Indian drivers Karun Chandok and Narain Karthikeyan are confident the inaugural Indian GP at the Buddh International Circuit, outside New Delhi, will be a sell-out.
The new 5.14km circuit will be able to hold 120,000 spectators once it’s completed in mid-October.
The pair both attended the launch of ticket sales for the event on Saturday alongisde Sameer Gaur, managing director and chief executive of promoter Jaypee Sports International (JPSI).
“I believe there is a big enough audience and I was told 27 million viewers watch Formula One on ESPN-STAR and if you get 0.5 percent of that, that’s over 120,000 people,” said Team Lotus reserve, Chandhok.
Whilst Karthikeyan, who will replace his replacement, Daniel Ricciardo, in order for him to take part in his home race, added: “There is an overdose of Cricket [in India] so people will want a change … I believe it’s going to be a full house.
“Motorsport will grow bigger. For future generation of drivers, it will be a huge infrastructure. Having a GP here will bring change like it happened in Malaysia and China,” he added.