Greater Noida, Oct 25: Dust has become a thing of the past at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), say the Formula 1 drivers here for the second Indian Grand Prix.
Drivers had complained of dust and dirt at BIC during the inaugural edition last year.
“The track looks a lot more prepared this year and a lot of development work seems to have taken place.
We have again received a warm welcome from the Indian people,” seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher said at the Mercedes GP hospitality here Thursday.
Caterham driver Heikki Kovalainen said: “The event was very successful last year.
They have done a great job with the circuit and I can see a lot of improvements.
The track looks much cleaner and the dust issue seems to have been addressed.
Hopefully a lot of people will come and watch the race.”
Williams driver Bruno Senna too was happy with the improvements made to the track and counted the Buddh circuit as one of his favourites.
“This is one of my favourite tracks on the F1 calendar. The preparations were rushed last year but this year this has all been sorted.
Experience off the track is a big change and a lot of work seems to have gone into it.”
The sole Indian driver in F1 this season, Narain Karthikeyan, also commended on the race conditions and felt that the track this year would provide more grip.
“We are coming off a hugely successful race last year. Sunday we hope there is a big crowd. Conditions are a lot better than last year.
We have a higher level of grip which is great,” he said.
Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen was his usual nonchalant self.
Asked whether he liked Indian food, the Finn said that he would like it if it tasted similar to the food in Europe.
“Last night I landed at one.
Till now I have had no complaints.
I would like the food if it is the same as it is in Europe.
Every year there are some new circuits and nothing changes for me.”
