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F1 needs Asia to become a global brand
Source: Agencies |
April 3, 2010, Saturday
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THE strong support Lotus Racing has had at its home grand prix in Malaysia has shown Formula One it needs other Asian teams in order to form a true global brand, team principal Tony Fernandes said yesterday.
Home fans cheered as Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy produced 19 competitive laps for Lotus in yesterday's opening practice session and Fernandes said India should be the next key market for the sport to target in order to progress.
"I always said to (F1 supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone) ... when you have more local (Asian) involvement Formula One is going to be much bigger," Fernandes told a news conference. "It really will become a global sport, right now it's predominantly a European sport.
"You only have to see the success of the (cricket) Indian Premier League and the excitement that's created around the country.
"If Formula One can get that in India I think it will be great for the sport."
India is represented by the Force India team led by businessman Vijay Mallya and HRT driver Karun Chandhok, who have both received good interest at home. But more is needed throughout Asia, Fernandes said.
"I think that's the challenge for the FIA (International Automobile Federation) and all the teams. It's not just about the tracks, we can build tracks all over the place ... until you get (more) teams like Force India and Lotus then you won't get the real (supporter) participation."
Home fans cheered as Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy produced 19 competitive laps for Lotus in yesterday's opening practice session and Fernandes said India should be the next key market for the sport to target in order to progress.
"I always said to (F1 supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone) ... when you have more local (Asian) involvement Formula One is going to be much bigger," Fernandes told a news conference. "It really will become a global sport, right now it's predominantly a European sport.
"You only have to see the success of the (cricket) Indian Premier League and the excitement that's created around the country.
"If Formula One can get that in India I think it will be great for the sport."
India is represented by the Force India team led by businessman Vijay Mallya and HRT driver Karun Chandhok, who have both received good interest at home. But more is needed throughout Asia, Fernandes said.
"I think that's the challenge for the FIA (International Automobile Federation) and all the teams. It's not just about the tracks, we can build tracks all over the place ... until you get (more) teams like Force India and Lotus then you won't get the real (supporter) participation."
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