Bernie Ecclestone has dismissed any concerns about the Indian Grand Prix not being ready in time, nor the security woes which have originated from a select group of local farmers.
The inaugural Indian race is set to take place in less than a month, but recent photos show much work is yet to be completed, particularly grandstands, building interiors and finer details.
You can check out the latest photos from the circuit [here].
Formula 1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone says the drivers and teams will be ‘very, very happy with the track’ which is nearing completion.
“Some super reports are coming in,” he told the Deccan Herald. “People are all there and they are doing a fabulous job. The drivers will be very, very happy with the track. It’s a really nice circuit, from what I have seen.
“All these new events are really a learning curve. When people make cars or anything, they have a look-see and go on, the same thing will apply to the Indian GP. We are making good progress on the track, and even if we had come in 2012, we would have been in the same position.”
Virender Dhada, the leader of a group of farmers, has threatened to protest at the race due to underpaid compensation for their land, which he says has ruined their livelihoods.
“We are not against the race, but we feel we have been short-changed in the deal,” Dhada told AFP. “We will stage protest marches and sit-ins next to the track starting October 23 to ensure our voice is heard.
“We are only demanding what is our right. The authorities have been turning a deaf ear to our legitimate demands. If they are willing to talk to us even now, we will stop the planned agitation.”
This doesn’t worry Ecclestone either, who says everything will be done to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“There is no real problem. As far as security goes, I don’t think we can see anywhere in the world where there isn’t a bit of uncertainty these days. I don’t think there is the slightest bit of concern, though,” said the 80-year-old. “Everything has been done and I suppose the best work will be done.”
