Several international teams have warmly welcomed India, the newest destination in Formula One, to the world of the fastest sport.
The response was positive and encouraging from the international teams at the official press conference here on Friday.
“For Renault, India is a strategic market for the future. We have three strategic markets — India, Russia and Brazil — in the future. So, to race here is very important. We are building a huge factory in Chennai and it is a pleasure to race here and I hope that the engine will be, probably, winning,” said Renault managing director Jean Francois Caubet.
Franz Tost of Toro Rosso stressed the need for F1 to travel to new promising markets like India.
Williams' Adam Parr described India as a spectacular country. “As a sport and being able to play here is important if we are to be a global sport.”
For Indian-turned-Austrian and co-owner of Sauber, Monisha Kaltenborn, coming back to the country of her roots was a special experience. “I am very excited to have this now between the job and the country where I come from,” she said.
Monisha complimented the Indian media for the extensive coverage of F1 in the build-up to the race's debut in the country.
Vijay Mallya, the team principal and managing director of home team Sahara Force India, said the Indian Grand Prix was a dream come true for him. “Over 30 years ago, I drove my Ensign F1 car here and I never thought I would ever see an F1 car race around India.
“When I acquired Spyker, I renamed it Force India and there was a lot of strategy and meaning behind it as it was meant to put India on the F1 map,” he said.
Mallya said the International Automobile Federation (FIA) General Assembly, to be held in Delhi from December 5-9, would also boost the sport in the country.
