A couple of weeks back when the organisers of the Grand Prix of India were giving final touches to the Buddh International Circuit, Bernie Ecclestone was getting anxious. The F1 boss feared that the inaugural Indian race might run into trouble.
Ecclestone, who is expected to arrive in New Delhi on Monday, was pessimistic earlier. “I was sent pictures of the track and I thought — Christ, we are not going to get it finished in time,” he said.
But soon, he was convinced when the organisers sent more pictures. “But what they have done in the mean time — and I have been sent more recent pictures — is incredible. The people there are very anxious to be sure that they are doing a good job and they are very passionate about their sport,” Bernie added.
He is now assured that the first race to be held in the country will be a big success. “I’m looking forward to the race. I think in India, in Abu Dhabi and Brazil, the racing will be even keener than it has been this season.
“The drivers have been concerned about finishing second or third or fourth, because of the state of the championship. They have been anxious not to fall off the road. But now they don’t care. Now these guys will be racing to win.”
In the wake of two fatal motorsport accident in a span of seven days, Bernie is confident that F1 remains ahead of the pack in terms of safety.