Don't fret over homologation: Chandhok

NEW DELHI: A perceived delay in homologation of the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida - the venue for the Airtel Indian Grand Prix on October 30 - has put fans on tenterhooks.
The inspection by the FIA technical director Charlie Whiting was supposed to have been carried out in the first week of August but has been pushed back to September 1.
Homologation is the final inspection carried out by FIA to check all work relating to the track surface, permanent features and safety installations before official recognition is granted to the circuit.
After the constant delays and embarrassment in the lead up to the Delhi Commonwealth Games last year, its no wonder that the Indian F1 fan is a bit concerned with the country getting ready to host its first ever Grand Prix on the scheduled date.
But Lotus F1 driver Karun Chandhok is amused at all the concern that has been raised around the homologation process.
"I have never seen so much concern raised over an inspection process anywhere in the world. It's no surprise that people are comparing it to the CWG but I can assure you that everything is on schedule. At the end of the day it is only a certification process," Chandhok told TOI on Sunday.
According to FIA guidelines, a F1 track needs to be homologated at least 60 days before hosting the event (preferably 90 days before). Chandhok, however, said that this was not something mandatory.
"The Yeongam circuit, host to the Korean GP, was homologated only 14 days before the race last year. It doesn't mean that the Noida track will also be delayed in a similar way but this homologation process will not be a stumbling block for the track," the 27-year-old Indian star said.
Chandhok, who is an advisor to the Buddh International Circuit, added, "Homologation is a routine inspection of the track. It will be wrong to pre-empt what will happen during this inspection. The inspection can ask for some changes to be carried out."