With two-times F1 champion Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel taking the pole position, all eyes are now on the final race at Buddh International Circuit to find out the champion of the first ever Indian GP. Here are the drivers to look out for. (Photo: AP)
The nation's first Formula One Grand Prix grand finale kicked off today with current world champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull on pole position and India's Narain Karthikeyan starting from the 23rd position.
Celebrities from India and abroad have reached the stadium for this mega
event. Crickter Sachin Tendulkar met seven-time world champion and 'dear friend' Michael Schumacher at the Mercedes team building ahead of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. Other celebrities preasent at the stadium are cricketer Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, film personality Shah Rukh Khan, Madhur Bhandarkar, Arjun Rampal, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone. many business tycoons are also present.
Formula 1 has arrived in India and it is here for five years for sure. The moment one steps into the 875-acre
Buddh International Circuit facility, it takes the senses some time to come to grips with the fact that this is a venue in India.
Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull took all of a minute and 24 seconds on Saturday to complete the 5.14-km circuit and earn the first spot on the grid.
Narain Karthikeyan was handed a five-place grid penalty for impeding Michael Schumacher's car during the qualifying race, which means that the Indian will have to start his home Formula One Grand Prix from the 23rd position on the grid on Sunday.
The challenging nature of the gradient change in the track — it's 14 degrees from the base at its highest point — and width that actively encourages overtaking sets up the Airtel Indian GP as one of the most exciting races of the season.
And the best bit is that it's here to stay.