Preview Indian Grand Prix: new circuit, fresh track!

It is one of the most expected venues of the season, and although for some months some critic voices said that it wouldn’t be ready, the Indian Grand Prix is set to take place this weekend.

The paddock is excited to try the new Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, located about 50 kilometres south east of New Delhi, another track created by Herman Tilke. The Indian Grand Prix will become the fifth new venue in just four years.

With sixteen turns and three long straights, the lap time is expected to be fast, only slower than Monza. Overtaking should be eased with certain areas having width up to 20 metres. The circuit also features some undulations, which were purposely molded with the help of more than four million cubic tonnes of soil which have been moved. In some points, for example between Turns 1 and 3, there is a difference of 14 metres, with drivers having to contend with 8% downhill slopes and 10% inclines.

One other factor will be making its work this weekend, the unknown. The teams have been given all the information from the circuit by FIA but only when they get to the circuit and feel it on track, will they start learning and understanding the new circuit, and how their car will perform on it.

Another doubt yet to have an answer will be if Indians will be effectively interested in Formula 1 to head to the track during the event. And we know from the Turkish experience that having a great venue does not always mean a lot of crowd in the stands.

One thing is for sure, in India the crowd won’t be watching the fight for any title as Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull have already wrapped the driver’s and constructor’s title. But Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso is still in the fight with the two McLaren drivers for second spot, and Webber will continue his quest to win a Grand Prix this season.

For the Indian fans heading to Buddh International Circuit there will be some disappointment of not seeing Karun Chandhok. The driver from Team Lotus, who many consider to be the best that India have produced so far, will only have the opportunity to drive in FP1.

But there will be one driver who will run the entire weekend. Narain Karthikeyan will be driving for HRT, and if he doesn’t fall foul of the 107% rule he will be a consolation for local fans.

And if you think you know who might be the winner of the Japanese Grand Prix you definitely have to participate on Autoviva’s F1 Competition. It’s simple, just go here and cast your prediction by leaving a comment.