Wednesday 1st July 2009
"Chances of F1 race in India bright"
Noted F1 commentator Steve Slater said India, which is hosting 2010 Commonwealth Games, could also organise a F1 race in 2011.
"There is no reason why New Delhi cannot host F1 in 2011. If it can host the Commonwealth Games in 2010 it can surely host the event," Slater said.
"The main challenges ahead for the organisers would be engineering and finance but it is possible to overcome them," he said on the sidelines of a promotional event in Mumbai for the Singapore Grand Prix, scheduled to be held on September 27.
Slater, who was a commentator for over 200 races in a career spanning nearly a decade, said the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore, which is home to Formula One's only night race, would be fine-tuned for the 2009 event.
"Minor changes will be made to Turns 1, 13 and 14 to further increase the potential for overtaking, road surface improvements will be undertaken at Turns 5, 6 and 7, and revisions will be made to the pit lane entry and exit as well as the Turn 22 runoff area," he said.
"Adjusting to a race track, which is otherwise a city street used by cars and buses, would be a main challenge for the drivers," Slater said.
Singapore Grand Prix Deputy Chairman Colin Syn said that organisers had learnt from experience and are doing their bit to ensure that the event would be as environmental-friendly as possible.
"Last year was different as it was the first of its kind race and we were unsure about the amount of energy required to light up the track. So we ended up having three times of back up than necessary. However, this year we know how much power we need," he said.
"We are also using solar light panels to reduce burning of diesel generators," Syn said.
On the row between the top F1 teams and the sports governing body, FIA, Syn said he was relieved that two parties had reached a compromise.
"There was little apprehension when the breakaway series was announced. However, I was confident that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone would intervene and find a solution. I'm relieved that there is some sort of compromise," he said.
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