MUMBAI: India’s motorsports capital Coimbatore, famous for its the extremely well maintained Kari Motor Speedway (KMS), could in due course have competition from a village in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district.
A 3.4 km Formula 3 circuit racing track is coming up at Kotapalli that has the backing of state chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy, The Hindu reports.
The racing track, which is coming up as part of a Rs 1 billion resort and golf course project, with an amusement park planned in the next phase, will reportedly allow speeds of up to 250 kmph and will have the straights and high-speed corners expected in an F3 race.
According to The Hindu, the racing track is being developed by Bengaluru-based Nidhi Marque One Motors on a massive 219-acre area. The racing track would be similar to the Buddh International Circuit, India’s only Formula One circuit located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and the 3.74-km track located at Irungattukottai near Chennai.
“With its proximity to the Bengaluru airport and a number of motorsport enthusiasts in the metropolis, the Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) resort, planned with a wellness centre and a golf course on 50 acres, is bound to bring a large number of tourists,” Regional director (Tourism) B Eswariah told the publication.
The racing track will also be used by automobile manufacturers for testing purposes. Reportedly, even though the F3 circuit racing places a limit on the speed of the car to 250 kmph but it would be equipped with straights and high-speed corners along with an elevation of up to 40 meters.
The state Tourism Department has submitted a proposal to the Central government to give its nod for the Rayalaseema Heritage Circuit in Anantapur-Kurnool-Kadapa districts. The circuit would cover Lepakshi and Tadipatri temples, Penukonda and Gooty forts in Anantapur; Belum Caves, Mahanandi, and Ahobilam in Kurnool district, and Gandikota fort and canyon in Kadapa.
For the record, Formula Three, also called Formula 3 or F3, is a third-tier class of open-wheel formula racing. The various championships held in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia form an important step for many prospective Formula One drivers. Formula Three has traditionally been regarded as the first major stepping stone for F1 hopefuls – it is typically the first point in a driver’s career at which most drivers in the series are aiming at professional careers in racing rather than being amateurs and enthusiasts.
F3 is not cheap, but is regarded as a key investment in a young driver’s future career. Success in F3 can lead directly to a Formula 2 seat or even a Formula One test or race seat.
