Paul di Resta (L) and Nico Hulkenberg (R) sign autographs at the Buddh International Circuit (image courtesy Sahara Force India)
The countdown to the end is ON. The Indian Grand Prix is this weekend, and it's the 4th last races of the season. While there is still some wiggle room (albeit very small) for someone like Raikkonen to breakthrough to win the championship title, fortune is smiling on Vettel based on the last few races.
The Buddh International Circuit, built with four million cubic tonnes of earth bulldozed into place during circuit construction, is a very young circuit as it only debuted last year. The circuit has a very fast clockwise track with spots for overtaking, the 60-lap race will be hard on the tyres but will be a pleasure to watch. Not to mention there is the added unpredictability of not all the drivers will have driven at this track before (like Raikkonen and Hulkenberg). Force India team and HRT's Karthikeyan will also get a lot of home court attention.
At the opening of the track last year, there was tremendous excitement and celebrations at the circuit. "Expectations are high and I hope on Sunday we see a big crowd, a strong one." said Karthikeyan. I imagine equal if not higher excitement anticipation will be met at the launch of Austin Grand Prix circuit in a few weeks. I can hardly wait until the Austin Grand Prix!!
The person who was on pole, did the fastest lap and subsequently won the Indian Grand Prix last year was Vettel. There is definitely a good chance that history will repeat itself this weekend. In the hopes for drama and excitement on the tracks, I'd like to see Webber bring a good challenge to Vettel, as no other race team's cars are coming close to the speed of the Red Bull.
Button finished 2nd at the Indian Grand Prix last year with Alonso finished 3rd. Alonso is currently only six points behind Vettel after leading most of the season. With a good qualifying, Alonso could be well positioned to regain the lead. Not to discount Hamilton, but it seems like his flame has dimmed and flickered quite a bit in recent races, his chances to podium in Sunday’s race seems small.
I'm ready for the Indian Grand Prix and plan to enjoy it with a nice bowl of curry and a mango lassi. What about you? Who do you think will top the podium on Sunday?