An introduction to the Indian Grand Prix
The 2011 Formula One Season saw the addition of the Indian Grand Prix. For the 2012 Season, the Indian Grand Prix is again scheduled as the 17th race of the season and will be the India’s second-ever Grand Prix race.
The inaugural Indian Grand Prix was held at the Buddh International Circuit, which was completed in September 2011 just in time for the October race. The circuit is located in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, about 50kms from the city of Delhi. It was designed by famous German racing circuit designer Hermann Tilke, who has designed famous racing circuits such as Yas Marina Circuit (Abu Dhabi), Istanbul Park Racing Circuit (Turkey) and Shanghai International Circuit (China).
The idea of an Indian Grand Prix was originally raised back in 1997 and went through a whole slew of iterations from Calcutta, Bangalore, Hyderabad and other locations. Provisional agreements were signed in 2007 to host the Grand Prix in 2009, with a track to be built in Gurgaon. But this also fell through. Finally the Jaypee Group was chosen to build the Buddh International Circuit but the opening race was postponed to 2011. Even with the two-year delay, the track was barely completed on time for its inaugural Grand Prix.
The inclusion of India in the F1 line-up has raised criticism about whether it is appropriate to bring such an expensive sport to a developing country. Critics argue the money could be spent on more pertinent causes. Stories also emerged about how land was acquired from people to build the track. But much of this was glossed over in the media frenzy.
However, the addition of the Indian Grand Prix and goes hand-in-hand with the growing interest in F1 in India and the growing number of wealthy families and sponsors. This has led to the establishment of an Indian F1 racing team in 2008, Team Force India (this season, racing as Sahara Force India), as well as several Indian F1 drivers in the line-up.
The inaugural Indian Grand Prix was won by Sebastian Vettel, who also took pole position.