Grapevine: India to host 2011 FIA Prize Gala

The star-studded prize ceremony has most recently been hold in Monaco, and last weekend Sebastian Vettel was the star of the show as he collected his Formula 1 world drivers' award.

For next year, however, the FIA has decided to move the event to New Delhi - where it will be held on December 9/10 following the usual meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

Federation of Motor Sport Clubs of India president KD Madan said he was delighted about the decision - which comes with his country hosting its maiden F1 race next year.

"This is a defining moment for Indian motorsport," he was quoted as saying by The Times of India. "First the Indian GP and now the awards taking place in India. It is a clear indication that India is now well and truly on the world map even in the motorsport world.

"We could not have imagined this couple of years ago but the FMSCI has been working really hard to make motorsports one of the top sports in the country. To be the first country in Asia to host the FIA Annual awards speaks volumes of how Indian motorsport is seen by global audiences.

"Next year is going to be a proud year for Indian motorsports and we will need all the support we can get from the rest of the nation to make it a success."