SEPTEMBER 20, 2003

Competition for Indian GP

It seems that Andhra Pradesh is not the only state in India that would like to land a Grand Prix. It seems that there is competition from both Maharashtra and Karnataka. Mahashtra is the biggest of the three states boasting a population of 90m, centred on the city of Mumbai (Bombay), while Karnataka has 50m people and wants a race in Bangalore.

The local Andhra Pradesh government has invited Bernie Ecclestone to visit Hyderbad next month, during the Afro-Asian Games and there will be further discussions during the visit.

There has been very little evidence to date of any serious bids from the other two states and it may be that the threat is being exaggerated a little to help increase support for Hyderbad's project.