28 October 2011

Indian Grand Prix: Hamilton fastest in opening practice

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in Friday's opening practice for the inaugural Formula One Indian Grand Prix, edging out the two Red Bull drivers.



amilton's time of 1 minute, 26.836 seconds around the Buddh International circuit was half a second quicker than world champion Sebastian Vettel, with Mark Webber close up in third.
Rock group Metallica and pop star Lady Gaga are among those booked to perform during the weekend as India welcomes Formula One for the first time at the $400 million Buddh International Circuit on the periphery of the Indian capital.

Organizers are hoping the event runs smoothly to justify the huge costs in a country with a poor gross domestic product per capita of only $1,477.

But as India looks to bury the bad memories of the organizational chaos at last year's Commonwealth Games, there have been hitches already at the Grand Prix, including frequent power failures and the suspension of Friday's first practice session because of a dog on the track.

Ticket sales, however, have been encouraging despite the cost of $50, which is beyond many people's means in India.

"People here are fanatic, crazy about racing," McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton told reporters ahead of the event. "You'd think they are more enthusiastic about cricket, but honestly I feel they are as enthusiastic about car racing."
Fernando Alonso suffered a power-drive failure in his Ferrari and was the major casualty of the opening session, although many drivers ran off the track as they struggled for grip on the dusty circuit and tested the limits as they familiarized themselves with the layout.


No comments:

Post a Comment