India needs more infrastructure to produce champions: Stewart

Formula One might have made its debut in the cricket-crazy nation with the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in Greater Noida on Sunday but the country needs to build more motorsports infrastructure to produce world champions, feels legendary driver Sir Jackie Stewart.

The three-time world champion (1969, 1971, 1973) Stewart said India need to give more emphasis to the grassroot level to produce champion drivers.

"You need to have more motorsports, more circuit to get drivers. You need to build more infrastructures," Stewart said.

"You have lots of young people playing cricket but until you have lots of young people in motorsports you can't produce champions," said Stewart, who was nicknamed 'Flying Scotsman' for his daredevilry during his hey days.

Referring to iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who was present with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara at the Buddh International Circuit here for the race, he said, "This man standing here started his career at the age of 16 and that's how he became a champion. You need to have more carting (in the country)."

Stewart, however, gave thumbs up to the brand-new BIC and said there is money in India for motorsports but it should be utilised in the right way.

"It is a first-class circuit. Presently, one of the best in the world. But you (Indian drivers) need to have more money to go to Europe to develop skills," the 72-year-old said.