JOIN US “See, we have always been a non-dependent body, “ said Chandhok. “We don’t want any funds from the government but we would like them to help with the customs process for the up-coming Formula One Grand Prix in Noida.”
“I spoke to Sports Minister Ajay Maken sometime back and he acknowledged motorsports as a sport, that itself is a big step for us because the previous minister (MS Gill) failed to accept that. He in fact went as far as writing reasons for which motor sports cannot be considered a sport and I don’t get why anyone would do such a thing.” he added.
When asked about the F1’s preparations for the big date in October, Chandhok said: “We had an inspection sometime back and they FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) officials were happy with the track and the progress surrounding it. We are prepared but then again we need the government to provide a green signal for people coming in and going out of India during the course of the Grand Prix, because that’s what the sport requires.”
The Indian National Rally Championship, which is the only recognised National rallying championship in India, has come under the scanner after a poor organisational display last year which was seen especially at the K-1000 rally.
The K-1000 rally held at Bangalore, which was also an Asia Pacific Rally Championship contender race, was a poorly organised event but Chandhok assured better management of events this time.
“Last year a lot of things went wrong and we accept that it went wrong. This time around I have a bunch of people who are really determined to make a change and we will make sure that it’s all okay this year.
“As far as the APRC contendership goes, they are very keen to stage a leg in India and they have agreed to visit us this year. We will not apply for the contender status this year but may be the next year,” Chandhok said.
Chandhok added that the INRC will also have an Open category event in this season that will allow cars upto 3000 cc to take part.