The Madras Motor Race Track promoters today announced that world motor sport governing body FIA has granted a Grade 2 license to the circuit, making it possible to run all international events barring Formula 1 after the renovation is complete in around three years time.
Vicky Chandhok, former FMSCI boss and vice-president of Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), said the getting the track upgraded was the first step towards organising big ticket events like the World Endurance Championship, DTM, GT Racing among others. But that can only happen with the construction of a state of the art paddock.
"We have taken three years to get the FIA approval and now it should take another three years to build a stunning paddock. We have a long term plan to host big events except Formula 1. There is already a huge F1 facility in Greater Noida and there is no comparison between the two circuits. We are aiming for other major Championships to come here," Chandhok told PTI adding that MMSC would need to spend another Rs. 15 crore for the circuit's complete revamp.
The 3.717 km track saw numerous inspections from FIA officials over the past three years in their bid to upgrade the circuit. This included work on the run-off areas, kerbs, Armco barriers, and fully advanced race control room.
Chandhok said the overall length of the track would increase to 4.2 km after the planned changes.
India's first ever FIA recognised race track, the MMRT, was first used for racing in 1990 and has been the main breeding ground for the country's top drivers including India's only two F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.
"The Madras Circuit is like my home track where I made my racing debut, so it will always be a special place for me. The layout is enormously challenging and I think it is enjoyed by all drivers as well as riders. The safety has come a long way from when I started back in '92 and hopefully the new certification will provide an impetus for more international races to be held at the venue and help our young drivers' development," said Karthikeyan.
Karun, currently a Formula E driver, commented, "this is fantastic news for Indian motorsport as a whole. I have many fond memories of this circuit and have witnessed it improving over the years. It is important to have circuits like this which are affordable to use and are challenging for young drivers to help in their development.
