October 30th 2011 the most awaited time, especially for the Indians as India will be hosting the first Formula 1 race, on the tracks of the “Buddh International Circuit” in Greater Nodia, on the outskirts of New Delhi, a massive 5.14 kilometer (3.2 mile) circuit. This circuit has been designed by the renowned German architect Herman Tilke. “I have raced on all the major F1 tracks across the globe and I rate this track as one of the best in the world,” said Karthikeyan, the only Indian assured to drive in the Indian GP.

Indian Grand Prix: A New Beginning

Jaypee Sports International Ltd has invested almost $400 million that’s Rs.2000 crores in Indian currency, in the construction of this prodigious circuit. Over 5000 workers and 300 engineers and officers have worked tirelessly to get the track over 350 hectares ready.

India had to suffer a lot of damage in her reputation after the common wealth games, due to the collapsed footbridge and the grime toilets. “The CWG experience was really shameful. We at the JPSI took the F1 track as a challenge and its success will be a fitting statement to the world. We are aware of the fact that India can’t afford another debacle,” Jaypee Group founder Jai Prakash Gaur told the media.

A host of corporates simultaneously are trying to cash in on this mega event as it is believed that this event will help Indian firms to move to the next level of Brand building. Corporates include Bharti Enterprises, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hero Motors, Mercedes and Shell.

Bharti Enterprises have launched promotional campaigns. The company is also conducting auditions for “Airtel Grid Girls” a reality show to shortlist 48 faces who will take the position of the paddock girls in the circuit. On the other hand Hero Motors has agreed to sponsor the only Indian racer Narayan Karthikeyan. “We will organize a lot of events and activities to promote our tie-up with Karthikeyan,” Hero Motors Managing Director Pankaj Munjal said, adding that the racer will sport the company’s logo on his F1 car during the race.

Gaur said tickets for the race were close to being sold out, except a few corporate boxes which range between 3.5 million rupees ($70,000) and 10 million rupees. We are more than hopeful of hosting a peaceful race. It will be 100 percent successful.” Gaur said.

Let’s see what surprises our new Buddh International Circuit has in store for us.

Tags: Bharti Enterprises, Buddh International Circuit, F1, Formula 1, Hero Motors, India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Mercedes, Shell