The circuit with a capacity of over 100,000 had seating plans at different points across the track and tickets were priced between INR 2,500 (US$ 50) and INR 40,000 (US$ 800). The Grand Stand located right across the driver paddock and pits was the most expensive, and the VIP enclosure above the paddock played host to the who's who like Bernie Ecclestone, Vicky Chandok, Rowan Atkinson, Sachin Tendulkar and Shahrukh Khan on the final race day.
The practice races on Day 1, won by Felipe Massa of Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton of McLaren attracted less fans, but gave the racers an opportunity to warm up to the new track and race conditions. The qualification round on Day 2 was a power packed race with Sebastian Vettel clinching the pole position for the 13th time in the season, which also helped him match Michael Schumacher's record of 13 pole positions before the end of the season. Mark Webber came second, followed by Alonso and Button in third and fourth position respectively. Hamilton, due to a penalty in the practice race dropped to the fifth position in the starting grid.
Sunday, 30th October 2011 was race day for the first ever Indian GP. Kind of unbelievable and surreal when you think about it, but remarkably well put together by the Jaypee Group in the world class BIC arena. It was a packed house with about 95,000 spectators, not to mention the millions of television audience worldwide. The stands were filled to the brim with fans cheering their teams. Red Bull Racing and McLaren were the clear favourites but a lot of crowd support was reserved for the home team Sahara Force India.
Jenson Button finished second and was followed by Fernando Alonso for the podium finish. Mark Webber fought hard but narrowly missed by two seconds to finished fourth. He was followed by Michael Schumacher who drove like a champion to finish fifth, after taking off from the eleventh position at the starting grid. Felipe Massa was disqualified for crashing into Hamilton's car, who finished seventh. The two have crashed into each other on a few occasions before, and they didn't disappoint here as well.
The camaraderie between Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso on the podium, as they took their trophies and sprayed champagne over each other was a treat to watch! At the end, it marked a historic day for India and bouquets all the way for the organizers - as the teams, drivers and spectators unanimously gave the event a big thumbs up. Truly, if you dream big, you can make it happen. Until next season...
Red Bull charges ahead yet again. Vettel wins the Indian GP 2011.
Reviewed by Raghav Sarma
on
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Rating:

Very nice ! keep up the good work!
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ReplyDeleteBrilliant and enjoyed while reading. Keep it up and all the best Forthcoming articles. Pertisth Mankotia
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed reading my blog. Keep following for everything new in the auto industry. Will surely stay in touch.
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