[myavu]

Indian GP track inspection delayed

Source: Indian GP track inspection delayed | Planet F1 | Formula One News

The FIA inspection of the Buddh International Circuit, the venue of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, has been pushed back to late August

The FIA have a self-imposed 90-day deadline for homologation inspections which would require the inspection to take place in the first week of August. However, FIA technical chief Charlie Whiting has decided to examine the track on August 31 instead.

Despite the inspection being delayed, organisers insist that preparations are on track for the October 30 event.

"We have been sending reports to the FIA on fortnightly basis and they are completely satisfied with the progress," said Vicky Chandhok, president of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs in India, told the Asian Age.
"Actually the final inspection was scheduled for the first week of August and the track was ready for it. But FIA's technical director Charlie Whiting confirmed that he will be coming to New Delhi only on August 31."

Chandhok has revealed that all the pit buildings, grandstands, media centre, hospitality areas and barrier installations have all been completed.
The final layering of the tarmac will be done in mid-September.
"The basic track is ready with kerbs and tecpro barriers in place," explained Chandhok.

"The FIA-appointed German consultants who are camped at the track advised the promoters to lay the final layer some 45 days before the event. After that, as a dry run, a round of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship will be held to check the operation of the track," she added.

[julupani]

I dont think this is a "delay" of any sort at all. Nothing to worry about.

This is just Charlie Whiting wanting to enjoy his mid season break, just like the rest of the paddock. He will take a couple of days out between the Belgian and Italian GPs to come out and inspect the track.

[SuperSlick]

That's great news ! We are right on track for the track Are there any updated pics of the sections/buildings that have been completed?

And BTW, have the ticket sales begun??

[julupani]

I dont think the organisers want to start ticket sales before final homologation is complete. Thus tickets should be availabe by mid september.

[myavu]

Update as on 31st July 2011

Picture courtesy : @Flickr: job..s.'s Photostream

Source : All sizes | IMG_5562 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!



Regards

Vinu

[SuperSlick]

That's cool! Good to see some greenery around and hope there will be more around the track by the time it's completely ready! I don't want it to look dry and dust one!

[vshetty]

Boy do I absolutely love the logo !! of Buddh International Circuit.

JPSI Sports

I hope the people involved do some clever marketing, merchandizing and like there is a huge fan following for the F-1 Team themselves, they create a fan-following for the circuit.

F-1 fans walking around with BIC caps, BIC T-Shirts and BIC flags !! It will surely do a world of good for our country after the CWG fiasco.

Being Honest I think a lot more people follow F-1 than people following athletics in just the CommonWealth countries.

So quite really i think from an international perspective this may be our first world wide showcase

[Hatari]

Any of you guys close to making travel plans - air tickets etc?
or waiting for the circuit tickets to be available first?

[D33-PAC]

I hope this isn't a dumb question, but perhaps someone here with knowledge in civil engineering can shed some light, is the surface of an F1 track any different than that of a road track?

The surface of F1 tracks and race circuits in general seem way more smooth?

[libranof1987]

Originally Posted by D33-PAC

I hope this isn't a dumb question, but perhaps someone here with knowledge in civil engineering can shed some light, is the surface of an F1 track any different than that of a road track?

The surface of F1 tracks and race circuits in general seem way more smooth?

Probably, this could help.

Track surfaces and grip in F1 - F1technical.net

Formula 1 tracks are like roads in every other country except ours

Originally Posted by Hatari

Any of you guys close to making travel plans - air tickets etc?
or waiting for the circuit tickets to be available first?

Exactly my dilemna - flight tickets will soon get expensive as Diwali is around the same time.

