MAY 11, 1998

A Grand Prix in India

THERE are plans for India to stage a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the year 2000 - although the people behind the deal are keeping their cards very close to their chests at the moment.

THERE are plans for India to stage a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the year 2000 - although the people behind the deal are keeping their cards very close to their chests at the moment. British-based businessman Michael Taub and Anwar Saleem are behind the idea and have established a company in London called Grand Prix (India) PLC. They have the blessing of F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and are currently involved in researching the best possible location for an Indian race. The plan involves the construction of a world-class racing facility in preparation for a race in the year 2000.

Taub and Saleem visited Barcelona in order to look at the installations and talk to some of those involved in the organization of Grands Prix. The pair are confident that money for the project can be raised both from local government in India and from the business community. There are several companies involved in F1 which are very interested in making a bigger impact on the vast Indian markets, with the car and tobacco companies being the obvious candidates.

Taub and Saleem spent a lot of their time at Barcelona in the company of representatives of British American Tobacco.