Bernie Ecclestone says the inaugural Indian Grand Prix was a success, and the event has a bright future in Formula 1.
There were teething troubles during the weekend, powercuts, wildlife – including dogs on the track and bats in the media centre, as well as some infrastructure issues, but Ecclestone says these things will be sorted for 2012 and can only be expected of a ‘prototype’ event.
“I am very, very happy with it and I think everyone else is as well, there is nothing to complain about,” said the 81-year-old.
“They only need to work on bits and pieces. But this is a prototype, as soon as they get down and have a good look they will find things to improve and I am sure they will improve them.”
Ecclestone did however admit he had concerns about the race prior to this weekend.
“I was only nervous, a little bit, before because I thought it wasn’t going to get completed. I kept seeing photographs every day and they kept improving everything.
“Normally you get people complaining if there is something to complain about, but I haven’t heard any complaints – nothing.”
The event wasn’t a sellout as the organisers had expected, despite a reduction in tickets prices, but a crowd of 95,000 eclipsed similar races in Korea and China, which Ecclestone says is evidence that the race has a good future.
“It is super. If you had said to these people three years ago, F1, they would not know what you are talking about. I thought it was great. A great crowd, a great atmosphere.”
