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Formula 1 did the right thing in coming to India, says Ross Brawn

Formula 1 has done the right thing in coming to India for the first time this year, claims Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn, despite teething problems at the new Buddh circuit

Although drivers are relishing the layout of the new track near Delhi, teams and media have been battling with power cuts, some crude infrastructure and even local wildlife - including bats and rats - in buildings.

But Brawn thinks that F1 is right to be in India and says that everyone in the sport is 'tolerant' of the practical issues that have been encountered so far.

"The track is fantastic," said Brawn. "You don't really know until cars start running around, what the track is like. But the track is fantastic. It has got an exciting combination of corners and straights. It has a very long straight and some very important corners, some combination of corners that will be quite tricky.

"The facilities are good. Clearly it has just been finished but we understand that and we are not criticising that. We know that next year there will be another step forward with the facilities because it has been a massive challenge for everybody to get it finished, so we are very tolerant and understanding of the situation."

Bernie Ecclestone was seen inspecting the facilities on Thursday, and said he was happy with the efforts that had been made to get the track as complete as possible.

"It's super. The track is super," he said. "They have done everything we wanted them to do, within two or three years of us reaching an agreement. It took Silverstone 25 years, so I think they have done well."

Although the glitz and glamour of the multi-million pound F1 industry is in stark contrast to some of the poverty in India, Brawn says it is vital that the sport races in places like India.

"India for us is a fascinating new place for us; people comment on the contrast of something like F1 within the communities of India, but if we don't come here how can we help?" he explained.

"How can we contribute to making things move forward if F1 stays away from India? What solution does that provide? It doesn't provide any solutions, and F1 coming to India maybe we can contribute in a small way to the development of India as a nation.

"What is fascinating for me is the knowledge that people have of F1, because it is not a country where F1 has existed before. Talking to the fans and talking to the media, it is astonishing how much knowledge and enthusiasm they have for the sport.

"I think because India as a nation is going forward in the area of technology, F1 appeals. It is an area of high technology and India is an area that is rapidly advancing, and it is a great fit. I hope we can provide a good show for the fans."

Brawn has also played down concerns about the dirty track surface at Buddh, with dusty conditions expected in early practice.

"It doesn't help, and it is always nicer if you have a lot of different lines that the drivers can take, but quite honestly during the race, a lot of the track becomes unusable because of the rubber.

"If you look at any track during the race, there are no-go zones because the rubber builds up because of marbles. I don't think it will be a big issue.

"Everyone is very understanding. We are really pleased to be here, really excited to be here - we understand that there are things that for next year need a gentle improvement, but it is a fantastic facility."

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