Formula 1 race track opens in India

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Formula 1 race track opens in India

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New track formally opened with promises of fool-proof security.

19 October,2011 03:01 am

Buddh International racing track formally opened on Tuesday ready for Indias first Grand Prix on October 30.The 5.14km track in Greater Noida, near New Delhi, has been described as a roller-coaster ride with a one kilometre straight, numerous sweeping corners, a series of elevation changes of up to 14 metres and a long, long hairpin corner. The stands are huge, with one of them claiming to be the worlds biggest grandstand.Red Bull racing - the 2011 champions - sent Swiss driver Neel Jani to drive a demonstration car around the track for the entertainment of the spectators.Indias first Formula One driver, Narain Karthikeyan, was on hand - driving the Mercedes safety car around the track.At present Karthikeyan will be the only Indian driver to drive in the Grand Prix. His place in the Hispania Racing Team has been confirmed by team bosses.Another Indian driver, Karun Chandhok, is test driver for Team Lotus and is anxiously waiting to hear if he will be allowed to drive in place of one of the regular drivers - Heikki Kovalainen or Jarno Trulli.Neel Jani said the track was fine when he came in from his laps.F1 fever has gripped India with sponsor companies organising various promotional events to boost interest around the event.Narain Karthikeyan said he was feeling slightly overwhelmed with less than two weeks before his countrys first Grand Prix.Organisers are keen to avoid the bad publicity associated with last years Commonwealth Games in the capital, which was due to preparation problems.Manoj Gaur, chairman of the Jaypee Group, owners of the Buddh International Circuit, said they were leaving nothing to chance to ensure a safe and successful event that would make all Indians proud.Organisers have predicted a full house at the 100,000-capacity circuit.