Cheaper seats spur demand for Indian F1

Two weeks after ticket prices were cut by up to 25% and economy-class seats doubled, the sale of tickets for the second season of F1 Indian Grand Prix is revving up. Himani Chandna Gurtoo reports.

Two weeks after ticket prices were cut by up to 25% and economy-class seats doubled, the sale of tickets for the second season of F1 Indian Grand Prix is revving up.

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The three-day event begins October 26 at Greater Noida’s Buddh International Circuit.

Bookings were up by more than 30% compared to last year, said Junaid Shaikh, head, special operations, bookmyshow.com. “Prices have gone down by 25% on premium-category tickets and 10% on the lower category.”

The going rate for the cheapest ticket is Rs. 3,000. The discounted tickets will be available till October 15.

"We’ve stretched entry-level segment to cater to 15,000 fans against 6,500 last year to attract youngsters, who depend on their pocket money,” said a spokesperson of the Jaypee, the F1 India organiser.

However, corporate boxes — with five-star catering, expensive booze and the works — come at R80 lakh each. A ticket for the 30-seat box costs around Rs. 3 lakh. For IPL, it is priced at Rs. 20, 000.

They expect more than 1 lakh spectators and had expanded the parking lounge to accommodate 37,000 cars, the spokesperson said. F1’s India debut brought 94,000 people to the Buddh.