Indian Grand Prix organisers expressed renewed optimism about the prospects of their Formula One event despite fears Sunday's race will be the last at the Buddh International circuit.
German driver Sebastian Vettel was awarded the World Champion trophy for the second consecutive year, while Sameer Gaur of Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) received the Formula One Promotional Trophy for hosting a successful inaugural Indian Grand Prix at a glittering FIA Prize Giving Gala ceremony.
Deccan Chargers captain Kumar Sangakkara was presented with a complimentary pass of the F1 Indian Grand Prix 2012 to mark the commencement of the sale of tickets for the mega-event, scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida on October 28.
A day after Formula One head honcho Bernie Ecclestone addressed the press in New Delhi singing praises about the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, circuit developers the Jaypee Group finally made way for the fans.
The 2011 Indian Grand Prix, which seemed to have hit a road block, is back on track with the organisers dispelling fears of a delay in the country's tryst with its first Formula One race.
Getting Formula 1 back to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) is not on the priority list for the debt-ridden Jaypee Group but at the same time, it has no plans to sell the USD 400 million facility that put India on the world motorsport map, said track chief Sameer Gaur. "Yes, we are not thinking of hosting any big race including F1 in the near future because of reasons well known but it doesn't mean we are open to selling the circuit. The thought has not even crossed our mind," Gaur, who is Jaypee Sports International MD and CEO, told PTI. The BIC has been away from the limelight ever since the race was dropped from the F1 calendar following three editions from 2011 to 2013. The maintenance cost of the circuit remains high and with no major international race being organised, a handful of domestic events besides vehicle testing days contribute to its running cost.
The future of Indian Grand Prix might be uncertain after this year's race but host Jaypee Sports International Limited's CEO Sameer Gaur says the country will not lose the Formula One event and will surely have two more races.
The 2014 Indian Grand Prix was on Tuesday dropped following a rejig in racing calendar for the coming year, according to race organisers JPSI, who said the motorsport extravaganza will now come back to the country in March 2015.
A deal has been done for India to return to the Formula One calendar in 2015 and for six years beyond that if tax problems with the country's authorities can be overcome, commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone said on Saturday.
The chief executive officer-cum-managing director of Jaypee Sports International Sameer Gaur is hopeful that the Indian Grand Prix Formula One race will make a grand comeback in 2015 after being pulled off in 2014.
The Indian Formula One Grand Prix is expected to return in 2016 as a "fruitful" meeting between F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and race promoters has prepared the ground for the comeback of the high-profile event.
With empty stands greeting the Indian F1 Grand Prix during the first two practice session, Raja Sen begs the organisers to open the gates and bring in the junta. 'At least, Formula One will feel compelled to bring its mega budget circus back to India at the soonest'.
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