The Force India outfit has launched a new academy which it hopes will identify the next Indian motorsport star from a population of over 1.1 billion.
The project is aptly called, one from a billion. The initiative is aimed at identifying racing talent in India for young Indians aspiring to a serious, professional career in motorsport, both on and off the track.
Team owner Vijay Mallya is hoping the program will bring motorsport glory to the growing nation which will hosts its inaugural race this year.
“The setting up of the Force India F1 Team Academy is a historic milestone in the sports arena in India,” said Mallya. “It marks the first time that anyone has ever embarked on such an ambitious programme in India.
“Our goal is to create a pool of talent and groom aspirants who show exceptional promise by providing them with the necessary corporate funding and support. Our programmes will provide a clear professional career path in motorsport so that one day our selected candidates are able to represent India in the international arena and hopefully bring glory to the nation.”
He continued: “The Academy was conceived with a vision to inspire young Indians who have talent but have so far had no proper opportunity or serious platform to showcase their innate abilities.
“I hope that this Academy will give young Indians, who have the necessary passion and drive, a serious chance to show promise and an opportunity to excel, so that we can develop their talent and grow it by channelling it properly over the long-term.
“If the Academy is able to place even one Indian on the F1 grid, then all the effort would have been worthwhile. I would like to thank our partners ExxonMobil for sharing our vision as together we groom future world champions and support them on every step of the long and winding journey that will ultimately prepare them for the rigours and demands of F1.”
