The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : Mallya sees the dawn of a new era

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Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008
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Sport - Racing : Motor

Mallya sees the dawn of a new era

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Vijay Mallya visualises the dawn of a new era for motor racing in India. His optimism stems from the recent decision of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to give back the sporting power to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMCSI).

Mallya, who was in the city in connection with the council meeting of the FMSCI on Monday, outlined his plans to revitalise the sport in several layers across the country in preparation for the ultimate goal — staging the F-1 in 2011.

Conceding that precious time was lost due to the “unfortunate tangle” with the Motor Sports Association of India (MAI) to secure sporting power, Mallya admitted that the endeavour to merge FMSCI and MAI as per the mandate from FIA did not bear fruit.

Asserting that recognition by the Government was sufficient motivation to move forward, Mallya said the first priority was to professionalise the administration through the appointment of a full-time CEO.

Another plan is to broad base competitions in all layers, notably in the popular two-wheeler classes. The FMSCI is in the process of preparing a road-map to inject an element of vibrancy in the races and rallies, and also exploring the feasibility of conducting more international championships like A1 GP and GP2 apart from strengthening the existing internationally-acclaimed rally events.

Mallya also advocated the need to enhance the quality and content of the domestic competitions in order to justify the confidence reposed in FMSCI by the FIA.

Khushru Madan was elected FMSCI president at the general body meeting held on Tuesday. Mallya will continue as the chairman.

The other office-bearers: Vice president and 2-wheelers race commission: J. Prithviraj; Rally commission: Praneeth Perumal; National racing 4-wheelers: R. Gopinath; International 4w racing: Vicky Chandhok; 2w commission: Shrikant Karani; Motocross / supercross: Shyam Kothari; FIA delegate: Vijay Mallya; FIM: K.D. Madan; Disciplinary: Balamurugan; Safety and Environment: Rajat Majumdar; Chief Executive: Rajan Syal.