Soon, test your car’s horsepower without fear of speeding ticket

September 28th, 2011 - 1:41 pm ICT by IANS  

New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) If you own a fast car but can’t rev it up on congested roads of the national capital or on fears of being handed a speeding ticket, you will soon have an option: India’s first Formula-1 (F1) race track at Noida on the city’s outskirts.

The same track where your favourite speedsters have competed to pop the champagne end of October can be hired to speed your car thanks to Jaypee Sports International Ltd (JPSI) — the firm that has developed what it officially called the Buddh International Circuit.

“After the inaugural race at the circuit in October-end, we intend to open the track for public on Saturdays and Sundays,” said Sameer Gaur, managing director of Jaypee Sports International.

“Aspiring racing car drivers and motor sport enthusiasts can come over here to practise here in a safe environment rather than on roads or highways where it is illegal, prone to accidents and will be a menace to the public,” Gaur told IANS.

Auto industry experts and enthusiasts said this would not only help the circuit generate revenues but also promote the motor sport in India, which is gaining immense popularity in the country, especially among youth.

“This will certainly help the registers ticking. There are many people interested in motor sports. But these are initial days. Much more is set to come,” said Abdul Majeed, auto practice leader with PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

“Such an infrastructure will also promote the sales of super sports cars in India. That’s the reason why automobile companies are flocking to be associated with the circuit,” Majeed told IANS.

“Earlier there was an infrastructure deficit. There was no such facility, as such. Now the automobile companies would position themselves by showcasing their state-of-the-art products that can be used on the track.”

The 5.14-km circuit has been designed by German architect and racetrack expert Hermann Tilke, who was also associated with similar projects in Malaysia, Bahrain, Indonesia, China, Turkey, the UAE, South Africa, South Korea and the US.

The track’s combination of 16 corners, high-speed straights and dramatic changes in elevation has been designed to provide ample opportunities for overtaking, taking motor racing to the next level of exciting, officials said.

The circuit is part of Jaypee Sports City, spread over 2,500 acres, which will include a cricket stadium, a hockey arena, a sports training academy and similar infrastructure for other sports.

The inaugural race during Oct 28-30 will see American pop icon Lady Gaga perform for the grand party during her maiden visit to India.

(Rohit Vaid can be reached at rohit.v@ians.in and biz@ians.in)

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