The upcoming inaugural Indian Grand Prix is a valuable addition for all parties involved, according to the chief executive officer of the Sauber Formula One team, Monisha Kaltenborn Sarang.
India—born Kaltenborn Narang told the team website in an interview published on Tuesday that it was “only right and proper” that a race in India, set for October 30, has been included in the F1 calendar.
“The decision to add India to the calendar reflects the country’s global and economic standing. India also represents a very big market for Formula One and, as such, has huge potential for many companies, some of which are already involved in the sport.
Plus, India ranks as a high—tech hub nowadays and boasts extremely well—qualified specialists. The grand prix could open doors for more engineers and companies to find their way into Formula One. As I see it, incorporating India into the World Championship is a good move both for the country and for Formula One.” Kaltenborn Narang, 40, is the only woman in such a high—ranking position in F1.
She left India with her parents at the age of eight and settled in Austria. The lawyer is married to a German and has been on the Sauber job since 2010.
Kaltenborn Narang said that interest and excitement has grown “significantly” in the run—up to the race outside New Delhi.
“It’s not easy for any sport to find a space in the public consciousness there alongside cricket. But I’m sure that this grand prix will represent a big step towards establishing our sport in India,” she said.
