Formula One celebrated its first Indian Grand Prix last night without ever forgetting two fallen friends from the world of motorsport.
Red Bull's double world champion Sebastian Vettel, proud to be the first name on the list of winners at the new Buddh International Circuit, sprayed the champagne with mixed emotions.
The race had started after a minute's silence for double Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon and Italian MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli, both killed in crashes this month, and ended with a dedication.
McLaren's Jenson Button, who finished second, was a friend and rival of Wheldon's as they climbed the motorsport ladder in Britain before seeking fame and fortune in different arenas.
The Englishman, wearing a black armband on his overalls and Wheldon's initials on his helmet says the the first Indian race should be dedicated to Dan and obviously Simoncelli, who he described as another super talented youngster.
Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, the third man on the podium, agreed with both saying he will never forget the two fantastic people who were taken from the world entirely to early.
