Delhi Advances towards Strong Infrastructure to Host F1 Grand Prix

June 19, 2007	(1 votes, average: 2 out of 5)  Loading ...
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A BIG leap for India’s sport is in store with the New Delhi to come on the Formula One map with its supremo Bernie Ecclestone giving his nod to stage a Grand Prix in the city from 2009.

But does the Capital have quality infrastructure or the monies to cater the thrilling world famous race? What about the prospective sponsors? Will it be beneficial for the city to take up the risk along with hosting Commonwealth Games in 2010?

These are some significant questions on every sport enthusiasts’ mind. Well! The person who seems to have affirmative answers to all these questions is none other than the Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who is confident about the city to host the Formula One Grand Prix and to make the event an exclusive one.

Delhi would not take time to automatically get prepared for the grand race which is known to make everyone crazy. All the preparations for the race will be done keeping Commonwealth Games in mind, adds the minister.

Other resources including water and power will not be the problem. The government has tied up with several known power producers. Also, it is preparing to generate its own power capacity in Delhi and Haryana. However, people should also encourage the event and help by not wasting such resources and fixing leakages.

Ruling out the possibilities for any pit shoots, Ms. Dikshit has already held high talks with the team of Formula One regarding the proposed track. Ecclestone wants it inside Delhi. The team would draft a detailed report shedding considerable light on the kind of facilities they require.

All the facilities ranging from availability of large parking space, security for visitors to transport will be given on hand.

The renowned track designer Herman Tilke who had recently designed the Shanghai International Circuit and Bahrain Circuits has worked out a couple of circuits. One of the layouts talks of a Monaco-like street circuit which will allow the Formula One cars to move in and around Delhi.

The circuit will start from Rajpath and extend to the heart of Delhi - India Gate round about, curve into the parallel roads which will further go around Rajpath, zooms in front of Vigyan Bhawan and behind Meridien Hotel and back to end the race at Rajpath.

However, nothing has been finalized regarding the track yet. This is just one of the designs which look apt. Taking infrastructure requirements into view, Delhi would need at least 4,500 hotel rooms. Of this, around 1,800 should fall under five star hotels and the remaining in three star hotel.

Making the Delhi a potential city to host Formula One Grand Prix will certainly be a prohibitive task. The track alone will come at a whopping cost of Rs 450 – 500 crore. The expenditure on infrastructure facilities including the land price is likely to go over Rs 1500 crore which is excusive of the rights fee that FOA charges from titleholders (hosts) which can hover in between Rs 63 crore - 210 crore.

AK Walia, Delhi’s finance minister declares that Delhi has no shortage of funds and will not allow any financial hurdle to come in its way. The Centre will also leave no stone upturned for the allotment of the capital required, adds the minister.

News Published Under:   Delhi |

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