Raceday had finally arrived! It was the day when Bharat ( India ) would host its first-ever MotoGP race. It was the day when the country would be back on the motorsports map, after a decade! Sunday promised to be a busy day with races in Moto3, Moto2 and of course MotoGP.

We headed out early on Sunday morning to not get delayed in traffic en route to the circuit!

Driving to the circuit on Raceday!

It seemed like we reached the Paddock quite early!

As soon as we entered the Paddock, we got to meet more people from the MotoGP Fraternity!

Mr Paolo Simoncelli, Team Owner, Sic58 Squadra Corsa :

Jake Dixon, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto2 :

Ana Carrasco, Boe Motorsports, Moto3 :

David Munoz, Boe Motorpsorts, Moto3 :

David Alonso, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto3 :

Franco Morbidelli, Monster Energy Yamaha, MotoGP :

After spending a few hours in the Paddock, it was time to get ready for the upcoming races. Although we stayed in the Paddock for the Moto3 Race, we headed to the Main Grandstand for the Moto2 and MotoGP events.

But first, time for some lunch in the Hospitality :

The walk to the Main Grandstand was through the tunnel, under the track!

Views from the Main Grandstand, the Moto2 riders congregating on the grid for their race :

The MotoGP teams ready the bikes in their respective garages while the Moto2 field gets ready for its race :

Formation Lap of the Moto2 Race ( Video Link ) :

The Moto2 riders lining up for the race start :

Race Start ( Video Link ) :

A turn one incident saw a multi-rider crash, and the race got red-flagged :

The riders return to the pit lane :

Video Link of the Formation Lap of the Race Restart :

The race is about to get underway after a break of 40 minutes, with the length shortened to 12 laps.

Moto2 Race Restart ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the Moto2 Race :

Pedro Acosta wins the race! Joe Roberts overtook Sergio Garcia for the final podium place in a thrilling last-lap battle :

Chequered Flag after the Race ( Video Link ) :

The riders returned to the pit lane after the race.

Pedro Acosta, Tony Arbolino & Joe Roberts, the podium finishers from the Moto2 Race :

Time for some celebrations :

Podium Celebrations ( Video Link ) :

The podium finishers enjoy the adulation from the crowds :

It was now time for MotoGP to take centre stage!

The Team Garages are abuzz with activity as the riders get ready to head out for sighting laps :

The riders heading out onto the pit lane :

The team personnel and VIP Guests make their way to the starting grid :

The mechanics help the riders navigate through the personnel to their respective grid slots :

The Honda riders make it to their grid positions :

Shots from the grid as everyone prepares for the inaugural MotoGP race :

MotoGP Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

The 2023 MotoGP of Bharat is a go!

Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Some Stills from the race :

The Race in Progress ( Video Link ) :

Marco Bezzecchi won the race from Jorge Martin & Fabio Quartararo. Martin almost lost P2 to Fabio but the Spaniard recovered himself and held on. Joan Mir was P5 for Honda with Marc Marquez recovering to P9 after an early crash.

Fabio Quartararo engages with the fans after the race, throwing over some race wear too!

Jorge Martin suffered from intense dehydration and had to be attended to by the medical staff. This led to a delay in the podium festivities. Meanwhile, we enjoyed ourselves near the podium :

Presenting the podium finishers of the 2023 MotoGP of Bharat :

The Trophy Presentation :

Time for the Prosecco to be sprayed on the podium :

Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin & Fabio Quartararo, the top 3 finishers of the 2023 MotoGP of Bharat :

Video Link for the Podium Celebrations :

With the Podium celebrations done, it was time for everyone to pack up and head to the next circuit. The teams packing up their bikes : 

As I made my final few rounds of the length of the paddock, I met some more motorsports fraternity!

Simon Crafar, former racer & Ace Commentator :

Jose Luis Martinez, Assistant & Best Friend to Marc Marquez :

The Paddock getting emptier by the hour :

The team personnel with the podium finishers' trophy! I also got a moment with Pablo Nieto, the team manager for the Mooney VR46 Racing team :

Pablo Nieto, Team Manager, Mooney VR46 Team, MotoGP :

Meeting riders and personnel continued into the evening!

Joe Roberts, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :

Dennis Foggia, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :

Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsports Wheel Manager, It was Such a pleasure to meet him :

After an eventful and hectic Friday, it was time for our entourage to prepare for all the action lined up for Saturday! Sadly, despite several attempts, my camera hardware failed and I was restricted to using my Samsung S23 Ultra for the rest of the weekend. Apologies for the lack of photos, but I tried to capture as many memories as possible from the Saturday.

