Indian GP organisers have announced that the new track being built 25 miles outside New Delhi, which will make its F1 debut on Oct 30, is to be called the Buddh International Circuit after the district in which it is located.
In the above video Team Lotus reserve driver Karun Chandhok describes a lap of the undulating Hermann Tilke-designed 5.14km track, which will have “one of the highest average speeds in F1″ as well as “the best facilities in the world”.
By chance the announcement came on the same day the chief organiser of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi was arrested following an investigation into allegations of corruption. The GP organisers – Jaypee Sports International – were clearly at pains to distance themselves from that event.
“Be assured my friends,” the executive chairman of Jaiprakash Associcates, Manoj Gaur, said. “Our and [our] country’s reputation is there. We are responsible people. The track is ready and the homologation of the facility will be done in July as per the time-table of the FIA.”
The privately-owned Jaypee Group is one of India’s largest industrial conglomerates.
Gaur said the project was costing $400 million. “Somebody had to come up with that size of investment. And it’s a privilege to do something for India,” he said. “Before the champions are born, we have to give them the infrastructure. We are not owners of a team but we have passion. Maybe in five years we will see an Indian team winning and that will be the biggest satisfaction.”
It will be interesting to see what pricing structure they come up with and whether the locals will be able to afford to go to the 150,000-capacity venue.
Samir Gaur, managing director of the JPSI, said tickets would most likely start at a “moderate” Rs 2500 (£35) with grandstand tickets more in the order of Rs 35,00 (£475).
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