India's motorsport president Vicky Chandhok believes the country's successful staging of its inaugural grand prix has laid a strong platform from which to further grow its presence in international motorsport.
Vicky Chandhok seeking further motorsport development
India's successful staging of its inaugural grand prix has given the country a strong platform from which to further grow its presence in international motorsport over the coming years, believes its motorsport president Vicky Chandhok.
The nation finally joined the Formula 1 calendar after years of anticipation in 2011, with the new Buddh International Circuit proving an instant hit with both drivers and fans alike and succeeding in dispelling many doubts over India's ability to host a major sporting event.
With New Delhi also the venue for last December's end-of-season FIA Gala - where Sebastian Vettel and his Red Bull team were officially crowned World Champions again - and the depth of the country's driving talent beginning to increase, Chandhok can see plenty of positives for the future.
"We now have a great platform from which we can build. 2011 was a landmark year for Indian motorsport and it was brought forth by efforts from a lot of people," he told
The Times of India.
"The stakeholders, be it the officials, sponsors, promoters or drivers, now have to look ahead to make Indian motorsport grow from here and FMSCI will ensure that the platform that the Indian GP and FIA Gala has given us is used.
"Already things are changing. For a change our drivers have started getting paid for racing abroad. There are many drivers now plying their trade abroad. Things will only get better."
