India has unveiled a new 500-million dollar race track two weeks before it hosts its first formula one grand prix, promising to wipe away disappointing memories of last year's Commonwealth Games.
Fears that the circuit on the outskirts of New Delhi would not be completely ready to host the race on October 30 were put to rest after a grand inauguration of the facility.
Named the Buddh International Circuit, the track is part of an ambitious 2,500-acre sports complex that will include a motor driving academy to be set up in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.
The circuit has been designed by the renowned German architect Hermann Tilke and boasts the fastest straight-line speed of any F1 track in the world.
The race is close to being sold out and a crowd of 100-thousand is expected.