An early morning start allowed us to bypass the traffic that got built up later in the day.

Enroute to the circuit :

The Paddock packing was relatively empty when we arrived and the teams were still gearing up for the day ahead!

The Paddock looks beautiful on Saturday morning :

While there was silence on the track, we decided to head over to the Fan Village to check out everything on offer at the inaugural race.

Walking over to the Fan Village, some stills of the Village, honestly an underwhelming experience :

As the MotoGP Qualifying neared, we decided to head to the grandstand that we had access to to watch all the action!

Views from the KTM Grandstand, a panoramic view of some iconic turns from the circuit :

Q1 underway :

Raul Fernandez and Alex Marquez qualified for Q2 but Marquez had a high-side at turn 5 that injured his ribs. The incident ruled the Spaniard out of the race weekend.

Video Link of Q1 :

Time for the top 12 shoot out in Q2 and the results would decide the grid for both the Sprint and the Race!

Marco Bezzecchi bagged the pole position from Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia. Joan Mir and Marc Marquez qualified P5 and P5 for Repsol Honda respectively.

Returning to the Paddock after an intense qualifying session :

On returning to the Paddock, we had the opportunity to meet more riders :

Darryn Binder, Husqvarna Intact GP, Moto2 :

Raul Fernandez, RNF Aprilia MotoGP :

Around 2 in the afternoon, we got told by our hosts in the Honda Hospitality that we would be on a garage tour soon.

Visiting the Repsol Honda garage was very special for me. As a fan of the team for more than 2 decades, it was an emotional experience. 

The RC213V up-close! It hadn't been the quickest machine, but the bike in its trademark orange livery looked as stunning as ever!

Photos with the Marc Marquez's ride!

We were then escorted to Marcquez's cubicle in the garage and it was such a humbling experience to sit in his seat! A place where several riders and former champions have sat in the past!

Returning to the HRC Hospitality from the garage we could see the skies get overcast :

Meeting more Motorsports Fraternity!

Razlan Razali, Team Principal, RNF Aprilia MotoGP :

Jaume Masia, Leopard Racing, Moto3 :

We decided to stay put during Moto3 qualifying due to rain hitting the circuit. Thankfully, the downpour was not for long, and we were able to walk across to the stands to watch some Moto2 action.

Moto2 Qualifying underway :

Due to the downpour earlier in the day, the FIM and Dorna called for a joint meeting with the riders, and it was unanimously decided to have an extra practice session on wet tyres to enable teams and riders to gather data ( should there be another downpour ).

Stills from the extra Practice session :

With the practice session, it was time for the first-ever Bharat GP Sprint Race!

Video Link of the Formation Lap before the MotoGP Sprint :

Shots from the First ever MotoGP Sprint in Bharat :

Video Link of the MotoGP Sprint Race Start :

The Sprint is done and the riders return to the pit lane after receiving the accolades of the crowds :

Jorge Martin won the Sprint from Francesco Bagnaia & Marc Marquez. Joan Mir crashed out of the Sprint in the other Honda.

As dusk approached, I had the chance to meet some more riders and get selfies and signatures from them!

Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing, MotoGP :

Johann Zarco, Pramac Racing, MotoGP :

What an experience ( more entertaining than F1 ) at a MotoGP Saturday! The sprint race concept is much better than the ones witnessed at an F1 event and track activities come thick and fast! 

I also published a Vlog about my Saturday Experience on my YouTube Channel!

Video Link : 

Thank you to Repsol Honda Racing for having us over the weekend and thank you to everyone who made MotoGP of Bharat a reality! The Sunday experience follows shortly!

The year was 1995 and during my school days, I rarely got any time away from my studies. Whenever I did, I used to tune in to a sports channel to check if there was anything of interest on TV. One day, I saw a motorbike race aired and a certain Mick Doohan led the field on a Repsol Honda bike. That was the moment I got hooked onto Motorsports. MotoGP was my first love & Mick Doohan was my first motorsports hero! Since then, I became a Repsol Honda fan and followed the team's exploits closely! Although I never had the opportunity to attend a MotoGP event, it was on my wishlist for many years.

The opportunity finally arrived when it was announced that MotoGP would hold its inaugural GP in India at the Buddh International Circuit from 22nd to 24th September 2023. Although preparations were in full swing to host a motorsport event after a decade at India's purpose-built track, there were major hiccups and hurdles along the way. Thankfully, after continued support from the government, the local authorities & the organizers, the race weekend was a go!

