Hamilton's Mumbai drive shifted after residents object

The organisers of the September 16 Vodafone Speed Fest featuring British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton have shifted the event from Marine Drive to Bandra Kurla Complex following objections from the residents of the picturesque south Mumbai venue.

"It got shifted because it (BKC) was our alternate venue (and) because the Marine Drive Residents Group were not comfortable and had some concerns," a spokesperson from Vodafone said when queried about the reason for the shift of venue to suburban Mumbai.

"We respected their sentiments and went ahead with our plan," the spokesperson added.

McLaren's Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, is to come down to Mumbai after winning the Italian Grand Prix last Sunday, his third win of the season.

A lot of motorsports enthusiasts are expected to witness him zooming his way on the Mumbai roads at its new commercial hub, BKC. Last year, he had participated in a similar event in Bangalore.

"I had a wonderful experience in Bangalore last year and this year I am hoping that the excitement will be faster, smarter and better in Mumbai," the F1 driver had said earlier when it was announced that the event would be held at Marine Drive.