An Indian Grand Prix only in 2011 for Ecclestone

According to Bernie Ecclestone, the first Indian Grand Prix of Formula 1 will take place in 2011, one year later than what had been announced by the local organizers.

The Indian Olympic Association had announced last year that the first race in this Asian country would take place in 2010.

The Formula 1 finance chief also stated that Russia is a strong option for the future of the sport.

« After Abu Dhabi, we have two or three interesting circuit options in Russia, » explained Ecclestone in an interview for Gazzetta dello Sport.

« The first is obviously Moscow. But the time to agree on a date has not yet arrived. »

« And then there is India, and I can affirm with certainty that this Grand Prix will be included in the calendar in 2011. »

Ecclestone added that Singapore would, once again, be the only night race on the 2009 calendar.

« The Singapore Grand Prix is held at night because it allows European viewers to watch it at a convenient time. This feature is therefore only applicable to races in Asia and Oceania. »

« Each Grand Prix in this part of the world could, in theory, become night races. But in 2009, there will simply be Singapore. As for Europe, I see no reason to schedule a race after sunset. »

Next year, the calendar will not include a race in North America. The Canadian Grand Prix has been removed from the official calendar. Ecclestone admitted that the issue with the United States and Canada Grand Prix lay in the funding of the races by private companies.

« America functions differently. Events around the world are funded by countries. »

« On the other hand, on the North American continent, they are organized by private companies that want to make a profit before the weekend even begins. It’s a bit too much. »