What was even more amazing was that I got the rare opportunity to be a guest of Repsol Honda for the entire weekend! 

My friend Yash Gosalia, who runs a nationwide sim-racing series called "The Hybrid Theory" was a co-guest at Honda with Prima Pramac Racing hosting another friend in Shamit Desai!

So, how was the experience at the inaugural Indian GP? The Friday experience begins here!

Enroute to the circuit, from New Delhi, but first, we had to pick up our race passes from the Collection centre :

Race Passes in hand, it was time to head to the track!

Welcome to the Buddh International Circuit :

Walking into the Paddock, so many memories come rushing back from a decade ago :

As we walked to the Honda Hospitality, I bumped into some riders from the current MotoGP grid!

Alex Marquez, Gresini Ducati Racing :

Joan Mir, Repsol Honda Team :

Augusto Fernandez, Gas Gas Factory Racing Tech3 :

Miguel Oliveira, Cryptodata RNF MotoGP :

Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Factory Racing Sports Director :

Jorge Martin, Prima Pramac Racing :

After settling ourselves inside the Hospitality, we decided to explore more areas of the Paddock.

Walking to the other end of the paddock & I got to see Sadhguru up close :

Meeting more people from the MotoGP fraternity continued!

Stefan Bradl, LCR Honda :

Mr Julia Marquez, the Father of the Marquez brothers :

Soon enough, it was time to follow the action on track, with FP1 getting underway. We sneaked our way up into the VIP viewing area!

The views from the Hospitality Arena, just after the VIP Village :

Shots from FP1 :

The Repsol Honda riders getting used to setups during FP1 :

Practising grid starts at the end of FP1 :

Video Link :

Marco Bezzecchi was the quickest in FP1 from Marc Marquez & Brad Binder. Joan Mir was P10 in the other Repsol Honda.

Post FP1, it was time to enjoy some lunch in the Hospitality area :

Shots of the Area :

The on-track action resumed with Moto2.

Time for the Moto2 riders to find their optimal setups for the weekend :

Post the Moto2 practice session, we had a brief lull and our group decided to head back down to the Paddock and try and get more selfies and signatures!

Returning to the Paddock before MotoGP Practice kicks off :

The decision turned out to be the right one as we met a host of other riders!

Marc Marquez!! Repsol Honda Racing Team! Fan moment with the most successful ( current ) MotoGP rider!

Sam Lowes, Marc VDS Racing, Moto2 :

Fabio Di Giannantonio, Gresini Ducati Racing :

Somkiat Chantra, Honda Team Asia, Moto2 :

Lin Jarvis, Team Principal for Monster Energy Yamaha :

Fabio Quartararo, Monster Energy Yamaha Team & 2021 World Champion :

Marc Marquez' Crew Chief, Santi Hernandez :

Takaaki Nakagami, LCR Honda :

Six-time World Champion & Aprilia ambassador, Max Biaggi :

Pol Espargaro, Gas Gas Factory Racing Tech3 :

Luca Marini, Mooney VR46 Racing Team :

Davide Tardozzi, Ducati Racing Team Manager :

We then headed back to the VIP Viewing area to get ready and prepped for MotoGP Practice. This session was most important since the lap times would decide which riders would qualify for Q2 and which would need to battle it out in Q1 on Saturday.

Enjoying some evening snacks before the start of the Practice :

The track looks stunning as dusk draws in :

Shots from the Practice :

The riders doing practice starts from the Grid :

Video Link :

Luca Marini was the quickest in Practice from Jorge Martin & Aleix Espargaro. Marc Marquez and Joan Mir were P4 & P10 for Honda respectively. Thankfully, both Repsol Honda riders automatically qualified for Q2 on Saturday!



Returning to the Paddock gave us the opportunity to meet more riders!

Aron Canet, Pons Racing, Moto2 :

Jack Miller, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team :

Deniz Oncu, Red Bull KTM Ajo, Moto3 :

Daniel Holgado, Red Bull KTM Tech3, Moto3 :

Celestino Vietti, Fantic Racing, Moto2 :

Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM MotoGP :

Tony Arbolino, Marc VDS Racing, Moto2 :

Marco Bezzecchi, Mooney VR46 Racing Team :

Ducati General Manager, Luigi Dall'lgna :

Albert Arenas, Red Bull KTM Ajo, Moto2 :

MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Lenovo Team :

Maverick Vinales, Aprilia Racing Team :

Lucio Cecchinello, Founder of LCR Honda Team. Had a great chat with this racing legend!

