[civic.sense]

I had heard rumours in the automotive circle about the Motorsports Association alongwith MSRDC planning to build a race track somewhere near Pune. But sadly they turned out to be just that, rumours. :(
I'd be happy if they build a track in MH, F1 or not, and keep it open for public atleast once a week.

[FourWheelDrift]

@civic.sense : those rumours don't seem to want to go away ...

Source : Mumbai planning Formula One circuit | FIA | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN F1

Mumbai planning Formula One circuit

ESPNF1 Staff
October 24, 2011

A consortium is investigating the possibility of building a Formula One-specification circuit in Mumbai.

With the inaugural Indian Grand Prix taking place outside New Delhi this weekend, interest in the sport in India has been growing, and now a consortium has been appointed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to investigate the possibility of a grand prix circuit development in Mumbai.

The consortium is headed up by Capita Symonds and Populous, who have delivered proposals for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium and Olympic Park, as well as for Silverstone. Also part of the consortium is DIMTS (Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System Ltd), and the consortium's role is to 'prepare the masterplan and business case for a new multipurpose race circuit and regeneration project'.

A press release states that 'Initially the consortium's scope of work is to identify the potential location for the circuit and associated development in Mumbai and around the city ... The Capita Symonds, Populous and DIMTS team will be working with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) to ensure that all aspects of the scheme meet the licensing and regulatory requirements of national and international motor sport on four and two wheels for all future events.'

Capita Symonds' business development director Jerry Muscroft said that the overall aim would be for the circuit to be self-sustaining and also act as the catalyst for regeneration in the surrounding area.

"Our appointment reflects the consortium's growing strength in masterplanning, transportation and design of some of the world's leading motor racing circuits and regeneration projects," Muscroft said. "The consortium understands how large sporting projects can be 'Urban Generators' that enhance and encourage development. We will lead the way with sports master-planning and sports community generation, and appreciate how considered designs can create significant value to neighbouring areas and communities.

"We are committed to delivering the next generation of racing circuits, with great racing, over-taking, world class facilities and architecture; but above all the intention is to create a sustainable venue that will not need continuous financial support, and will facilitate investment and re-generation."

[shekhar_gogoi]

Its been almost a year since the first news of plans to come up with a F1 standard race track in Maharashtra. Can anyone actually verify the news. And if true, is it gathering any ground??

[goingout]

Originally Posted by shekhar_gogoi

Its been almost a year since the first news of plans to come up with a F1 standard race track in Maharashtra. Can anyone actually verify the news. And if true, is it gathering any ground??

Just read the post above yours. It is looking serious now!

[shekhar_gogoi]

Originally Posted by goingout

Just read the post above yours. It is looking serious now!

Read the very first post of this topic on the ET article and then the most recent post of the article on ESPNSTAR. Couldn't see much progress in this 1 year. Or did I miss anything?!

[alpha1]

Another avenue to waste public money and perhaps fill private coffers!

My first question to the Govt would be - WHY invite tenders for these? Why invest public money?

F1 race tracks are not a part of infrastructure. And govt has no business trying to do business.

[shortbread]

I find this a sulking reaction to the first Indian GP being held in Delhi.

There are plenty of other initiatives the Maharashtra Govt. can focus on at the moment:

• Complete that forever ongoing airport renovation project
• Quickly complete a Metro rail system and efficiently manage its operations
• Tidy up the friggin city

The list can be endless. A second new track is not going to serve any purpose!!

[scuderiamania]

I agree with the above points made. The govt. has no business trying to build and sustain a race track. If it is actually a financially viable idea, someone or the other from the private sector will give it a shot, sooner rather than later.

[JagMan]

Why bother with a separate track in/around Mumbai. The Eastern and Western Express highways have numerous connecting roads, hell from what i remember those sections touch sv road and link road. Choose a whole connected section, level it, make sure the black top is in race condition and go one-up on the Monaco grand prix. the entire track on public roads.

Atleast the users of those roads will like the result.

