Chennai karting track to open by former F1 champion Hakkinen
Mika Hakkinen, a two-time Formula 1 world champion from Finland, will open the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA) outside Chennai on Thursday, giving young Indians who want to pursue careers in motorsports a boost.
The only two drivers from India to compete in Formula One, Karun Chandhok and Raina Karthikeyan, will also be present for the inauguration. About 40 kilometers from Chennai, the track is situated next to the Madras International Circuit's start-finish straight. After nearly a year of development, UK-based Driven International designed the MIKA circuit, with layout advice from Chandhok.
Built to international standards, the 1.2 kilometer track features swift straightaways and flowing but difficult turns that will guarantee it is approved to hold World Championship events. Public access to the track will begin on September 21.
Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) president Ajit Thomas stated, "We have made sure that the Madras International Karting Arena track was built in consultation with the CIK at every stage of construction." MIKA would be the first of its kind in India.
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