Indian motorsport boss Vicky Chandhok believes it is "exceedingly important" for an Indian driver to take part in the country's inaugural grand prix at the end of October.
The new Buddh International Circuit, which Chandhok told ESPNF1 is 95% complete, will host its first race on October 30 this year, but as things stand there are no guarantees an Indian will be on the grid. Both Karun Chandhok, Vicky's son, and Narain Karthikeyan have raced this season, but neither has a full-time race drive at their respective teams.
Vicky Chandhok, the president of the Federation of Motor Sport Clubs of India, said it was of utmost importance to get an Indian driver confirmed for the race in order to give the event maximum exposure.
"[It's] Exceedingly important," he told ESPNF1 in an exclusive interview. "India loves icons, the country loves heroes. The way India is being projected worldwide today as a nation that is technologically advanced, it is important that there are Indian drivers. It's very important for the Indian public, it will be better if we have an Indian driver. I don't see why Indian drivers cannot be on the grid, not only for the Indian GP but also for other races."
But either way, he is confident that the inaugural race will be a sell-out event and that Formula One can capture the imagination of India.
"I am confident that this year's Indian GP will witness a sell-out crowd," he added. "There is no other reason for me to believe otherwise. Ticket sales have been encouraging, it will be a full-house. There's no reason to doubt the existence of Indian GP in the future."
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