[FourWheelDrift]

It's really difficult to imagine why another agency is trying to build a SECOND F1 track in India. Any agency with the kind of money / resources to consider this exercise, will have employed people smart enough to figure out that Bernie isn't likely to sanction TWO Indian GPs every year.

Source : 3 sites for F1 track in Maharshtra to be shortlisted - The Times of India

3 sites for F1 track in Maharshtra to be shortlisted

Ashley D’Mello, TNN | Nov 2, 2011, 02.19AM IST

MUMBAI: The plan to have a Formula One race track on the lines of the National Capital Region is being pushed in the state. However, the venue may not be Mumbai as 10 sites outside the region have been identified so far.

Senior Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) officials said the international consultant awarded with the contract for drawing up a plan for the track has identified the sites, of which three will be shortlisted for detailed examination. The sites being mentioned by officials-one in the Malad-Marve area and another near Panvel-seem to have been dropped from the list by the consultant, Capita Symonds, Popolus and Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System. The consultants have been told to prepare a master plan and business case for a new multipurpose race circuit in the region.

MSRDC officials said the site will require around 350- 400 acres of land for building the track and other allied infrastructure. "We hope the site will be finalized in the next three months, after which detailed planning can be done ," said officials.

The issue of the Formula One race track taking off in Delhi was brought up by the NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal last week. He pointed out that he had tried to push the project in the state with two chief ministers, but had not received a good response. There is a general feeling in government circles that Delhi has stolen a lead over Mumbai because of the slow clearance of projects.

The urge to have formula one racing tracks has been promoted by the perception that it is a glamorous event which leading cities of the world aspire to have. The Andhra Pradesh government first tried to get the event to Hyderabad. Delhi and Maharashtra jointed the fray later but the Delhi government has stolen a lead with the inauguration of the track this week.

[mail4ajo]

I am not being pessimistic. What we need in India is go karting tracks to help motorsports grow and not F1 tracks. Hope this newly generated F1 craze help the sport in India.

[Shubz]

Originally Posted by mail4ajo

I am not being pessimistic. What we need in India is go karting tracks to help motorsports grow and not F1 tracks. Hope this newly generated F1 craze help the sport in India.

Right said! We need karting tracks and more karting races to groom potential F1 drivers. I personally don't see a reason why a country needs to two F1 tracks.

Would they (FIA) be using a track every year? Go through the teething troubles every year? I guess NO.

Would there be two races in our country in a season? I guess NO.

But I am sure they (the vested interests) will have their way and we will have numerous F1 circuits in India. 1 for Bangalore too Please!!!!!

[souravc]

Can't agree more with folks who say that two F1 tracks in India are a sheer wastage of money especially when the entire racing sport is in it infancy and we do not have enough motosport to sustain even one track. We need more karting tracks , more karting events , popularising motosports across the country rather than two F1 tracks where one would be killed off .
For all that one knows, the politicians would have already bought land around the "proposed" F1 track and this move is being pushed to increase the valuation . Trust politicians to have a twisted agenda, they should not be trusted with anything related to sports !

[AvonA7]

Originally Posted by shortbread

I find this a sulking reaction to the first Indian GP being held in Delhi.

There are plenty of other initiatives the Maharashtra Govt. can focus on at the moment:

• Complete that forever ongoing airport renovation project
• Quickly complete a Metro rail system and efficiently manage its operations
• Tidy up the friggin city

The list can be endless.

+1, utilize tax payers money properly, build roads/transport/health care facilities/schools properly at least in villages and then think of F1.

Originally Posted by shortbread

A second new track is not going to serve any purpose!!

It will, just like cricketers are paid in crore for any success (Not for the love for the sport though, for publicity, because cricket sells in India), and hockey players are paid in 1000s (25K last time which was increased after protest, IIRC !).

PS - This post might be OT in an automotive forum

[paras211]

isnt the state a loss making one? Cant provide electricity in the capital or pot hole free roads. Not safe for women too as it once used to be, now they can offer murder, inflation, crazy taxes, Octroi ,loud polluting processions every week AND F1