Greater Noida: Come October 28th and all roads in NCR will lead to the Buddh International Circuit for the 2nd Indian Grand Prix. Even though the fans response is quite subdued compared to the last year, the race holds a lot more significance this time around.
Unlike last year, where the championship was already decided, this year the results will have a huge bearing on title race.
With just six points separating the double defending champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull (215) and Fernando Alonso (209), the race will be bigger and better than the earlier edition and expect the temperature to reach the optimum level.
Alonso, who has been the consistent racer with nine podium finishes, including three wins was overtaken by Vettel with three back to back victories at Singapore, Japan and Korea. Nothing will be taken for granted and they will go out all guns blazing to leave the race on a winning note.
It is down to the fag end of the season and with just four races left, a win for either of the driver’s not only help their driver’s championship aspirations, but will also do world of wonders to the constructer’s world.
Talking about the race, Vettel, who was the winner here the last time said, “I have good memories; it was a fantastic race last year. We got the pole and I won the race. It was special. Hopefully we can have a similar result. We always try to do the best.”
Vettel, who joined Red Bull in the year 2009 and is on the verge of winning hat-trick of titles, said that even though he is being chased closely by Fernando Alonso of Ferrari, he leaves all that behind and when he is on the track he just concentrates on his race. “I am not a strong believer of statistics. We had ups and downs and we did improve. This is exactly what the other people are also trying to do, trying to improve the car."
“I do not think much when I am on the grid, waiting to see the light go off. Yes it is in the head but important is to get off, start well and have a good race,” said the double defending champion.
Alonso feels he can usurp the championship race from Indian GP and said that his competition with the German driver will be a ‘battle of package’.
“It will be a battle of package. Everyone will have their strong points and weak areas. At the moment Red Bull may have the fastest cars, especially on qualifying days, but we will try to use our strong point,” said the two time world champion.
Alonso does sound confident ahead of the race, but then he conceded that to win the championship, he will have to have four perfect races.
“In the last few races, our car has been very strong and very quick. But there are ups and downs for everybody. We need to improve our situation, our level of competitiveness. The whole team wants to win the championship. So, everyone is fully focussed,” said the Spaniard
With last four races left in the season, including the Indian Grand Prix this weekend at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), the Constructer’s Title is also wide open with Ferrari hot on Red Bulls heel with a deficit of 77 points.
Red Bull is leading with 367 points while Ferrari is on 290 points and a podium finish for the teams will help them in seizing the advantage in the race to constructer’s trophy.
From Indian point of view, the race is very crucial for Sahara Force India as they are locked in a duel with Sauber for the Contructer’s title.
Force India in seventh position is behind Sauber by 27 and even though the lead is too steep, it still will not stop the home team from going out all guns blazing.
Team principal Vijay Mallya has already made his intentions clear and said that he wants the Indian fans something to cheer about.
“Last year we could get only one car in top 10. This year I would like to go one better and see both our cars in the points – at the very least – so that we can give our fans something to smile about. The gap to Sauber is now 27 points. It’s a big lead, but not impossible to catch them before the end of the year. There’s still a lot of racing to go and we will keep the pressure up for the final four races,” said Mallya.
By Samikshan Dutta Choudhary
Indian Sports News Network
