The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council has released the provisional race calendar for the 2011 Formula 1 season. India has been given a slot for the race on 30th October 2011 which is still subject to the Homologation of of the Circuit.
On the news of the Indian Grand Prix being a part of the 2011 Formula One World Championship calendar, Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and Managing Director, Force India Formula One Team said that he is personally delighted that the Indian Grand Prix has been inscribed in the 2011 Formula One World Championship calendar. India's economic growth, young and aspirational demographic and the growing popularity of F1 in the Country make it one of the most attractive future destinations for a high technology driven and fantastically competitive sport like F1 where both man and machine are tested to the absolute limit.
The enlarged 20-race calendar - the longest in F1 history - features an earlier start and later finish than the 2010 season, with the championship-closing Brazilian Grand Prix on 27 November. Abu Dhabi moves to the penultimate slot, having taken the season finale position for 2009/10.
The Circuit for Indian GP is under construction at the moment. It is located at Greater Noida near Delhi. It is being built by Jaypee Sports International (JPSI), Part of the Jaypee Group.
The Greater Noida circuit has been designed by Herman Tilke with direction from Bernie Ecclestone on the layout of the track. However, the JPSI involved several F1 drivers to give their feedback.
The Indian circuit is one of the faster ones on the calnder with an estimate average lap speed of around 210kph and cars are expected to hit a top speed nudging 320kph down the main straight. The new Indian Grand Prix at Delhi comes towards the end of the season as part of a series of flyaway races.
Unnatee Gidithuri
Dinshaw Magol
