There was a big push in recent years to bring Formula One to India, particularly with the arrival of the Force India team. Whisperings about a new race came to fruition in 2011, with Hermann Tilke back in action designing a recognisable track of long straights followed by tight and slow corners. The action wasn't thrilling for fans, and the reception in the country was also muted. The track was dropped from the calendar after just three years.

F1 history

The Indian Grand Prix scraped onto the 2011 calendar, finishing up just in time to provide a reasonable debut for the country’s first F1 race. It had been in development, through talks and building the circuit itself, for several years, but the reception to the first Indian Grand Prix was muted.

The first sector of the Buddh circuit sees the home straight lead into a very tight and slow first corner, through several more turns, before heading onto a huge, long straight that leads to turn 4. After another straight, the corners become more frequent, with the sweeping right hander of turns 10 and 11 providing a real challenge. That area is also surrounded by grandstands, providing an excellent opportunity for fans to get some excellent views as the race unfolds.

The track remained on the F1 calendar for three years, but was dropped after disputes with regards to funding arrangements. The circuit continues to host motorcycle racing, however.

Learn more about Buddh International Circuit with the Pocket F1 Handbook.