New Delhi, Sep 1 (IANS) Formula One race director Charlie Whiting Thursday ‘cleared’ the Buddh International Circuit for hosting the inaugural Indian Grand Prix October 28-30.
The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the apex body of motorpsorts in the country, and race promoters Jaypee Sports International said that Whiting was ‘satisfied’ with the progress of work on the 5.14km circuit in Greater Noida in the outskirts of the capital.
Whiting’s visit was part of the homologation of the circuit where he inspected the track and other areas related to the race before giving it a green signal. However, the final certification by FIA (International Automobile Federation), a common practice for new circuits, will happen a week prior to the race.
FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok was at the track alongside Whiting and said the Englishman latter was pleased with the progress made since his last visit.
‘We spent around six hours at the track and he was satisfied,’ Chandhok told IANS. ‘Though this was a routine inspection, the track has been cleared for the race. The progress of work exceeded his expectations. There won’t be any further changes on the track and the tarmac has also been laid,’ Chandhok said of the track which has been designed to promote overtaking.
A JPSI official, on the condition of anonymity, told IANS that Whiting checked the ‘state of track services, kerbs, run-off area, fencing area and martial’s post besides inspecting the medical facilities, the team and the pit building’.
‘It is welcome news for us that he was pleased and now we can focus on the successful staging of the race. It was an important visit and we are glad that he expressed satisfaction. The work in and around the track will continue in full swing and we should complete everything by the end of this month,’ he said.
