Formula One preview: The Indian Grand Prix 2012
Formula One comes back to India in this festival season and the tension is palpable. German racer Sebastian Vettel just went past Fernando Alonso to capture the top spot in the drivers’ standings. While Vettel’s Red Bull team is safely ahead of its nearest rivals in the constructor’s championship, Vettel himself leads Alonso by just six points. With only four races left, the fight for the drivers’ championship is sure to go down to the wire.
The Indian Grand Prix, 2011.
Spread across 875 acres, the 5.14 km long Buddh International circuit is one of the quickest tracks around. It made a grand entry into the F1 calendar last year with Sebastien Vettel winning the inagural edition. Briton Jenson Button and Spaniard Fernando Alonso too finished on the podium.
The Ferrari man has been in patchy form of late and hasn’t won any of his last six races. This has allowed his German rival to close down the gap and even take the lead. Vettel has been in rampaging form and has finished on top of the podium in the last three races held at Singapore, Japan and Korea.
Vettel, who would be hoping to extend his winning streak, is the man to beat. When he arrived here last year, he had already clinched the title. This time around Alonso is closely tailing him and Delhi 2012 is perhaps one of the most important races for the German. Describing the track as nothing short of a roller-coaster, he has acknowledged that the Buddh Circuit is one of the most challenging tracks to race on.
Former champion Lewis Hamilton and Vettel’s team-mate Mark Webber could spring a surprise or two. The home team, Vijay Mallya’s home team Force India would hope to provide something for the fans to cheer. A thrilling contest is on the cards for the Indian fans and the F1 fans world-wide. All the tickets for the race have been sold out and this is a clear evidence that motor-sport has a passionate fan-following in this country.
Race Timings:
The action begins on Friday with two practice sessions scheduled to be held. The drivers will acclimatize themselves with the track and weather conditions before going into the qualifiers.
Qualifying: 14:00 IST, Saturday 27th October 2012.
Race: 15:00 IST, Sunday 28th October 2012.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Gokul is a software professional from Chennai, India. An avid sports fan, he is a keen follower of Cricket, Football, Hockey, Tennis and Formula One. He styles his articles as razor-edge analyses of all the hot and happening events in the field of sports.
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