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      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India

      Aditya Chatterjee

      Aditya Chatterjee

      If high speeds and screaming engines clubbed with the smell of burning rubber gives you a high, then you should have been on the Buddh International circuit from 25th to 27th October 2013. Formula One racing has been a popular sport worldwide and its Indian edition was held on the wide spread green lands of Jaypee group.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 2
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 2
       

      After securing my passes for this season of Airtel Indian Grand Prix, I was determined to attend it without any excuse. After wrapping up work and taking an early morning flight from Mumbai to Delhi, I reached the venue. The spirit of racing was high among all as we saw Ferraris and Bentleys racing on the Yamuna Express way to reach the International circuit.

      The Buddh International Circuit is a 5.125 kms long track and it can accommodate 1,30,000 spectators. The circuit also attracts inspiration from renowned tracks such as the one in Spa and Suzuka. Cars competing on this track can reach speeds of 320 Km/hr.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India
       

      11 teams and 22 drivers are taking part in this season and the rivalry among them is evident. Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen, Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa and Jenson Button were some of the big league drivers. The enthusiasm among the spectators was at its peak. Among the hustle and bustle of pit crews lining up equipment, suddenly the crowd started shouting when they spotted an elderly gentleman walking along the pits wearing a red hat. It was none other than the legendary Niki Lauda whose rivalry with another legend James Hunt was an inspiration behind the recent Hollywood movie “Rush”.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 4
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 4
       

      Niki also appreciated Vettel and his form in the Grand Prix. He went ahead and has compared Vettel to the likes of Senna and Prost. Niki, partial chairman at Mercedes also states that he wishes the 2015 season to come back to India as the track offers turns and features of a truly international track.

      Coming to the final race day, the 26 year old German from Red Bull Racing Sebastian Vettel had already secured the lead position in qualifying followed by Mercedes drivers Rosberg and Hamilton. The moment when tyres were being changed on track was intense with the pit crews changing the used tyres to the new set. All the drivers were continuously briefed about the different conditions and positions. Even the last minute briefing about the different plans and maneuvers is very important.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 3
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 3
       

      Vettel had been leading the other races and the lead that he had made over his other rivals was commendable. It was known that considering his mammoth score even if the German driver underperformed in this race his high score would have taken care of it. The 2nd and 3rd position were the ones eyed by all since it holds crucial importance.

      After all the cars were lined on the grid according to their qualifying order, all the engines were fired up and the entire circuit was only humming of these 2.4 litre V8 engines. The scream was deafening and to add to it were the crowds cheering for their favorite team and drivers.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 9
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 9
       

      Lights went green, gears shifted and with the dash of acceleration all the drivers just disappeared in smoke. It looked as if the drivers had spotted their prey and everyone gunned for it at the same pace. It was a day to remember. 60 laps, 307 kms and a 5.125 km long track summed up to this extravaganza. The weather was also in favor of it with a hazy background and a temperature of 25C seems even the Sun had taken a day off to see this epic race.

      As soon as all are gunning their pedals, it’s Vettel in the lead followed by Felipe Massa and Nico Rosberg chasing the young German lad. Just as everything looked fine, the prancing horse returned to the pit after second lap as Alonso reported front wing damage. Even Sebastian closed in for a quick pit stop to get medium compounds. Vettel’s quick pit stop does it for him as he started racing past all and regaining his top spot in addition to clocking the fastest timing on his 12th lap.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 6
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 6
       

      Webber maintained his lead and the home grown Sahara Force One team too were much pepped. Adrian Sutil reached 5th position after 17 laps without taking any pit stops while his co-teammate Paul di Resta is 12th. Vettel continued to do what he is best at; he made a racy move by overtaking Sergio Perez of McLaren Mercedes. After grilling 30 laps, he is back in the lead while the rivalry intensified for Lewis, Adrian and Felipe for 4th position and between Kimi and Alonso for the 11th position.

      Racing was going on at its peak while suddenly Mark Webber reported an unfortunate gearbox trouble. This ended his stint at this season of Indian Grand Prix. His fans are highly disappointed. Keeping his cool, Mark walked along the track and is scooted to the paddock.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 5
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 5
       

      Force India star Adrian finally decided to pull over for a pit stop and decided to change tyres. He drove back in the race and joined others at a humble 9th position. Sebastian Vettel had already planned his celebration ways as he was leading and in a fantastic manner. His fans knew it and so did the Red Bull Racing team. Vettel crosses the chequered Flag and laps in one more victory in his high speed victorious career.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 7
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 7
       

      Sebastian, even though instructed by the team engineers to go to parc ferme and park the car had another plans. He enthralled one and all by doing smoke raising doughnuts. After doing that he hoped out of the car and bowed down thanking his mean machine in achieving this challenging feat. In clear excitement, he started jumping and dancing. He also threw his racing gloves on the audience. This form of celebration may have brought joy to this young German driver and even his fans but then it did not go too well with the regulatory officials as they fined 25,000 Euros for non-compliance of FIA Formula One sporting regulations under Article 43.3.

      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 8
      Formula One 2013 marks an action packed weekend in India Image 8
       

      Over and above, it was a once in a life time experience. Thanks to our political babus, the future of Grand Prix in India is under dark clouds. Let’s hope the 2015 season brings more smiles to every Indian fan of Grand Prix.