Chennai, 12 September (H.S.): Motor racing will take centre stage during Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s official visit to Britain on Saturday, with the Chief Minister scheduled to attend an international competition at the Silverstone circuit.

A highlight of the programme will be Vijay’s meeting with actor and professional racer Ajith Kumar, who will participate in the Michelin Le Mans Cup race with several leading Indian drivers. Vijay will flag off the race, scheduled between 9.45 p.m. and 11.45 p.m. Indian time.

Apart from attending the competition, Vijay will undertake a detailed tour of Silverstone, regarded as one of the world’s premier motorsport venues. Officials accompanying him will gather information about the circuit’s design, safety measures, spectator services and revenue-generation model.

The visit is closely linked to the Tamil Nadu government’s plan to establish a motorsports city of international standards in the State. The project, announced by Vijay in the Assembly, is intended to build a strong ecosystem for racing, automotive innovation and related industries.

Officials said the government was keen to explore investments in motorsports, automobile technology, racing equipment, sports tourism and event management. The proposed motorsports city is also expected to create employment and attract international racing events to Tamil Nadu.

The Silverstone engagement is among the key programmes during Vijay’s six-day visit to Britain, which is primarily aimed at securing fresh industrial investments and generating high-quality jobs in the State.

Vijay left Chennai on an Emirates flight at 10 p.m. on September 10 and travelled to London through Dubai. He arrived at Heathrow Airport on Friday and was welcomed by British Tamil Sangam president Jacob Ravipalan, TVK functionary Duraikannan and members of the Tamil community.

The Chief Minister later proceeded to Shangri-La The Shard hotel in the London Bridge area.

Vijay will also hold discussions with senior executives from the advanced manufacturing, automobile, electric vehicle, electronics and global capability centre sectors. He is scheduled to meet business leaders on Sunday and showcase Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure, skilled workforce and investor-friendly policies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman