Indian GP: All you need to know about Buddh International Circuit

Vineet Sharma

Now that the speed junkies of the planet are going to ignite the meanest racing machines on Indian soil, here is a quick look at the Buddh International Circuit (the battlefield where epic Formula One dreams will be chased).

The length of the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) is 5.14 kms and it has been conceptualised by Herman Tilke, a man who has previously designed premier race circuits like Sepang International Circuit, Bahrain International Circuit, Shanghai International Circuit and the Valencia Street Circuit.

The circuit comes with an expected lap time of 1 min and 27.02 seconds, at an average speed of 210.03 km/h (131 mph) that the F1 cars will churn. At the end of the long straight between the 3rd and 4th corners, the cars are expected to reach a top speed of about 318 km/h (198 mph).

It would not be the use of a hyperbole if it is said that the real soul of the F1 race comes from the spectators at the sidelines as they are the ones who can truly feel, hear and taste the fury of blitzkrieg that the twenty four cars will unleash on the asphalt. Perhaps this is the reason why F1 enthusiasts travel the length and breadth of the world to feel the thrust of the super charged engines.

If you are one of those who want to see the spectacle and are confused as to what views you’d get from what stands, carry on reading!

The circuit is divided into four zones, namely East, West, North and South.

The West Zone is where the high-heeled spectators will be found as it sports the main Grand Stand with a capacity of taking in 20,000 speed buffs. There are also the Classic Stands 1 and 2 apart from sporting amenities like car and bike parking, mall bus stand, ATM and food & beverage stops.

Then is the North Zone with the Classic, Picnic and Premium Stands. The area has a charm of its own as you will be able to ogle at the cars when they are racing on the elevated blind apex corner, one of the most thrilling aspects of the Indian GP as the track rises 14 metres between Turns One and Three alone, seen best from these stands. If you are in the Picnic stand, you will be near the critical point where the drivers will brake and turn simultaneously to cover the long turn. The order of the day for a fan there would be deafening screeching and smell of rubber when it turns vigorously on the turf.

The East Zone would certainly appeal to the yuppie racing enthusiast as there would be quite a crowd here, albeit with the presence of all the amenities found in all other stands. Definitely a great place to pick up conversations or to watch amazing action. The zone is divided into Star Stands 1, 2 and 3 and Classic Stands 1 and 2.

The Star stands offer a view of Turn 4 that will have a critical point, hence a chance to feel the adrenaline when cars brake from a speed of 300 kms/hr and back to that speed in a span of around a kilometre. Classic Stands will be the places to see Turns 5, 6, 7 and 8 with quick gear changes and super fast acceleration as the order of the day.

The South Zone has been divided into the Premium, Picnic and Natural Stands and would accommodate a large number of F1 fans. The natural stands are a bit tough in the Delhi heat but they would offer a chance to watch the cars from possibly the closest distance and hence, the appeal.

All in all, the world’s most televised sport of Formula One racing is here in India and for those who would be watching this event, whether from the circuit or from anywhere else. Happy Cheering!