India has all ingredients to get F1 back, says Liuzzi

While representing HRT, the Italian got a phone call one week prior to the race day, asking him to move out of the 17th round of the 2011 Formula One season. The 39-year-old was more than happy to get replaced by one of our own, Narain, who had a memorable outing at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.

Liuzzi returned to the same venue last week, but for a new venture – the X1 Racing League – which is striving to galvanise the niche sport’s followers. Since the third edition of the Indian GP in 2013, the nation has been deprived of top quality four-wheeler races. But, Liuzzi believed India has all the right ingredients to get back to the F1 calendar.

“India is nothing less when compared to other countries in the world. It has got so many businessmen. Geographically, it is huge. It can make a successful team in any sport. I don’t see why F1 shouldn’t be back here in the future,” Liuzzi, representing Black Birds Hyderabad in the X1 Racing League, told DT Next.

“India has a lot of interest in motorsport. People are passionate about speed and racing. That is why the Force India owners and other sponsors made F1 happen here. There are business tycoons who could still be interested in F1. I think they should push for it,” added Liuzzi, who turned out for four different teams in the elite competition.

During the opening leg of the X1 Racing League in Greater Noida, the Main Grandstand was packed to its rafters – an indication of how much the locals love the sport. The former F1 driver said the domestic racers long for such sights during their career. “It’s always a special feeling to race at home,” he emphasised.

“There is an extra push when you drive in front of your own crowd. It’s a beautiful thing. There is such a good feeling when you jump into the car.” Following a second-rate showing in the opening round that comprised two races, Liuzzi wanted to hit the ground running in the final phase of the franchise-based league.

“I am looking forward to the second leg. The first leg didn’t go the way we wanted. The situation in Chennai will be completely different. The track is pretty new to most of us. The circuit is not really fitting the car we are using, but I feel it will be an interesting weekend,” Liuzzi wasup for the challenge.

During our interaction, the Locorotondo-based revealed his admiration for Serie A club Inter Milan, which currently tops the league standings. “I am a huge fan and I go to the stadium (San Siro) quite often. We are doing not bad I would say. Although we are fighting close with Juventus, I think it is difficult to go all the way,” a broad smile complementedhis response.