Hamilton impressed by early Indian GP features

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton was impressed by some of the features of the track for next year's Indian Grand Prix but would rather wait to drive there first before giving his verdict.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton was impressed by some of the features of the track for next year's Indian Grand Prix but would rather wait to drive there first before giving his verdict.

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"I have seen a couple of features of the track in New Delhi but I have not used and tried that on simulator. It looks impressive," the 2008 champion, who has yet to see the track in person, told Times Now channel on Friday while on a promotional tour in Chennai.

"You can never know what it's going to be like unless you go there and actually drive there."

Subject to a final inspection, the Oct. 30 Indian Grand Prix will be the 18th leg of next year's championship.

Although Hamilton has yet to see the track in person, the Briton was given a feel for it by race promoters who shared the original track design with some of the drivers. Hamilton was confident the race will put India firmly on the Formula One map.

"I think it's really special and great that India has truly embraced this world of Formula One," he said.

"We have Force India, we have (Hispania driver Karun) Chandhok and we had a couple of Indian (Formula One) drivers. The great thing is that we now actually have a Grand Prix in New Delhi.

"People here will get a real taste of what Formula One is all about. You see it on TV but you don't get the true feeling. When they come, see and breathe Formula One, they will be hooked for life."