to India in 2009-10 season.

“We want to bring the race to India in the 2009-10 season. It takes time to promote an event. Holding a race is different from creating an event and we are looking at conducting a street race rather than on a circuit so that more people could have a chance to see the race.

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“And it is possible that India can host two races in the same season. Only India and China have the real chance to organise two races. It is difficult to find a race venue in Europe,” Clare said.

On being asked about the possible venues for the race, he said, “We are looking at the major cities. There are 4-5 potential venues…Delhi, Mumbai and a couple of others.”

“India is a priority market to have a race. There are many positives. The economy is developing fast and there is passion for sport. It is a much better potential market,” he added.

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