David Coulthard's Indian Grand Prix preview

A new track is always a challenge, and this weekend's Indian Grand Prix is no exception. There have been concerns over whether the track will be ready in time, given the experience with the recent Commonwealth Games, and also confusion over the customs and tax position Formula 1 will be placed in. But there's undoubtedly a big enthusiasm for the sport and I'm sure the event will be everything India expects it to be if my experience of demonstrating a Red Bull show car a couple of years ago is anything to go by.

All in the sim

Over the past few years there's been a huge development in simulator programmes, and they are one way of helping a driver learn his way round a track - especially a new one like the Buddh International Circuit. This gives the drivers an idea of how the 20 FIA-prescribed corners (though on average only maybe 12 of them require the driver to actually do something other than steer) will feel, although it has to be said that there is still a massive difference between driving a track on a computer and doing it in real life.