Indian Grand Prix »
Buddh International Circuit
|
Located about 60 kilometres from New Delhi, gradient changes are high on the agenda and four million cubic tons of earth were moved to achieve the Buddh International Circuit. The track rises by 14 metres between Turns 1 and 3, a tricky right-hander which the drivers turn into unsighted. Meanwhile, long straights terminate with wide corners entries offering a choice of lines and the possibility of overtaking. However, the most memorable part of the circuit is likely to be the ‘mini-arena’ formed by the slightly banked, double-apex Turn 10/11. Compromise is necessary to get the best out of the mix of long straights, tight corners and fast bends when it comes to set-up.
Unfortunately, the circuit is surrounded by flat farmland which results in an extremely dusty track surface. It's a situation that may improve with more time to prepare and the creation of the sports development and apartments that will encircle the circuit but for the time being, it spoils what is, on paper, a challenging layout.
|
In common with most modern circuits, the track is a blend of very long straights and slow, technical corners which give strategists and engineers a headache as they balance the differing aerodynamic requirements of each. The back straight begins with a very tight hairpin and so traction and a quick exit will be essential to maximize speeds whether its for pure lap time, defending position or setting up an overtake into the tight corner at the end. Meanwhile, Turn 10/11 is the most demanding corner of the track from a tyre perspective. The wide radius and camber allow high speeds to be reached that take the tyres to the limit of adhesion and put plenty of energy through the loaded tyre.
From an engine point of view, the circuit presents a challenge in terms of balancing top end speed for the relatively long straights with driveability and torque through the lower speed corners in the middle sector of the lap.
|
|
|
Overview
| Circuit Length: |
5.137 km (3.192 miles) |
| Race Length: |
60 laps (308.2 km, 191.5 miles) |
| Circuit Type: |
Permanent course |
| Direction: |
Clockwise |
| Corners: |
16 (9 right-hand and
7 left-hand corners) |
| Elevation Change: |
Low |
| Run-off Area: |
Large |
| Maximum G-Force: |
4.0 G |
| Joined Calendar: |
2011 |
| Lap Record: |
1:27.249 (Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull-Renault, 2011) |
| Av. Temperature: |
33°C |
| Typical Weather: |
Hot, sunny |
| Altitude: |
194 m AMSL |
| Official Website: |
External link |
|
|
Key Points
Turn 1 - The start-finish straight culminates in a very tight right-hander which drivers will have to negotiate carefully at the start but which later provides the possibility of a passing manoeuvre.
Turn 4 - The main straight starts downhill before climbing back up again, with maximum speeds of 318 km/h expected, before braking for a tight right-hander. Here at Turn 4 should provide the best overtaking opportunities.
Turns 10-12 - Turn 10/11 is a banked, double-apex, right-hand turn which tightens towards the end before flicking back to the left in what is Turn 12. That equates to the sort of tricky complex that needs to be negotiated while braking and steering simultaneously, presenting multiple racing lines and scope for error.
|
|
|
Medium
15 s
2.59 kg/5km
Hard / 
Soft