Night fell upon us and it was time to head back to New Delhi.

Goodbye from the Paddock! 

I also compiled a vlog on my YouTube Channel about my Friday Experience at the Inaugural MotoGP of Bharat!

Vlog Link :

It had been a memorable Day 1 at the Buddh International Circuit for us as we met a host of Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP riders and enjoyed watching some great action on the track. Sadly, my Sony RX10 IV malfunctioned which meant that I would have to survive the rest of the weekend without my camera. Nevertheless, I returned from the track with great stills and amazing memories!

Thank you to Repsol Honda Racing for having us over the weekend and thank you to everyone who made MotoGP of Bharat a reality! The Saturday experience follows shortly!

2023 was a special year for me, motorsports-wise. Besides my travels to F1 Races ( Spain & Belgium ), I had the opportunity to attend the Centenary Edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. However, What was more amazing was seeing racing return to my homeland in September 2023.

India ( now Bharat ) hosted its first-ever MotoGP race at the Buddh International Circuit from 22nd to 24th September. The purpose-built racetrack returned to hosting an international motorsports event for the first time since 2013. MotoGP, the pinnacle of racing on two wheels, was my first exposure to motorsport in the late 1990s. Back then, the exploits of Mick Doohan made me a Repsol Honda fan and ever since I have been following their performances avidly.

Attending a MotoGP event was always on my wishlist and when the opportunity to attend the inaugural edition of the Bharat GP presented itself, I simply couldn't refuse. The icing on the cake was that I got invited to the weekend as a guest of Repsol Honda!



As always, the first post from the experience documents all the known motorsport fraternity from the world of MotoGP. 

So here goes!

Alex Marquez, Gresini Ducati Racing :

Joan Mir, Repsol Honda Team :

Augusto Fernandez, Gas Gas Factory Racing Tech3 :

Miguel Oliveira, Cryptodata RNF MotoGP :

Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Factory Racing Sports Director :

Jorge Martin, Prima Pramac Racing :

Stefan Bradl, LCR Honda :

Mr Julia Marquez, the Father of the Marquez brothers :

Marc Marquez!! Massive Fan moment for a Repsol Honda loyalist :

Fabio Di Giannantonio, Gresini Ducati Racing :

Sam Lowes, Marc VDS Racing, Moto2 :

Somkiat Chantra, Honda Team Asia, Moto2 :

Lin Jarvis, Team Principal for Monster Energy Yamaha :

Fabio Quartararo, Monster Energy Yamaha Team & 2021 World Champion :

Marc Marquez' Crew Chief, Santi Hernandez :

Takaaki Nakagami, LCR Honda :

Six-time World Champion & Aprilia ambassador, Max Biaggi :

Pol Espargaro, Gas Gas Factory Racing Tech3 :

Luca Marini, Mooney VR46 Racing Team :

Davide Tardozzi, Ducati Racing Team Manager :

Aron Canet, Pons Racing, Moto2 :

Jack Miller, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team :

Deniz Oncu, Red Bull KTM Ajo, Moto3 :

Daniel Holgado, Red Bull KTM Tech3, Moto3 :

Celestino Vietti, Fantic Racing, Moto2 :

Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM MotoGP :

Tony Arbolino, Marc VDS Racing, Moto2 :

Marco Bezzecchi, Mooney VR46 Racing Team :

Ducati General Manager, Luigi Dall'lgna :

Albert Arenas, Red Bull KTM Ajo, Moto2 :

MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Lenovo Team :

Maverick Vinales, Aprilia Racing Team :

Lucio Cecchinello, Founder of LCR Honda Team :

Darryn Binder, Husqvarna Intact GP, Moto2 :

Raul Fernandez, RNF Aprilia MotoGP :

Razlan Razali, Team Principal, RNF Aprilia MotoGP :

Jaume Masia, Leopard Racing, Moto3 :

Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing, MotoGP :

Johann Zarco, Pramac Racing, MotoGP :

Mr Paolo Simoncelli, Team Owner, Sic58 Squadra Corsa :

Jake Dixon, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto2 :

Ana Carrasco, Boe Motorsports, Moto3 :

David Munoz, Boe Motorpsorts, Moto3 :

David Alonso, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto3 :

Franco Morbidelli, Monster Energy Yamaha, MotoGP :

Simon Crafar, former racer & Ace Commentator :

Jose Luis Martinez, Assistant & Best Friend to Marc Marquez :

Pablo Nieto, Team Manager, Mooney VR46 Team, MotoGP :

Joe Roberts, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :

Dennis Foggia, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :

Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsports Wheel Manager, It is Such a pleasure to meet him :

It was truly a special experience and a blessing to be at the inaugural edition of MotoGP of Bharat. A big thank you to Repsol Honda Racing for being kind enough to extend invites to my friend and me for the weekend. The Friday, Saturday and Sunday experiences will follow soon, so watch this space!

