Greater Noida circuit gets thumbs up from FIA technical director

The sport’s governing body – FIA – is all set to carry out the homologation process on September 1 and the signs leading up to the inspection are all looking promising for the Greater Noida track.

“The track looked excellent after the preliminary inspection a few months back. I think we can expect a really interesting and fast track which should be not only quite a challenge for drivers and engineers but also should provide a number of genuine overtaking opportunities,” FIA technical director Charlie Whiting, who will be coming down to the capital for the inspection next week, told TOI on Wednesday.

There was speculation at the homologation was put-off due to the delays in construction. “There was no delay as such as the 90 day limit is a guideline only, it was felt that an inspection closer to the date of the race would be more meaningful as the main circuit safety features would be complete,” Whiting said.

The FIA official didn’t have any apprehensions about the track in the lead up to the inspection.

“As this is an on-going process which has been in hand for more than 12 months there is very little doubt in our minds that any modifications necessary will be minor, consequently we are confident that everything will be ready on schedule,” he added.

‘TRACK SHOULD BE IN USE AT LEAST 250 DAYS A YEAR’

JPSI are looking at the F1 race as just the beginning for the track. “We are in talks with MotoGP, World Superbike and V8 racing series officials. After the Grand Prix, we’ll look to host at least three or four major events here every year along with the Indian events. The track should be busy for at least 250-260 days in a year apart from the Performance Driving Academy here,” Gaur felt.

On hosting test events prior to the October 30 GP, Gaur said, “At present we are looking to host Grand Prix as the first event here. We believe that the first movie should be a blockbuster. We are also in talks with our sponsors Mercedes for holding support races here as well. There are no requirements from the FIA to hold test events here.”

Schumi masterclass in India!

Delhi is all set to get its first Formula One driving academy by the end of this year at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida and with the legendary Michael Schumacher among other set to guide the racing enthusiasts.

Mercedes-Benz India will be setting up a Performance Driving Academy in the Capital in association with Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI). Seven-time world champion Schumacher is part of the Mercedes GP roster and could be coming down to India in the future to impart his knowledge.

   
“We’ll definitely try and bring them over during the off-season. Schumacher has a huge fan base all around the world and I am sure youngsters will definitely benefit from his experience,” Mercedes-Benz India CEO Peter Honegg told TOI.