In a country crazy for cricket, the enthusiasm shown by spectators at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida for India's maiden Grand Prix was overwhelming. Race enthusiasts, cutting across age groups and regional boundaries, cheered their favourite players, driving at ‘a ridiculously
high speed’.
Most fans — more than 1 lakh poured in on Sunday — already cannot wait for the next such event. Rajgopal (30), a government employee in Chennai, said, "I had never seen anything like this. Now I cannot miss any GP in future. It's mind-blowing."
Nipun Singhal (22), a Delhi student, said, "I have always been fascinated by speed. It was my dream to watch Schumacher going full throttle. I'm going back completely transformed."
Gaurav Agrawal (23), a Banglore-based software engineer, said, "It was the best weekend I ever had. I cannot forget those race machines and champion drivers. The speed, the noise, the excitement… it's all simply unbelievable."
"When Red Bull's Vettel started from the pole position and began dominating, I was sure he would scorch his way to victory. We all cheered,” he said.
Divyanshu (23), an engineering student from the same city, said, "I toiled hard in arranging for the ticket money. But it's worth it. I'm already looking forward to the next race."
Metallica no show: Cops seek details
The city police have sent a notice to DNA Networks, seeking details of the sale of tickets for American band Metallica's concert, which was cancelled on Friday. The organisers cancelled the event at the eleventh hour, provoking many fans vandalising the venue. Four members of the organising firm were arrested for cheating and breach of trust and have been sent to police remand.