India’s Formula One track will be fast and challenging

GREATER NOIDA - The track for India’s maiden Formula One Grand Prix here will be the fastest and challenging for drivers, said organisers of the race Jaypee Sports International (JPSI).

The 5.14-km race track, which is still under construction, will host the race Oct 30 next year.

Mark Hughes, vice president (operations) of Jaypee Sports International (JPSI), said here Friday that the construction would be completed by the middle of next year.

“It was a flat land and we moved some four million cubic tonnes of earth to bring in elevation which can be up to 14 metres. The drivers are all excited. It will be one of the fastest circuits and will pose great challenge for the drivers,” said Hughes.

The track will have 16 turns and drivers will need superb skills to negotiate the sharp turns.

“The track goes up 14 metres from the first turn to the third and it will be a challenge for the drivers. Turn number 10 and eleven are very fast corners and cars will move 200 km per hour in these courses,” the official said.

The organisers taken the inputs from some of the top and drivers.

“So far, (Hispania driver) Karun Chandhok has visited the track but over the next 12 months, we will invite some other Formula One drivers. (Force India chairman) Vijay (Mallya) is interested too as it would be their home track,” Hughes said.

“Besides, there will be three natural grandstands, which are basically hillocks where people can sit and watch.”