14/11/2006
NEWS STORY
Following Bernie Ecclestone's recent revelation that talks regarding a Grand Prix in India are "far down the line'', Vicky Chandhok, chairman of Corporate Communications for the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, has said that the country could host a round of the World Championship as early as 2010.
"There has been expression of interest to Bernie from parties from Punjab/Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu," he told Reuters.
"Potential investors have been told to look at building a multi-utility complex to combine sport and fun and keep Formula One as an incidental activity," he added.
Ecclestone had previously held talks regarding an Indian Grand Prix in Hyderabad, but the chief minister, Andhra Pradesh, was subsequently voted out of office.
In mid-2003, Ecclestone famously predicted that Europe would be a third-world economy within ten years, while at the same time the east would develop and prosper.
As the car makers eye eastern markets, so too does Ecclestone, clearly having taken up Mike Lawrence's mantra and chosen to "follow the money".
Although Spain - which is flavour of the month following Fernando Alonso's back to back title wins - could end up hosting a second race, at either Valencia or Jerez, the rest of Europe - traditionally Formula One's heartland - is being given the cold shoulder, with Ecclestone proposing that Britain and France 'share' a round of the World Championship.
Ecclestone recently signed a deal giving South Korea a Grand Prix in 2010, just 24-hours before neighbouring North Korea went nuclear.