With the A1 Grand Prix growing, India could very well host a race as the management is keen on the idea.

“India is a strategic country for us.

We hope to start discussions to hold a race in India in the near future,” A1 Holdings Ltd CEO Pete da Silva told Deccan Herald from Johannesburg. “We are looking at other emerging markets in the Asian region. We are also negotiating with Finland which has a rich tradition in motorsport.”

With regard to the decision to conduct a regional A2 GP series, Silva said: “The idea of starting the A2 GP series is to try and get better talent into A1 from Asian countries. The domestic A2 GP series will throw up talented drivers. In Europe, it is not difficult to find quality drivers but that is not the case in Asia.”

However, the most significant step for A1 in the two years of its existence is the six-year deal with Ferrari. “It is a good step for A1 and also for Ferrari. For us, it is taking the series to the next level, while for Ferrari it will be their first venture in open car racing.” “Our strategy from the fourth season onwards was to associate ourselves with a big brand name.

Initially, we were looking for robust engines and cars. We got that in Zytek and Lola, but we need a big name to promote the series. A brand name like Ferrari will help,” he added.

On the popularity of the series, Silva said: “A1 is two years old but the response has been growing. We have plans to expand further and the agreement with Ferrari will be good for us.”