Indian GP Thread contains spoilers - sponsored by Vijay Mallya's bank manager

[Fernando]

India plays host for the 17th round of the 2012 Formula One World Championship with teams arriving in New Delhi and making their way to Greater Noida and the impressive Buddh International Circuit. With only three races to follow, India marks the beginning of the endgame in the race for Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship glory.

The debut of the Indian Grand Prix was perhaps the highlight of the 2011 season. Buddh proved to a fast, flowing and highly demanding race track, complete with memorable corners and several good overtaking opportunities. This was supplemented by an excited and knowledgeable crowd who replicated the general high level of enthusiasm with which the Indian public greeted Formula One.

Replacing last year’s great leap into the unknown, F1’s second visit to Buddh is heralded by keen anticipation from those drivers who raced here last season. The high-speed turns proved an instant hit, and having had a year to mature the surface is likely to deliver even more grip this time around Ð though potentially at the cost of greater tyre wear.

Kimi RŠikkšnen and Lewis Hamilton, respectively third and fourth in the Drivers’ Championship are quoted as having all-but written off their title aspirations for this year, in effect making the 2012 Drivers’ Championship a two-horse race between Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso. With a clean sweep of three victories from the recent races in Singapore, Japan and South Korea, momentum is clearly with Vettel, who now leads Alonso by six points. Alonso, however, has stayed in the hunt all year despite having his chances of a third world championship dismissed by many even before the season began. With 100 points still on the table, he won’t be conceding anything just yet.


Length of lap:

5.125km

Lap record:

1:27.249

(Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing, 2011)

Start line/finish line offset:
0.251km
Total number of race laps:
60
Total race distance:

307.249km
Pitlane speed limits:
60km/h during practice and qualifying, 100km/h during the race



Changes to the circuit since 2011

► The grass to the right before T5 and T16 has been replaced with asphalt. The asphalt on the exit of T15 has been extended.
► The additional kerbs behind the apex kerbs at T6, T7 and T8 have been lengthened by 5m at each end.
► An area of artificial grass has been laid behind the apex of T7. A 1m wide strip of artificial grass has been laid behind the kerb around the inside of T10 and T11. The verge on the right between T8 and T9 has been leveled.
► The kerb, artificial grass and asphalt run-off area on the right after T9 has been extended as far as the ‘oval’ track loop.
► The guardrail on the right before T10 has been re-aligned further from the track.

Fast Facts

► This will be the second Indian Grand Prix. The race joined the calendar in 2011.
► Sebastian Vettel’s victory in the 2011 race was his F1 grand chelem, including, as it did, pole position, fastest lap and victory after leading every lap of the race. Vettel repeated the feat in Japan earlier this month.
► India is the first country to have its inaugural grand prix won by the reigning World Champion since Michael Schumacher managed the feat in 2004 at Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit. Since then F1 has gone to Shanghai, Istanbul, Valencia, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Korea without the man with the number one on his car standing on top of the podium.
► India was Vettel’s ninth and final victory of the 2011 season. He had wrapped up the 2011 Championship two races earlier in Japan. Vettel did not suffer a lack of motivation in the following races, taking pole position in the final two rounds – however a puncture in Abu Dhabi led to his only retirement of the season in the next race, while at the season finale in Brazil, an early gearbox problem meant he had to settle for second behind team-mate Mark Webber.
► Webber finished second in Korea, following Vettel over the line to make it the first 1-2 finish for any team in 2012. Red Bull Racing achieved it three times in 2011 but 2010 is the last time any other team managed the feat. During that season RBR finished 1-2 four times, McLaren three times and Ferrari twice.
► Vettel has been leading grands prix for 145 consecutive laps. He inherited the lead from Lewis Hamilton midway through the Singapore Grand Prix and was in first place from lights to flag in both Japan and Korea. He has some way to go before matching the 305 consecutive laps led by Alberto Ascari during the 1952 season.
► Buddh International Circuit features several challenging changes of elevation – none of which are entirely natural. Some four million cubic tonnes of earth were bulldozed into place during circuit construction.
► One of the most notable sections of the Buddh International Circuit is the multi-apex turns 10-11. It has been likened to Spoon corner at Suzuka, and also to Turn Eight at Istanbul Park. Unlike both of those it is a clockwise turn.
► The first 13 races of 2012 were all held of clockwise circuits, while of the last seven races, only Buddh is fully clockwise: Marina Bay, KIC Yas Marina, COTA and Interlagos are all anti-clockwise; Suzuka has a figure-eight layout.
► Greater Noida is a community town planned in the 1980s, itself an extension of the planned urban region of Noida, incorporated in the 1970s and designed to accommodate the rapid growth of New Delhi. Noida is an acronym, the shortened form of New Okhla Industrial Development Authority, the managing authority of the development.

Source: Fia

[Dave.]

Here, is EJ wearing the Indian shirts again?