[gtonsing]

Been asking that same question. Need to book flight tickets soon. Dont know if I should risk cancellation charges and book now or wait till the homologation is complete and race tickets are announced and pay more (possibly)

[amitku]

Was at the Buddha F1 Circuit yesterday evening and was able to sneak inside. Parked my car along the long straight (between Turn 3 & 4). Walked up to the track and crossed it towards the Pit buildings. Finally waded through the construction and got to the Start Finish straight. Standing there with the Grand Stands on one side and the Pit Buildings on the other was an overwhelming feeling.
Update:
1. Grand Stand: Nearly complete, seats and railings to be fixed.
2. Track: Ready. However the last and final layer would be laid later.
3. Pit Buildings: Ready. Only final fit outs to be done
4. Hospitality and Media centre: Fit outs remaining.
5. TechPro barriers and track side mesh barriers in place.
6. Landscaping around Turn 3 and Turn 4 (both elevated) was complete and looked lush green. Temporary seating being erected.
7. Approach Road: The 8 lane Taj Agra Express way completed.
8. Parking: Track side parking and entry gates for stands in place.

It was a heartening scene and gave the belief that things are on schedule. We would not face the fiasco of the CWG.
(Unfortunately no snaps as there was objection from the people around.)

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by amitku

Was at the Buddha F1 Circuit yesterday evening and was able to sneak inside. Parked my car along the long straight (between Turn 3 & 4). Walked up to the track and crossed it towards the Pit buildings. Finally waded through the construction and got to the Start Finish straight. Standing there with the Grand Stands on one side and the Pit Buildings on the other was an overwhelming feeling...

...It was a heartening scene and gave the belief that things are on schedule. We would not face the fiasco of the CWG.
(Unfortunately no snaps as there was objection from the people around.)

Thanks for the update.

It's good to see that there has been substantial development. It would probably require another month or so to add the finishing touches to the venue. Hopefully, the contractors haven't compromised on quality and the track would live up to its expectations and international standards.

Motorsport, in India, will only grow, hereon.

[curiosity]

'Indian GP tickets going on sale August 20th. Price range from Rs 6,000 to 35,000 approx.'

Courtesy: Tweet from Hormazd Sorabjee. I am super excited now!

[myavu]

Airtel Grand Prix of India set to flag off India’s F1 dreams

Source : Formula 1

As millions of fans gear up to witness their Formula One dreams come alive in India, leading global telecommunications company Bharti Airtel today joined hands with Formula One Group Companies to announce Airtel Grand Prix of India, India’s eagerly awaited F1 foray.

Announcing Airtel as ‘Title Sponsor’ for this sporting event, Sanjay Kapoor (CEO - India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel) and Bernie Ecclestone (Formula One Group CEO) together unveiled the official logo of Airtel Grand Prix of India. To be hosted at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh, India) on October 30, 2011, this first ever Airtel Grand Prix of India will put India on the prestigious list of countries on the global F1 map and give Indian fans their first ever chance to experience the adrenaline rush!

Announcing the association, Sanjay Kapoor, CEO - India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel, said: “A sports phenomenon that initially originated from Europe and went across the globe to become a rage, Formula One today enjoys the cult following of a whopping 500 million plus fans. Airtel, with its 200 million plus customers which significantly represent the young and vibrant population, is delighted to be affiliated with F1 to bring this international sports event to India for the time first time ever! Right through its growth path, Airtel has been associated with speed, performance, calculated risks and excitement, the very words that spring to mind when you think of Formula One. Hence, it is only natural that Airtel and Formula One together bring to life the dreams of millions of young and passionate sports enthusiasts in India, giving them an opportunity of a lifetime to watch the very first Airtel Grand Prix of India in person.”

Commenting on the announcement, Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Group CEO, said: “I am very pleased with our association with Bharti Airtel which has demonstrated that they are the very forward thinking company that I believe and was the reason for seeking their help in promoting Formula One in India through their 200 million plus customers. We are very good partners as we both project the same forward thinking.”

As part of its association with Airtel Grand Prix of India, brand Airtel will leverage several exciting entitlements that other prominent global brands associated with Formula One have enjoyed thus far. Formula One enthusiasts can look forward to a host of innovative offerings and initiatives by Airtel, which will be rolled out and announced in weeks to come.

Cheers!

Vinu