1 Nov 2011

Indian Gran Prix receives rave reviews

6:44 am on 1 November 2011

Formula One and India have the makings of a long and happy relationship after an inaugural grand prix that exceeded expectations.

Some of the facilities were far from finished, traffic snarls made access difficult for many on race day and there were constant reminders away from the circuit of the glaring social inequalities in the world's second most populous nation.

And yet the reaction from the Formula One community and local officials alike was overwhelmingly positive, a feeling that India was sure to become a favourite fixture once the teething problems were resolved.

The drivers loved the Buddh International Circuit, with its flowing terrain and long straights, and the fans made their passion evident.

Organisers said 95,000 attended the race, on the outskirts of Delhi, and local newspapers delighted in declaring India the winner.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who had expressed some concern before arriving in the country about whether the circuit would be ready, was also impressed.