[Guest]

Not sure about the shirts, i'm more interested in the racing. As I was saying in the other topic, Vettel is looking dominant. I think if McLaren get two podiums it would be a magnificent achievement from the weekend.

[SteveG]

As stated already in previous posts I'm now rooting for Alonso but its looking steep. Mclaren started badly, picked up the baton and then dropped it again. Will keep myself interested with the teams and the technical stuff but all in all I've now checked out of this season.

P1, P2 (already), P3, Pole and a straight forward race win for Vettel. Full house.

[Guest]

I actually think quite alot of fans and certain drivers have 'checked out' of this season. I think the full house is indeed on the cards for Vettel this weekend and he will probably be so comfortable in the race, he will even infuriate his engineer by posting the fastest lap of the race on his last lap. Even if Webber grabs pole, even remotely, I can see the predictable bogged down Australian let the finger stroll to the win at the first corner. Going to be tough for McLaren, be nice to see Hamilton grab a podium after the horrific bad luck and mechanical issues he's faced.

I'm just hoping for a good race but the last time we had one of them was probably about 6 months ago......

[GSC]

Yeah this season started out fantastic, but it looks like Vettels going to cruise to a 3rd title using his yawn inducing formula.

[Guest]

Just seen the highlights of today's practice and the McLaren phasing out of Hamilton process is well and truly under way. Not telling him about the new updates was inevitable and all the focus will be on Button from now to Brazil. Wouldn't surprise me to see them try and propel or manipulate Button ahead of Hamilton in the inter-team points battle, which is currently at five.

Funny though, Hamilton was running the updates and they were well over 0.9 seconds behind Red Bull. With no regulation change for next season, I can't see anyone challenging Vettel until 2014. I predict he could be a four time world champion by the end of next season.

[mystiroakey]

i am hoping button can challenge vettel next season- infact i think both are very similar drivers- button will become a true number one by then so its gonna make the difference!

[Alessandro Ciambella]

What have Mclaren got to gain by phasing out Hamilton? They are still in the hunt for the constructors.

[GSC]

Vettel on pole, Webber 2nd.

Aka, complete yawnfest as Vettel cruises to the championship.

[Guest]

At least Hamilton pulled something out the bag and starts 3rd to make it slightly exciting. Vettel should stroll to the win. Should be an intriguing battle for the podium, however the 25 points and the title will surely be sewn up.

[SteveG]

For me this race hinges on Webbers start. If he holds on to second then he'll back everyone up for Vettel and it will be the usual bore fest. However if Hami gets the jump (track looks very dusty off line) then providing Mclaren have good race pace it might - just might get Indian spicy !!

[Guest]

What have Mclaren got to gain by phasing out Hamilton?

They've got to withhold certain information from a driver who is joining a rival next season. For McLaren, it's far from ideal, Hamilton knows exactly what car McLaren have next season and it's specific features. It was inevitable they were going to phase him out and it's already been evident this weekend. As for the constructors, deep down McLaren have probably already given up on beating Red Bull. Finishing second in the constructors will be the priority.

Red Bull certainly aren't as confident about tomorrow as previous races. I think being on the clean side will be advantageous and if Hamilton doesn't get past Webber at the start, surely an opportunity will arise down the back straight. Of course, it's essential for the good of the race if Hamilton can leap Webber and begin to attack, something we've been starved of recently. Hamilton has nothing to lose, which could bring out the best in him.

I have to agree with Alonso's comments, he is not only fighting Vettel but is fighting Newey aswell. First time I've really sensed negativity from Alonso, very defeatist attitude but I have to agree. Vettel had to wait until a significant breakthrough came to the car to challenge Fernando. It's a shame that Alonso's title dream is drifting away.

[dyrewolfe]

I actually think quite alot of fans and certain drivers have 'checked out' of this season. I think the full house is indeed on the cards for Vettel this weekend and he will probably be so comfortable in the race, he will even infuriate his engineer by posting the fastest lap of the race on his last lap. Even if Webber grabs pole, even remotely, I can see the predictable bogged down Australian let the finger stroll to the win at the first corner. Going to be tough for McLaren, be nice to see Hamilton grab a podium after the horrific bad luck and mechanical issues he's faced.

I'm just hoping for a good race but the last time we had one of them was probably about 6 months ago......

For once I find myself in complete agreement with you.

Ever since Red Bull hit their straps, development-wise, a few races ago, the season has looked like turning into another victory parade for Vettel. If Seb isn't crowned champion for the third time this season, it will only be due to mistakes or bad luck.

Ferrari and McLaren have just fallen too far behind in the development stakes. Had to laugh and nod in agreement when Alonso said he was racing Adrian Newey, rather than Vettel or Webber.

[dyrewolfe]

Barring any accidents or weather changes, I'm expecting a fairly processional race and another routine lights-to-flag drive for Red Bull.

