The momentous occasion, dubbed Mika@MIKA, will see the launch of “Flying Finn” Hakkinen, F1 world champion in 1998 and 1999, on the track located next to the start and finish straight of the iconic Madras International Circuit, about 40 kilometers from Chennai, thus beginning a new era in which the Madras Motor Sports Club, now in its 71st year, reaches another milestone.
The MIKA circuit, which has been in development for almost a year, was designed by UK-based Driven International, with Chennai-born Karun Chandhok advising on the layout.
The 1.2km long MIKA circuit is a driver's delight, with fast straights and flowing yet challenging corners, and is built to a global standard that will ensure it is certified to host even World Championship events, something that is very present on the MMSC radar. the MMSC reported in a statement on Monday.
MIKA's facilities offer spacious garages, a control room, a lounge and amenities designed to provide a comfortable environment for both competitors and spectators. The track will be open to the public starting September 21.
With the coming into operation of MIKA, MIC, which was inaugurated in 1990, will further enhance its status as the hub of motorsport activity in India, encompassing track racing, rallying, motocross and karting.
The MIC features a 3.7km long FIA Grade 2 certified racing circuit, plus a custom dirt track to host national Rally events for both cars and two-wheelers. wheels. The facility also has facilities for two-wheeled motocross competitions.
MMSC Chairman Ajit Thomas said: “The Madras International Karting Arena is a logical extension of MMSC’s expansion plans to develop MIC into a multi-discipline motorsports facility that will cater for both competitive and leisure activities, for all ages. participants, including corporations. It is obviously a matter of pride for MMSC to have built the CIK certified Karting track as part of our continued efforts to make significant contributions to developing and promoting motor sport at the grassroots level.
Karun Chandhok said: "I am very excited to be heading to Chennai for the launch of the MIKA track. I have worked on a variety of track designs around the world, from F1 to Karting with the Driven International team, but this is a Very personal project, as it is obviously my home track. It has been designed and built to be on par with the best tracks in the world and I feel that the track design will be one that all drivers will enjoy.
“It's fantastic that Mika (Hakkinen) and Narain (Karthikeyan) are available to join us at the launch. Having the two Indian F1 drivers along with a double Formula 1 world champion as we launch this next big step for Indian motorsport will be very special," he added.
The MIKA circuit, which has been in development for almost a year, was designed by UK-based Driven International, with Chennai-born Karun Chandhok advising on the layout.
The 1.2km long MIKA circuit is a driver's delight, with fast straights and flowing yet challenging corners, and is built to a global standard that will ensure it is certified to host even World Championship events, something that is very present on the MMSC radar. the MMSC reported in a statement on Monday.
MIKA's facilities offer spacious garages, a control room, a lounge and amenities designed to provide a comfortable environment for both competitors and spectators. The track will be open to the public starting September 21.
With the coming into operation of MIKA, MIC, which was inaugurated in 1990, will further enhance its status as the hub of motorsport activity in India, encompassing track racing, rallying, motocross and karting.
The MIC features a 3.7km long FIA Grade 2 certified racing circuit, plus a custom dirt track to host national Rally events for both cars and two-wheelers. wheels. The facility also has facilities for two-wheeled motocross competitions.
MMSC Chairman Ajit Thomas said: “The Madras International Karting Arena is a logical extension of MMSC’s expansion plans to develop MIC into a multi-discipline motorsports facility that will cater for both competitive and leisure activities, for all ages. participants, including corporations. It is obviously a matter of pride for MMSC to have built the CIK certified Karting track as part of our continued efforts to make significant contributions to developing and promoting motor sport at the grassroots level.
Karun Chandhok said: "I am very excited to be heading to Chennai for the launch of the MIKA track. I have worked on a variety of track designs around the world, from F1 to Karting with the Driven International team, but this is a Very personal project, as it is obviously my home track. It has been designed and built to be on par with the best tracks in the world and I feel that the track design will be one that all drivers will enjoy.
“It's fantastic that Mika (Hakkinen) and Narain (Karthikeyan) are available to join us at the launch. Having the two Indian F1 drivers along with a double Formula 1 world champion as we launch this next big step for Indian motorsport will be very special," he added.