2011 FORMULA 1 AIRTEL GRAND PRIX OF INDIA

Formula One racing is forever on the move and in 2011 ventures east yet again for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. In light of recent F1 successes in Korea and Singapore, India - and more specifically its capital city New Delhi - is the latest Eastern powerhouse to welcome the paddock with open arms. After learning plenty of lessons from hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games, New Delhi plans to wow the international sporting stage once more with its first race in October.

 A brand new circuit has been built to the south of the city in the suburb of Noida. The track, designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, stretches to 5.137-kilometres and is expected to seat up to 150,000 spectators.
 Two sizeable straights and an interesting mix of corners should guarantee a track full of challenges for drivers and engineers alike.

 In an interesting move, organisers also consulted several of the Formula One teams before construction began in earnest. The track design was run in various factory simulators and as a result several amendments were made in an effort to boost overtaking for the drivers - and excitement for the fans.

 Four million cubic tons of earth was moved to give the track plenty of undulation, and it rises 14 metres between Turns One and Three alone. Inspiration has also been drawn from rival venues' best features, with Turkey's infamous Turn Eight inspiring a double-apex corner, slightly banked, which forms part of a 'mini-arena' which alone will accommodate 13,000 spectators.
 The earthworks for the circuit were finished ahead of India's 2010 monsoon season and everything is on course for the track to be completed well ahead of its October debut.

Fri 28 October 2011
Practice 1 10:00 - 11:30
Practice 2 14:00 - 15:30
Sat 29 October 2011
Practice 3 11:00 - 12:00
Qualifying 14:00
Sun 30 October 2011
Race 15:00


Circuit Name: Buddh International Circuit
Number of Laps: 60
Circuit Length: 5.137 km
Race Distance: TBC


As millions of fans gear up to witness their Formula One dreams come alive in India, leading global telecommunications company Bharti Airtel today joined hands with Formula One group companies to announce the 2011 Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India, India’s eagerly awaited F1 foray.

Announcing Airtel as ‘Title Sponsor’ for this sporting event, Sanjay Kapoor (CEO - India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel) and Bernie Ecclestone (Formula One Group CEO) together unveiled the official logo of the 2011 Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India. To be hosted at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh, India) on October 30, 2011, this first ever Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India will put India on the prestigious list of countries on the global F1 map and give Indian fans their first ever chance to experience the adrenaline rush!

Announcing the association, Sanjay Kapoor, CEO - India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel, said: “A sports phenomenon that initially originated from Europe and went across the globe to become a rage, Formula One today enjoys the cult following of a whopping 500 million plus fans. Airtel, with its 200 million plus customers which significantly represent the young and vibrant population, is delighted to be affiliated with F1 to bring this international sports event to India for the time first time ever! Right through its growth path, Airtel has been associated with speed, performance, calculated risks and excitement, the very words that spring to mind when you think of Formula One. Hence, it is only natural that Airtel and Formula One together bring to life the dreams of millions of young and passionate sports enthusiasts in India, giving them an opportunity of a lifetime to watch the very first Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India in person.”

Commenting on the announcement, Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Group CEO, said: “I am very pleased with our association with Bharti Airtel which has demonstrated that they are the very forward thinking company that I believe and was the reason for seeking their help in promoting Formula One in India through their 200 million plus customers. We are very good partners as we both project the same forward thinking.”

As part of its association with the 2011 Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India, brand Airtel will leverage several exciting entitlements that other prominent global brands associated with Formula One have enjoyed thus far. Formula One enthusiasts can look forward to a host of innovative offerings and initiatives by Airtel, which will be rolled out and announced in weeks to come.