Formula 1 has done the right thing in coming to India for the first time this year, claims Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn, despite teething problems at the new Buddh circuit.
Although drivers are relishing the layout of the new track near Delhi, teams and media have been battling with power cuts, some crude infrastructure and even local wildlife - including bats and rats - in buildings.
But Brawn thinks that F1 is right to be in India and says that everyone in the sport is 'tolerant' of the practical issues that have been encountered so far.
"The track is fantastic," said Brawn. "You don't really know until cars start running around, what the track is like. But the track is fantastic. It has got an exciting combination of corners and straights. It has a very long straight and some very important corners, some combination of corners that will be quite tricky.
"The facilities are good. Clearly it has just been finished but we understand that and we are not criticising that. We know that next year there will be another step forward with the facilities because it has been a massive challenge for everybody to get it finished, so we are very tolerant and understanding of the situation."
Bernie Ecclestone was seen inspecting the facilities on Thursday, and said he was happy with the efforts that had been made to get the track as complete as possible.
"It's super. The track is super," he said. "They have done everything we wanted them to do, within two or three years of us reaching an agreement. It took Silverstone 25 years, so I think they have done well."
Although the glitz and glamour of the multi-million pound F1 industry is in stark contrast to some of the poverty in India, Brawn says it is vital that the sport races in places like India.
"India for us is a fascinating new place for us; people comment on the contrast of something like F1 within the communities of India, but if we don't come here how can we help?" he explained.
"How can we contribute to making things move forward if F1 stays away from India? What solution does that provide? It doesn't provide any solutions, and F1 coming to India maybe we can contribute in a small way to the development of India as a nation.
"What is fascinating for me is the knowledge that people have of F1, because it is not a country where F1 has existed before. Talking to the fans and talking to the media, it is astonishing how much knowledge and enthusiasm they have for the sport.
"I think because India as a nation is going forward in the area of technology, F1 appeals. It is an area of high technology and India is an area that is rapidly advancing, and it is a great fit. I hope we can provide a good show for the fans."
Brawn has also played down concerns about the dirty track surface at Buddh, with dusty conditions expected in early practice.
"It doesn't help, and it is always nicer if you have a lot of different lines that the drivers can take, but quite honestly during the race, a lot of the track becomes unusable because of the rubber.
"If you look at any track during the race, there are no-go zones because the rubber builds up because of marbles. I don't think it will be a big issue.
"Everyone is very understanding. We are really pleased to be here, really excited to be here – we understand that there are things that for next year need a gentle improvement, but it is a fantastic facility.Earlier this year, in an interview with Indian chat show host Simi Garewal, Lady Gaga said she would like to soak up the local culture by taking an Indian cooking class.
Also making their debut in India is heavy metal band Metallica as part of F1 Rocks, which adds an extra dash of glamour by inviting top bands to perform at some of the races.
The cheapest ticket to attend the inaugural Indian Grand Prix at the new Buddh International Circuit is 2,500 rupees (about $50). That is a bit expensive for most Indians, but affordable for the country's growing middle class and its expanding disposal incomes.
But for the after-parties that are open to all, including one that will feature a DJ set by British eighties star Boy George, locals will have to fork out at least 15,000 rupees (around $300) -- a month's salary in some Delhi households.
Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Kahn and Hrithik Roshan are expected to be in attendance and could be joined by Hollywood big-wigs. Local media reports said Tom Cruise had been invited.
At the luxury 60-acre (25-ha) resort near the track where celebrities and F1 drivers like Michael Schumacher will be staying, last-minute preparations were being made to ensure quirky requests are met, including one from Formula One management headed by Bernie Ecclestone to have elephants available for guests to ride.
With around 100,000 fans set to pack the stands, the atmosphere should be electric at the $400 million circuit just outside Delhi.
"Formula One is finally coming to India," said media worker Dalariti Nongpiur, 28, who paid 6,500 rupees for a ticket. "To actually hear that sound, to feel the heat of the track. I can't believe that it's actually going to happen and I'm all excited about it."
Fans are soaking up the buzz and local media has gone into overdrive this week with wall-to-wall F1 coverage.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing, the extravaganza," said Hasan Malik, 27, who is flying in from Mumbai to attend.
But not everyone is as enthusiastic and many of Delhi's 16.8 million population are not even aware that the grand prix is taking place -- people such as Kamla, a maid and mother of four.
When asked about the event, she shrugged and said her focus was enjoying her days off for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which was celebrated this Wednesday.
0 comments:
Post a Comment