We went to the Grand Prix over the weekend which was at the Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi. We decided to go to the qualifying (Sat) and race day (Sun).
Just getting there and back was eventful enough. It’s the furthest we’ve travelled by car in India (about 60 km) and the traffic was sometimes awful - on Sunday it took 4 ½ hours to get to the circuit. Indian driving is pretty crazy at the best of times, combined with testosterone fuelled men who each think they are the next Sebastian Vettel... There were a few close shaves! We did however see lots of families on the back of bikes (five was the most I counted, disappointingly without a pig or chicken!) and fifteen people crammed into the back of a small van. Car sharing is prevalent in India, showing great concern for the environment :-).
Having never been to a Grand Prix before we were both unsure what to expect, but we did find it really entertaining. We spent most of the time trying to work out what was going on (if you ever go, take some binoculars so you can read the positions on the screen), but the skill of the drivers is amazing and the sound of the cars is pretty deafening. I think my favourite moment of the two days was seeing Massa hit the kerb and break his wheel suspension on Sunday after doing exactly the same thing on Saturday... Some people never learn and it served him right for not giving Hamilton any space!
We’ve just about recovered our hearing, and are now looking forward to a relatively quite week and weekend...
A couple of pics:
Hamilton driving past
The journey to the race also involved reversing up a motorway sliproad and avoiding a cart full of patio slabs, being pulled by a cow going the wrong way up a dual carriageway! The race was awesome though, and we had a great seats at a good overtaking corner! xx
ReplyDeleteJust been reading all your posts sounds like you are having an amazing time!! Keep us posted on what else you are getting up to!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous experience, Andy and I watched it from our cosy sofa, well Andy watched it and i looked out for you too, next time dress up as a chicken or something so we can see you ;o) Nxx p.s. not set up a 'blog account' thingy yet so I am anonymous for now :o)
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered how good a live GP actually is...
ReplyDeleteOh so jealous Helen! Hope you had a fab time. Your blog is great, looking forward to the next update!
ReplyDeleteRob - you should remember the awesome noise at a grand prix. You went to a practise day when you were about 6 and spent the day moaning about the noise. We brought you a pair of ear muffs !
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Sounds wicked...I am sure this will be one of the many sporting events you go to see out there at a fraction of the price (jealous!)
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