http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-14371931 Sad thing is, after reading how alot are on this section. There will be many that will not be able to see the problem in this story.
Another interesting article about the situation. http://www.france24.com/en/20110729-formula-one-transforms-indian-village-better-worse
Noboy in F-1 cares about these people. Its shameful that India wants the F-1 race and that their govt is paying hundreds of Millions to bring F-1 to a country with almost no automotive history - Tata excepted.
Sadly that can be said about more and more of the F1 venues on the calendar. But remember - India has 1.2 billion people and an exploding middle class. The infrastructure might not be great right now, but the automotive future in India is looking more attractive than the vast majority of other countries around the world. Certainly, there is a more obvious reason to host a race in India than in Bahrain or Hungary or Abu Dhabi or Singapore to name just 4.
I've always liked the idea of expanding and globalizing the sport. Some of us can't afford to travel to European races to watch the races live, hence the idea of globalizing. Secondly, it's also about educating more people, and garnering more F1 interests around the globe. Having said that, i'm totally against removing legendary tracks such as Spa, Monza, 'ring, and Suzuka from the calender. I mean, do we really need the Valencia race? **yawn**
I get all that, and F-1 is certainly in demand. the point for me is that F-1 is charging so much that pvt. promoters cant support it anymore and you need a govt behind you to make F-1 happen. To me tax money needs to be put to better use than lining bernies pockets... I have nothing against India, it's on my list of travel that i have yet to visit, but for a country that is "emerging" their money can be better used than promoting an F-1 race. if it was all VJ Malaya and Kingfisher putting all the cash out - no problem its his money good for him. but we all know the govt in India put up the $$$ for the building of the circuit, and hosting the race. So they get a race and France the birth place of racing does not have a GP? just becuase they cant fund it privately.
As far as I'm concerned, f1 is a business and it needs to look after the interests of it's shareholders. So- nothing wrong in selling races to the highest bidder. Clearly, there is a core Of classic races that should be on the calendar regardless (eg Monaco and SPa) but the rest are fair game. As for providing advice to India about how to wisely spend it's money - I would suggest focusing efforts on your home countries financial issues might be more appropriate!
The article laments that 2/3rds of India residents are agricultural. But when a new industrial complex is put on the boards there is a great moan. How do they expect to go to a commercial economy if development is stopped ? Look; I'm not a monster. I understand that there is going to be upheaval through eminent domain. As long as the payment process is fair it is in the best long term interest, IMO, to not stand in the way of incoming money. I think a lot of protests in these cases are to squeeze mone money out of the developers. Dallas had its chance for a F1 race squashed by piss poor planning and protests by those trying to kill the golden goose. They did. Hope it tasted good.
