Greater Noida, Oct 26 (IANS) Like his fellow Formula 1 colleagues, Red Bull’s chief technical officer Adrian Newey also had his ‘India moment’ while travelling to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC).
The 54-year-old had a minor car accident while coming to the circuit Friday.
“We had a bit of an accident, only a small one, Friday while reaching the circuit. The car next to ours nicked us and went their way, rushing up the motorway as if nothing had happened,” Newey told IANS at the BIC paddock ahead of the Indian Grand Prix Sunday.
Earlier, Mercedes’ driver Nico Rosberg had said that he had to wait for a cow to cross the road to make their way through while his compatriot Nico Hulkenberg of Sauber had said that managing the traffic here is a huge task with cows and dogs on the main roads.
Newey, regarded as one of the best engineers ever to have worked in Formula 1 having won numerous titles and over 80 Grands Prix, also took a tour of New Delhi and found the city fascinating.
“We took a walk around Delhi Friday. We were shown kids who have been on the streets and how they lived at the train stations and how they survive. It is quite fascinating,” said Newey, who has won nine constructors’ championships till date.
Asked if he has taken a trip around India, Newey added: “Well not this time but two years ago we went down to Agra and then across to Jaipur. We then went to see the desert too.”
There is a lot of uncertainty about the future of Formula 1 in India with several logistical and tax problems but Newey said he is always keen to come to India.
“I can’t comment on the customs and tax issues but I think it has been a great race here. I enjoy coming here so it is a shame that those sorts of issues mean that we won’t be coming here in the future,” said Newey, who is the only designer to have won constructors’ titles with three different teams – Williams, McLaren and now at Red Bull.
“I don’t know if there will be a race in 2015, that’s the rumour, but I am not sure. I don’t think we have any issues coming here. All the teams enjoy it. It boils down to Bernie Ecclestone and all the negotiations,” added Newey.