Setting the Scene for the Indian Grand Prix
Formula 1 seems to have taken to the Buddh International Circuit, despite its 'rough around the edges look, thanks to the enthusiasm India has shown for the sport ahead of it's maiden World Championship Grand Prix. Edd Straw sets the scene
Unlike certain other new F1 countries, where the arrival of a grand prix hasn't always led to a sustained groundswell of interest, India is ready for F1. For a start, it has an Indian-owned team and two drivers. That is hugely valuable for the appeal of this race, even if Karun Chandhok will be on the sidelines once the chequered flag falls at the end of Friday morning practice, leaving Narain Karthikeyan to carry the nation's hopes (which can stretch only to reaching the chequered flag, given his HRT machinery).
What's more, there is a fanbase for the sport as a whole as for almost two decades grands prix have been broadcast live. So it's not just about local interest. This is a nation brought up on the Michael Schumacher v Mika Hakkinen world championship battles of 1998-2000.
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