Greater Noida:
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh says the next few years will be "critical" to the Indian Grand Prix establishing the event on the Formula One calendar.
"The Indian Grand Prix has quickly developed into an important Formula 1 event - it's popular and well attended, and the next few years will be critical if the sport is to establish a foothold in such a vast territory," Whitmarsh said in a team preview ahead of the third Indian Grand Prix here this weekend.
"It's been pleasing to see the enthusiasm that Indian fans have for our sport - and our love for their country is equally reciprocated and I would love to see the race grow in significance over the coming years," he added.
The Indian GP had been taken off the F1 calendar in 2014 owing to 'logistical' reasons and while teams have praised the event promoted by Jayeep Group, they have also expressed reservations on the tax policies in India.
McLaren driver Sergio Perez is keen to make Sunday's race at the Buddh International Circuit a memorable one.
Perez said: "With the race skipping a year for 2014, I hope we can help make this year's event particularly memorable. We know we don't have the machinery to fight the top four teams, but there's always fierce competition around the fringes of the top 10.
McLaren is lying fifth in the team standings after 15 races.
