Mercedes Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Germany and a team member ride on a scooter as they inspect the track at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. India hosts its maiden F1 race from October 28-30. (Reuters)
The country's first Formula One Grand Prix flags off on Friday with a practice session at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
There is a lot of excitement for the event as some of world's top F1 drivers like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel
and Jenson Button are participating in the event taking place between Oct 28-31.
F1 drivers enjoy A-class hospitality
Top Formula 1 teams like
RBR-Renault,
Red Bull,
Ferrari and
McLaren-Mercedes are participating in the event. The excitement is even more as India's
Force One is also competing in the event.
Apart from the thrill of the race, India is set to get a taste of F1 glitz and glamour this weekend, with parties and events featuring global A-listers organised in New Delhi.
Topping the bill is pop star
Lady Gaga, performing at an invitation-only show in a five-star hotel club after the race on Sunday.
The Born This Way singer, who appeared as her male alter ego during MTV's Video Music Awards in August, will perform for the first time in India in front of guests invited by the club co-owner and Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal.
Earlier this year, in an interview with Indian chat show host Simi Garewal, Lady Gaga said she would like to soak up the local culture by taking an Indian cooking class.
Also making their debut in India is heavy metal band
Metallica as part of F1 Rocks, which adds an extra dash of glamour by inviting top bands to perform at some of the races.
The cheapest ticket to attend the inaugural Indian Grand Prix at the new Buddh International Circuit is
Rs. 2,500.
Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan are expected to be in attendance and could be joined by Hollywood big-wigs.
(With inputs from IANS)