Sundays are always hectic be it any Grand Prix. Everyone waits expectantly as the tension mounts for the main event to get underway.

The Result on Sunday is what matters. All the mistakes made earlier in the weekend are forgiven.

So how was the Sunday at the 2013 Indian GP? Lets find out!

Enroute to the Circuit :

Waiting for the Paddock Club to open :

The Paddock on Sunday Morning :

The Circuit in all its glory!

Shots from the Lotus F1 Garage ( Pit - Lane Walk ) :

The Lotus E21 Firing Up :

More Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

The Mercedes AMG Petronas Team firing up their Mercedes 2.4 L V8 Engine! Sweet Music :




The Pit Lane Walk ended and we were visited by Romain Grosjean in the Suite!!


Lunch!!


It was imperative to finish one's lunch quickly else you would miss standing in the best places and capturing all the activity happening below :


Raikkonen and Hulkenberg do reconnaissance :

Mechanics rush to prepare the Grid Slots :


Kimi being rolled into his grid-slot :


Preparations in full swing for the Race Start :


Media interviewing Bottas, Alonso and Lauda :

Moments before the Formation Lap :


The Formation Lap :



Mechanics rushing back to the Pits :



The Race Start :

Video Link :



Shots from the 1st Half of the Race :

Lotus F1 Team in action :


More Stills from the Race :

Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen moving up the grid :

I was taken downstairs for the final part of the race and had the privilege of witnessing the Podium Celebrations up close.

Sebastien Vettel won the race comfortably and was crowned champion for the 4th Time! Red Bull Racing secured the Constructors' Championship too! Congratulations to them for a fantastic season!

Sebastien Vettel's elaborate doughnut celebrations following the chequered flag earned himself a reprimand and Red Bull Racing were given a €25,000 fine, for failing to go straight to parc ferme.

Nico Rosberg finished 2nd for a very satisfying afternoon for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Romain Grosjean produced a stellar drive to finish 3rd after starting 17th on the grid!

Kimi Raikkonen ran 2nd and then 3rd for a major part of the race but a disastrous decision to prolong his 2nd stint meant that his tyres went off the cliff and the Finn had to eventually pit from 7th Position on the Penultimate Lap and finish the race in 7th.

Alan Permane ( Lotus Trackside Operations Director ) came under fire for his controversial and abusive radio message ( we heard the uncensored version on the Team Radio ). Romain was already suffering from loss of air pressure in his engine ( in the last 15 laps ) and caught Kimi whose tyres had lost all life. Kimi didn't yield at the corner that the team expected him to and Alan shot off a harsh message to him. Kimi responded quite bluntly that it wasn't possible for him to let his Team-mate pass him at that corner. Permane had to bear the brunt on social media and some Kimi fans went over the top in their criticism. The matter is now doused though and everyone accepted that it was in the "Heat of the Moment"

Nevertheless it was good day for the Lotus F1 Team!!

The Mechanics are all smiles!


Sebastien Vettel, Triumphant once again!

Podium Celebrations and Trophy Presentations!

Video Link :




David Coulthard performing the Podium Interviews :

Video Link :



Celebrations in the Lotus F1 Team Garage :

Romain's Mechanics are all smiles!!


James Robinson mobbed by the crowd!!

A moment with the Trophy :

The teams frantically packing all up. The 2013 Abu Dhabi GP was in 7 days time!!

Debriefing :


What a Home Race this was. Its Sad that F1 doesn't return to India in 2014. The Fan Following is great out here and I shall always miss being at my home race.

3 Fantastic Days!!

A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for all the Hospitality! A Big Thank you to Anne-Charlotte Remy, Oliver Anderson, Fred Garcia and James Robinson for all the kindness shown to me.

Abu Dhabi GP Paddock Club Diaries coming soon!!

Thank you all for your patience! God Bless!

Saturday at the Grand Prix is always a busy affair. An early start to the day as teams perform Pit-Stop Practice followed by Third Practice and then the Qualifying to decide the grid on Sunday.