Alonso will probably get the jump on Button at the start and may get past Hamilton at some point in the race, but that is likely to be the only entertainment on offer...unless Perez has another good race.

The only hopes for some competitive racing are that both DRS zones have been extended this year and tyre wear has improved significantly, meaning we should be able to see the raw pace of the cars, rather than which ones are easiest on their tyres.

[Trebs]

A very good drive from Alonso, I think he can be very happy with the 2nd place as there was no way he was going to catch Vettel. This season looks like it's going to come to a boring finish with a series of Vettel wins, unless we have factors like the rain which hasn't seemed to happen at the moment. Decent drives from Hamilton, Massa and Button but nothing special.

[GSC]

Smart drive from Alonso but unless he and a few others are going to start catching Vettel in quali its all over.

[mystiroakey]

well alonso speaks sense- he is racing newey- not vettel. Vettel is a good pilot in a great car..

alonso is a great driver in a good car

ham in a great driver in a messed up team..

oh well.. season over for me..

[SteveG]

well alonso speaks sense- he is racing newey- not vettel. Vettel is a good pilot in a great car..

alonso is a great driver in a good car

ham in a great driver in a messed up team..

oh well.. season over for me..

Nice summary

[SteveG]

Brilliant start between Alonso/Button/Hami (how the heck did Button get that start in the dust??) - F1 at its best. However race quickly settled into the familiar pattern with a little bit of will he won't he excitement towards the end with Hami/Webber. Why is it always Webber's car that has KERS issues? Anyway at 7 laps out I had Hami down for a podium but it was obvious Webbers KERS must have came back soon after (although he probably won't admit as much) otherwise Hami would have closed up a heck of alot quicker.

Great drive from Alonso who again showed a master class in racing at the start and then maximised the equipment at his disposal for second place - in reality barring DNF's the absolute maximum he could fininsh. The Ferrari is often talked about as being an inferior car - but on race pace it's often been there or thereabouts.

A slightly slow getaway followed by a steering wheel probelm pretty much ruined Hami's chance of a podium. One point of note - the side by side starting positions and the final finishing gaps between the Ferrari and Mclaren drivers pretty much reflects the similat difference between each pair of team mates - despite the shifting problems for Hami.

Another worrying race for Merc - just looking for hope - a sign - something.

And finally to the podium, Brundle, Vettel and something about Sennas record - stop it.

[Guest]

Vettel domination......surprise, surprise. One win all season for the finger, suddenly Newey provides the upgrade and four wins on the bounce appear.......says it all!

Hamilton's atrocious start compared to Button's basically ended all hopes of a podium. Just infuriates me, challenging JB basically killed his race and once again McLaren battling themselves has impeded them and lost them positions, when will they learn?

I actually enjoyed the later part of the race when for the first time in ages, drivers were able to actually race flat out for a sustained period of time, thanks to Pirelli getting the tyre compound choice for the race completely wrong.

“It was a wicked race for me, I loved it,” said Hamilton. “I pushed right to the finish line, I pushed as hard as I could. I can’t even remember the last time I had to be so much over the limit to catch someone, literally to the point where I was about to come off.

“I’ve not been able to do that too much during the year, because we’ve had to save tires and that stuff. The tires lasted so long and we had really good pace at the end. It was just really unfortunate that we lost ground at the beginning.

Watching Hamilton throwing the car around was really enjoyable and even Alonso losing control towards the end was great to see, actual drivers pushing themselves to the limit. Just shows you that when Alonso & Hamilton go full throttle, Button is left behind........JB was nowhere yesterday.

Great drive from Alonso but he's fighting a losing battle. Abu Dhabi pole for Vettel and it's another procession.

[SteveG]

Never seen Hami so happy with his afternoons work. For the first time all season he could push the car to the limits for much of the race without fear of the tyres going off. Even though he just ran out of road against Webber he obviously had fun being able to hunt him down. It's an issue already broached by Schumi and I'm guessing most of the drivers felt equally as good being able to push for once.

Lets have more durable tyres and days like this says he. Coudn't agree more says me.

[Critical_mass]

Never seen Hami so happy with his afternoons work. For the first time all season he could push the car to the limits for much of the race without fear of the tyres going off. Even though he just ran out of road against Webber he obviously had fun being able to hunt him down. It's an issue already broached by Schumi and I'm guessing most of the drivers felt equally as good being able to push for once.

Lets have more durable tyres and days like this says he. Coudn't agree more says me.

Couldnt agree more either to be honest. Thats what racing is all about, id like full pit stops to come back with fuelling and more durable tyres. At the moment it still isnt a medium between the days where tyres lastest forever and tyres that are made of chewing gum. Also there would be no need for fuel saving AND it would allow teams to run different strategies based on fuel load. Slow teams could try a low fuel strategy but more stops. Would mix things up a bit more.

At the mo, all the drivers are on the same strategy effectively.

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