New Delhi: GIFT Metropolis’s plans to turn into a global sporting vacation spot are shifting ahead with steps being initiated in the direction of furthering the method for growing a System 1 (F1) motor racing circuit within the worldwide finance centre (IFC). Town additionally has aspirations to host the Olympics in 2036, for which India has thrown its hat within the ring.
Six groups of famend world race observe designers and designers arrived in Gandhinagar in Gujarat, the place GIFT Metropolis is situated, on Thursday. They may current their credentials to organize a grasp plan for a racing circuit, in accordance with sources conscious of the developments.
The challenge, which is predicted to relaunch India as a world motor racing vacation spot, might value as a lot as Rs 10,000 crore, in accordance with sources.
The presenters embody the who’s who of System 1 race observe designers reminiscent of Germany’s Hermann Tilke, a former F1 racer credited with designing the Buddh Worldwide Circuit and Las Vegas circuit; Italy’s Jarno Zaffelli, who’s credited with designing the Zandvoort F1 circuit within the Netherlands and redesigning the Singapore circuit; and Britain’s Clive Bowen, who has designed the Silverstone circuit within the UK.
The designers can be offering competing concepts on find out how to construct a observe that matches into the tradition, topography, location and website.
Senior functionaries from the Sports activities Authority of Gujarat will consider the presenters.
The groups additionally embody world famend structure companies and monetary consultants reminiscent of KPMG, PwC and Nangia Anderson. Former Indian F1 racer Karun Chandhok can also be believed to be advising one of many bidding groups.
Emailed queries to Hermann Tilke, Clive Bowen, structure companies and monetary consultants didn’t elicit a response until press time. Sports activities Authority of Gujarat didn’t reply to ET’s queries.
“Motorsport circuits may be catalysts for financial impression and lift the attention of areas/cities or international locations. The GIFT space, we perceive, with its proximity to Ahmedabad, close to the airport and with the appropriate interpretation might make it a vacation spot metropolis and differentiate it on the worldwide stage,” mentioned Jarno Zaffelli.
Zaffelli didn’t disclose if he was collaborating within the bidding course of however mentioned he could be in Ahmedabad until March 8.
“That is more likely to be extra of a avenue circuit just like the one in Singapore. Not only a purpose-built facility however one that may be obtainable twelve months. GIFT as an epicentre has its personal benefits,” mentioned Narain Karthikeyan, a former F1 racer and the primary Indian to ever drive within the prestigious championship.
