Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C.Joseph Vijay is set to flag off a race that features Ajith Kumar at the famous Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit in the United Kingdom. Vijay left Chennai on Thursday night for a week-long UK visit and is expected to return on 17th September. This marks his first overseas visit since becoming Chief Minister.
According to the Michelin Le Man Cup, Vijay will wave the ceremonial green flag to officially start it’s Silverstone round on Saturday, which will feature a 44-car grid.
The event will also see Ajith competing in the endurance racing championship for Ajith RedAnt by Virage. Vijay is expected to support the Indian drivers taking part in the race.
More Than a Visit to Silverstone
Vijay’s trip is also focused on bringing new investments to Tamil Nadu, strengthening ties with British companies and studying plans for the state’s proposed Motor Sports City.
During his visit to Silverstone, the delegation will look at areas such as circuit design, safety systems and how major motor racing facilities are operated and managed.
Vijay had earlier announced in the Tamil Nadu State Assembly that a world-class Motor Sports City would be developed in the state. The project is expected to build on Tamil Nadu’s existing automotive and electric vehicle industries.
The government is also looking at opportunities in sports tourism and specialised automotive industries connected to motor racing.
The UK trip comes following the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which came into force on 15th July. According to the state government, companies from several European countries have proposed projects worth around €8,491 crore, which are expected to create about 5,690 jobs. British companies already gave a strong presence in Tamil Nadu across engineering, financial services and technology.
Joining Vijay on the visit are PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu Member Secretary Meghanath Reddy, and GuidanceTN Managing Director and CEO Deepak Jacob.
Sources: The New Indian Express
