23 October,2011 07:29 AM IST | | Kunal Shah
The Indian Grand Prix organisers have done well to keep their infrastructure schedules in place and meet the tight deadlines set by the FIA. However, considering that this is the first-ever race to be held at the Buddh International Circuit, the one thing that is missing is a guide to select the best seats in the house.
General view of the main grandstand of the Buddh International
Circuit in Greater Noida. Pic/Getty Images
So what do Formula One fans want to see at a Grand Prix? Some wheel-to-wheel racing, high speed action and of course lots of overtaking. Here's an attempt to guide you to the best seats at the Buddh International Circuit.
The Main Grand Stand: This stand is classified under the 'West Zone' of the circuit and is located directly opposite the pit lane and the team garages. During the race, this stand will offer a view of the start-finish straight and of course the pit stops. From the exit of Turn 16 (last corner) to the entry of Turn 1(first corner), there is a possibility that you might be treated to some bit of overtaking.
Cost: Rs 35,000 + taxes
Premium Stand and Classic North Stand: These stands are classified under the 'North Zone' and should offer two distinct views. From the Premium Stand, you will be able to see the cars brake and enter into Turn 1 and go up the hill towards Turn 3. From the Classic Stand, you will see the cars approach from Turn 1 and brake and enter into Turn 3. The Classic North Stand will also give you a view of the cars accelerating their way onto the long straight.
Cost: Rs 6,500 + taxes
Star Stand and Classic East Stand: Under the 'East Zone', the Star Stands lie at the end of the 1.2km long straight and should offer a view of DRS-aided overtaking at Turn 4, which the cars will approach at top speed (over 320kmph). From the Classic East Stand, you could witness some classic slip-streaming as the cars will accelerate towards a series of fast flowing bends at Turns 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Cost: Rs 8,500 + taxes
Premium Stand: In the 'South Zone', this stand is located on the outside of a banked double apex corner that should be a challenge for the F1 cars to navigate around. While I don't foresee much of overtaking at this corner, you will see F1 cars cornering at high speeds around here. The expected cornering speed is around 220kmph.
Cost: Rs 12,500 + taxes
Depending on the money you wish to spend to purchase your ticket, I would recommend the Main Grand Stands followed by the Star Stand in the East Zone as two of the best seats at the BIC. The ticket rates mentioned are at the time of launch and may vary with latest discounts.
Once you purchase your F1 ticket, here are a few things to remember while you plan your GP weekend:
1: Buying a ticket doesn't assure parking space at the BIC. There are reserved parking slots being sold by the organisers. So if you plan to drive down to the BIC, do ensure to pre-book your parking slot. Also, do remember that with nearly 1,20,000 people expected to go in and out of Greater Noida on the race day, there are chances of a traffic jam.
2: The traffic jam is something you won't be able to avoid, but you could avoid driving through it yourself. The BIC organisers will run shuttle services to and fro from Delhi, Noida and Gurgaon and the circuit. I would suggest that race goers use the shuttle services and reduce traffic congestion on the Delhi-Noida-Delhi expressway.
3: Not all stands will have seats to view the race from, hence double check your stand offering pre-race. There are open grasslands that are offered in the Picnic and Natural stands and I would recommend you carry mattresses to sit on and of course sun protection gear.
4: Formula One is all about the sound of the engine and I usually love it uninterrupted. However, if loud sounds don't go down too well with you, I would recommend carrying ear plugs to the race.
