Let the motor race begin
27 Oct 2012 3:53 AM IST
Speed crazy motorsports fans of the country tasted first blood in October 2011 when twenty-four of the world’s meanest machines lined up on the tarmac of Buddh International Circuit (BIC) for the biggest ever race in India. Though the debate whether motor racing is a sport or a mindless exercise involving extravagant expenditures still rages on, Indian sports freaks, who are keen supporters of any sport, are again in for a treat that will make their blood boil over. From a spectators’ point of view, very few sporting events can match the thrill of watching cars fly past unevenly elevated tracks at full throttle. The inaugural Indian Grand Prix attracted close to one lakh spectators, adding a new chapter to the country’s sports history. It re-established India’s ability to hold top class events, especially after the fiasco which marred the build up to the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Interestingly, the second Indian Grand Prix, scheduled at BIC in Greater Noida on October 28, has almost turned into a clash between Red Bulls’ Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso of Ferrari, who are separated by just six points. Unlike last year, the championship is still alive at this stage of the season, which threw seven different winners in the first seven races.
Indian fans also have an opportunity to witness a race that can lead to a historic triumph when the season ends. Sebastian Vettel, who won the inaugural race at BIC, is on the verge of a historic hat-trick of Formula One world titles. The 25-year-old Red Bull driver from Germany has a chance to become F1’s youngest treble champion and join legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher. To add to the excitement, fans will get to see Schumacher race in India for the last time. The seven-time world champion will bid adieu to Formula One at the end of the current season. The German, who dominated Formula One with seven titles and record 91 victories, has failed to win a single race in his second stint. Home team Force India too have lots in stake as it battles with Sauber for the sixth place at the constructors’ table. Currently placed seventh, the Sahara outfit trail Sauber by 27 points. Come Sunday, close to one lakh spectators are expected to add to the ear-splitting noise level while cheering their favourites in a race that will be remembered for long. So it’s time the speed junkies get ready with ear plugs and take a back seat. Let the race begin.
Indian fans also have an opportunity to witness a race that can lead to a historic triumph when the season ends. Sebastian Vettel, who won the inaugural race at BIC, is on the verge of a historic hat-trick of Formula One world titles. The 25-year-old Red Bull driver from Germany has a chance to become F1’s youngest treble champion and join legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher. To add to the excitement, fans will get to see Schumacher race in India for the last time. The seven-time world champion will bid adieu to Formula One at the end of the current season. The German, who dominated Formula One with seven titles and record 91 victories, has failed to win a single race in his second stint. Home team Force India too have lots in stake as it battles with Sauber for the sixth place at the constructors’ table. Currently placed seventh, the Sahara outfit trail Sauber by 27 points. Come Sunday, close to one lakh spectators are expected to add to the ear-splitting noise level while cheering their favourites in a race that will be remembered for long. So it’s time the speed junkies get ready with ear plugs and take a back seat. Let the race begin.
Next Story
