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Ecclestone confirms Indian GP for 2011

INDIA will definitely host a Formula One race in New Delhi in 2011, according to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone said he and Indian partner Jaiprakash Associates were "fully committed" to bringing a race to the Indian capital. "Of course, we will deliver. Otherwise we wouldn't have entered into an agreement," Ecclestone told the BBC.

Construction on a circuit in New Delhi has yet to begin.

India, with a population of more than 1 billion and possessing one of the world's fastest-growing economies, has been talked about as a potential race host since Force India entered the sport last season.

"It's a large, large country with a big population and it's good for the sponsors, car manufacturers and everyone involved in Formula One," Ecclestone said.

However, F1 drivers have delayed signing their licenses for this season's championship after the sport's governing body hiked the price.

The super license, which allows F1 drivers to race, has jumped 400 euros (US$514) to 10,400 euros. The FIA said the increase was necessary to cover escalating safety costs.

FIA has increased the cost of winning, with each championship point won rising 100 euros to 2,100 euros. It also issued a compulsory insurance charge of 2,720 euros.

It is the second straight year that license costs have increased.

With all of the increases, F1 champion Lewis Hamilton will have to shell out nearly 220,000 euros to compete this year.

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association said that the Formula One Teams Association would look into the matter next month, while FIA President Max Mosley is reportedly ready to consider the matter if drivers reveal their financial records.

Meanwhile, Mark Webber would be happy to see out his F1 career with Red Bull, the Australian driver said on Friday. "I am happy with Red Bull and I hope Red Bull will be happy with me," the 32-year-old told the autosport.com Website.

Webber, whose contract expires at the end of the year, will have young German Sebastian Vettel as his teammate this season.



 

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