F1 Indian Grand Prix Preview
Buddh International Circuit New Delhi
This is the inaugral season for the Indian Grand Prix. The circuit is only just completed in time for the race. Because the track is new, there is relatively little information available. I thought that I’d provide some stats and a preview of the race.
- Practise 28 Oct 2011
- Qualifying 29 Oct 2011
- Race 30 Oct 2011
- Lap: 5.14km.
- * Race: 60 laps
- * Direction: Clockwise
- *
Distance: 308.4Km - * Driving Features
- 16 Corners
- 4 slow turns
- 3 high speed stretches
- * Top Speed: 320 km/h
- 8% Downslopes
- 10% inclines
The Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India gets its first F1 outing on October 30, 2011 – race 17th. The track was recently homologated by Race Director Charlie Whiting.
Track Design
The Track has been designed by Hermann Tilke. It spreads over 875 acres. Crowd capacity is anticipated at around 150-160,000 and there are plans to build capacity to 200,000. The Buddh circuit is a part of the new Jaypee Green Sports city. It is also anticipated that the City will be used for hosting one or more rounds of Moto GP championships in the year 2012 following Jaiprakash Associates award of the 10-year construction contract.
Track Lay Out
The track has 16 corners where F1 and average speed is expected to be in the region of 210 km/h. On the long back straight cars can get up to 320 km/h ranking Buddh among one of the fastest tracks in the world. It is expected that the lap time will be around 1:27. Recently, Traco officials reacted to feedback from teams and introduced a modification of the turn 7 to allow for more overtaking potential into the big bank of turn 10. Overlooking turn 10 and turn 11 is a grand stand allowing 13,000 F1 fans an opportunity to experience a close up view of the action.
Previewing the 2011 race
Coming away from Seoul with both the Drivers’ and constructors’ championships having been won by Red Bull, we’re not quite sure what to expect from the drivers in India. We’re also not quite sure what to expect from the circuit itself
The newness of the track, the greasy surface that accompanies fresh tarmac and the still-unfamiliar Pirelli tyre compounds are all bound to play a significant part in the race weekend. Early practise sessions will be invaluable in allowing race engineers and designers to develop a race plan and setup that is appropriate for all eventualities but all teams are essentially starting from scratch. We hope to see Local Driver Karun Chandhook take to the track in the Lotus Car – however his drive has yet to be confirmed
Video Courtesy Vodafone – Part of their Behind The scenes At McLaren Series.
Also check out the beautifully shot video about the Singaore Night Race with interviews with Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Provided as part of the Step Inside Series by Johnnie Walker
