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From film-stars such as Shah Rukh Khan to corporate big-wigs Airtel, Citigroup and Tag Heuer and even national-level cricketers — the country's who's who seem to have caught the F1 fever.
With India's first Grand Prix just 43 days away, the most expensive seats — the corporate boxes, are the first to fill up.
A lion's share of the 55 corporate boxes at the Buddh lnternational Circuit, priced between Rs 35 lakh and Rs 1 crore each, have been taken by big names, including liquor-to-airline baron Mr Vijay Mallya. The Ambanis too have reportedly asked organisers to block boxes.
“The corporate boxes are selling at a faster rate than the other tickets, though the general three-day tickets are far more in number and vary with denominations. Around 10, out of the 55 boxes are left,” a top official from Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) told Business Line .
Cheapest tickets sold out
Of the one lakh-plus tickets available, the lowest denomination of Rs 2,500 are all sold out, followed by another corner stand where seats are worth Rs 8,500. All other seats, including the top Rs 35,000 tickets for the grandstand, are still available.
Transferable tickets
To rope in as many F1 fans, the tickets are transferable — allowing three individuals to share a single ticket by going on different days. “A family can share a ticket by choosing to go on one of the three days each — the practice, qualifying or race day,” the official said.
JPSI, which has invested over Rs 1,800 crore at the motorsport venue, expects to rake in Rs 80-90 crore through ticketing alone. The break-even, about four years away, will come through other motorsport events, apart from renting out the circuit for car launches and events.
“We've had initial talks for the MotoGP 2012 race calendar, while other championships have also approached us. After F1, we will plan this out,” the official said.
“We don't have much scope for sponsorship since the earnings from broadcast rights and branding at the venue goes to F1. Apart from ticket sales, we will earn from sponsorship outside the venue,” he added.
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