Desi Boy: Wider exits at corners good for racing

As drivers, we enjoy circuits that are not slow or stop-start. A high-speed circuit is much more challenging for drivers and the organisers have done a great job with the layout of the Buddh International Circuit.

The corners are fast, but at the same time they are blind. Corners on Turns 3, 10, 11 and 13 have an uphill approach and you actually can’t see where the corner is heading as you have to turn blindly into it and hope that you stick to the racing line.

The other aspect that makes racing interesting at BIC is the elevation changes as they add character to the track. Wider exits at the corners is another fascinating aspect. It’s good for racing as it creates ample overtaking opportunities.

Drivers can use different lines on different parts of the track to exploit the best grip possible. And because of the elevation changes, you can sit at one spot and see different corners ahead on the track.

Overall, the track has received some good reviews from both drivers and international media. Drivers are praising the layout of the track for the reasons I’ve mentioned above and the international media is enjoying the flavours of India. Everybody had a good time last year too.

You read any report in the international media and all they have to say are positive things. A debut race is bound to have small issues, but last year it seemed like there were more people in India trying to report on negative issues. For example, there was a stray dog that walked onto the track during Friday practice but none of the international media bothered writing about it. But it became a big issue in India.

Last year, the dust was a major issue for teams but I don’t see it as a problem this time around. That’s because the organisers have done the needful. Also, there’s not much construction going on. They have made some changes to the kerbs and laid an astroturf, but its nothing major and may not be noticed by the drivers. Such small changes take place at every race. Every year after the race, the organisers hold a meeting with FIA safety delegate Charlie Whiting, who suggests minor changes.

Coming to the championship and if you look at the performance of the last two Grands Prix, then you have to say Red Bull are the favourites. The reason I’m saying so is that the customs regulations in India have stopped teams from bringing in new parts. And therefore, they pretty much arrive with the cars they raced in Korea. So you have to say that Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull will dominate the race.

How the rest of the season pans out will depend Ferrari and their competition with Red Bull. If Fernando Alonso and Vettel finish every race for the rest of the season, then Vettel will win the championship.

—The writer is India’s second-ever Formula One driver.
He spoke to Rajesh Pansare