Greater Noida: Come October 30 and India will be witness to one of the most spectacular events of this year – the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. The event, which will bring India on the F1 map, will be a treat for the sportslovers, who had been watching the racing cars zoom past their eyes only on television sets till now. Though under storms for one reason or the other in the recent past, the track -- The Buddh International Circuit – was on Tuesday formally unveiled to the media amidst much fanfare and was described as one of the best by none other than the country’s first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan.
"I have raced on all the major F1 tracks across the globe and I rate this track as one of the best in the world," said Karthikeyan.
The Buddh International Circuit has been designed by the world-renowned German architect and race track designer Herman Tilke. The track has been designed as one of the fastest and most exciting motor racing circuits in the world. It is well suited to the requirements of powerful, high spec racing cars and motorcycles and will host some most challenging motorsport events on the planet. The track is a combination of 16 corners and in terms of safety norms medical facilities and overall infrastructure, BIC will be among the best in the world. Spread over 875 acres, the fastest lap time on the 5.4-km racetrack is expected to be under 1 minute 27 seconds with average speeds crossing 210 kmph. There will be a total of 60 laps in the race.
Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Gaur, the chairman of Jaypee Group said, “We always try our best to create a bench mark for the project. In terms of technology, infrastructure, manpower, primary resources which was needed to build up the track, it was not an easy task. However the hard work and commitment was shown by every team member and BIC is greatest F1 circuit created by private sector,” said Gaur.
When asked about security measures, he said that they have taken all the security measures into consideration and have made no compromise on that front.
On being asked about the maintenance of the track once the race gets over, Vicky Chandhok, President of the Federation of Motor Sports Club India, said that the circuit needed to be utilised properly. “Around $400 million has been invested in this whole project and therefore the circuit needs to be utilized for whole year. National racing events to be held on the track throughout the year and it will provide good opportunity to young Indian Racers,” he said.
Karthikeyan warmed up for the home GP by driving a Mercedes safety car for a couple of laps to get a feel of the track, while a car show was organised where Neel Jani, the Swiss racer of Indian origin, drove in a Red Bull Racing car at circuit.
On the occasion, the theme song of the event sung by leading Bollywood and Indipop singers Leslie Lewis, Daler Mehandi, KK and Lucky Ali was also released.
By Shraddha Bagdwal
Indian Sports News
