India’s maiden F1 track revs up for the Oct 30 Grand Prix

In sharp contrast to the glitches that dogged the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi last year, the country's first Formula One circuit was unveiled in Greater Noida on Tuesday to raving reviews.

''I've raced on all the major F1 tracks across the globe and I rate this track in Greater Noida as one of the best in the world,'' said Narain Kathikeyan, who will be participating in the Indian Grand Prix on 30 October.

''One of the unique features of the track is a 14-metre elevation which is hardly seen anywhere else in the world.'' Kathikeyan rated the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) as one of the top five tracks in the world.

Jaypee Sports International (JPSI), part of the Jaypee group, has invested about Rs2,000 crore in developing the 5.146 km track, spread over 350 hectares on the outskirts of the national capital. Over 5,000 workers and 300 engineers worked round-the-clock to get it ready in time for the three-day event beginning 28 October.

''The CWG experience was really shameful,'' said Jai Prakash Gaur, founder of the Jaypee group. ''We at the JPSI took the F1 track as a challenge and its success will be a fitting statement to the world. We are aware of the fact that India can't afford another debacle.''

According to Sameer Gaur, managing director, JPSI, about 90 per cent of the corporate boxes and 70 per cent of the tickets have already been sold. The Indian Grand Prix is expected to attract 300 million television viewers from around the globe on 30 October.