About a year or two ago FIA- Federation Internationale de l'Automobile decided that India would be on the World International Racing Map. All dreams of the Motorsport enthusiast came to life when they saw India on the Formula1 calendar last year. The circuit construction was underway at the Greater Noida, India, and so was the agitation of the local farmers and some political bodies. To add on to that the customs excise added more salt to the wound. The debacle of the common wealth games just added to the doubt surrounding this Event.. But, hey when the government is not involved in a major event, its less likely to get goofed up!
Jaypee Associations not only did a commendable job in putting up a circuit, loved by every single driver and soul associated with Formula1 racing, but also a wonderful job of organizing the race. I could reach my stands with my eyes closed, such neat was the organization by Jaypee and F1. Every single stands had their own entries, which branched out of the Yamuna Expressway, hence lesser traffic. But hey, at the end of the day, when about 50,000 cars exit at once, your are bound to have traffic, no matter how broad the roads are or how good the organization is.
Now, getting back into little bit of my own history, for preparation of F1. Sometimes back in early 2011, there was this talk of being a F1 Marshall/Volunteer on Team-BHP website. So I filled up the form and applied to be one. In April, got a mail from the IMMC (Indian Motorsport Marshall Club) to attend the Induction program for F1 Marshaling. Attended the same, now next I was waiting for the Training dates for the same. It took a bit long to come and in the mean time I ended up doing 3 treks. Well I had actually planned to give up on trekking this year so I could be a Marshall at F1. Save up leave's you see. But heck, those luring mountain calls, just cant avoid them!!! So finally when the mail comes, I run short of leaves. Now what to do. Well, if you cant be the part of action, sit back and enjoy the action.
And that's what I did. Decided to buy tickets, sit back, take pictures and enjoy the race. So, I had about 6-7 guys ready to join me for the race. While buying tickets, I ended up buying alone. AS USUAL. So, I rode to the Circuit on Saturday all by myself. Was i disappointed? Are you Crazzzzzyyyyy... it was Freaking AWESOME... The Aura of the whole event, the sound of the rumbling engines the speed and the glamour to top it up, not a moment, I regret. Well the only good thing I could ask for would be, Cover the Stands please!! Save us from the sun.
Oh to know more about the Buddh International Circuit visit: http://www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/india_863/circuit_diagram.html
They say that its the second fastest circuit in the world, after the Monza, Italy and Silverstone, Britain. It gives the drivers numerous overtaking opportunities and drive flat out. But being a new circuit, it was a bit dusty and dint give drivers many chances to overtake.
Alright so lets get into the Action....
View from my Stand: That structure is the Grand Stand, opposite the Pit lane.
The longest and the fastest straight of the circuit on the right and grand stand on left
The Mercedes SLS-AMG- Safety Car
Soon the cars were out for the Free practice 3. Thats the Scuderia Torro Rosso
Oh yes for more info on teams and driver of F1: Teams & Drivers
the HRT Hispania
The Renault- Lotus team
The Force India car, breaking before the turn and accelerating in no time
The Air Asia Lotus team
The McLaren Mercedes
The Red Bull- World Champs
Force India
Soon, the Qualifying session began
Nico Rosberg of Brawn Mercedes
Fernando Alonso and his Ferrari
Sebastian Vetel - The World Champion
Fillipe Massa - Up & Down
The Torro Rosso
Lewis Hamilton on his Mercedes
2 time world champion Fernando Alonso again
Jenson Button, present No2
n. Karthikeyan with his HRT
the Virgin racing team
Fernando Alonso
Force India working back to back...
Mark Webber and his Red Bull
Massa
Button
Torro Rosso
Adrian Sutil
Massa
soon the Qualifying session came to end. I made sure I walked out a little early to avoid the traffic. Which I managed successfully.
Results from Saturday Qualifying: http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2011/863/6938/