Lets see how it all unfolded on Saturday!!

Enroute to the Circuit :

The Paddock Club was yet to open so got some shots from above :

Shots from the First Pit-Lane Walk of the Day :

The Saturday Practice started with a slight delay due to poor visibility.

Shots from FP3 :

Lotus F1 Team in Action in FP3 :

Sebastien Vettel topped the Timesheets again! Romain Grosjean was 5th Fastest and Kimi Raikkonen was 11th.

A Sumptuous Lunch was served!

I finished my lunch hurriedly. It was time to go down for the 2nd Pit-Lane Walk of the day and meet the ICEMAN KIMI RAIKKONEN again!!!!!

KIMI RAIKKONEN!!

Shots from the 2nd Pit-Lane Walk :

We made our way back to the Pit Building and it was time for the Qualifying to start!

Shots from Q1 :

Lotus F1 Team in Q1 :

Jenson Button Topped Q1. Kimi Raikkonen was P6 and Romain Grosjean was eliminated in Q1 in 17th!!! Bad Strategic call by the Team not to run the Option Tyre!

Shots from Q2 :

Lotus F1 Team with Kimi in Q2 :

Sebastien Vettel was Fastest in Q2. Kimi Raikkonen was 4th Fastest!

It was now time for the Top 10 Shootout in Q3! The Top 10 Places would be decided for Sunday's Race!

Shots from Q3 :

Lotus F1 Team in Q3 :

Sebastien Vettel was on Pole again! Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton completed the Top 3!

Kimi Raikkonen could only manage P6 but a strong grid to start from nonetheless.

Post Qualifying I had the opportunity of going down to the Motorhome thanks to the graciousness of Oliver Anderson again!

With Eric Boullier and Romain Grosjean!

I couldn't get a moment with Kimi Raikkonen but got as close as possible to my Favourite Driver!

Kimi Photos!

Shots from the Motorhome :

Stills from the Paddock :

Returning from the Circuit :

It was a pleasant day 2 at the Indian GP but I never thought that a big drama would unfold the next day!! It will be revealed soon!

A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for all the Hospitality and Once Again a Big Thank you to Oliver Anderson for being so gracious in allowing me to roam through the Paddock on a Saturday evening!!


The Sunday experience coming soon. God Bless everyone!!

2013 has been an amazing year for me!! It would be criminal to not attend your Home Race after travelling all across the world for F1!

The Buddh International Circuit is the 2nd fastest circuit on the calender and boasts of some State-of-the-art Facilities!

It is a shame that F1 does not return to India next year. There have been some great races in the past couple of years and this year's event too wasn't a downer.

As usual Photos and Experiences from DAY 1!!

The Passes ( 3 day pass as usual :P )

Enroute to the circuit :

The View of the Paddock from above :

Jules Bianchi and Giedo van der Garde walking to the Garage :

The Hospitality Suite :

The First Friday Practice was already upon us!

Shots from FP1 :

The Lotus Boys Strutting their Stuff!

Sebastien Vettel was the Fastest in FP1. Romain Grosjean was 4th and Kimi Raikkonen 17th!

Oliver Anderson was gracious to take us downstairs post FP1 for a quick tour of the Garage!

The Time came for the Pit-Lane Walk and meeting Davide Valsecchi!

Shots from the Pit-Lane Walk :

Davide Valsecchi!!

Lunch as always was Sumptuous!!

After a filling lunch, it was time to engross yourself in FP2! Teams would be doing Race Simulations as well as some Low-Fuel Runs!

Shots from FP2 :

Lotus F1 Team in action during FP2!

The Cars Rolling back to the Garage :

Sebastien Vettel led the Timesheets again! Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen were 3rd and 8th respectively.

The Mechanics busy washing the Tyres Post the Practice Sessions!

The Paddock in the Evening!

Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean debriefing on Friday Evening!

Team Principals after the Friday Press Conference and Answering the media :

Returning Home!!

All in all a great Friday at the Indian Grand Prix. The Lotuses looked good on the Long-Run Settings!!

Couldn't wait for the Saturday and Sunday!!

More Coming from the Indian Grand Prix Weekend. So watch this Space!!

2013 has been an amazing year for me! A lot has been happening in my life so the Blog was neglected to some extent. For those who have been waiting patiently for my next post, THANK YOU for being such amazing fans!

The 2013 Indian GP was the 3rd Race of the Season for me and a truly memorable one! I attended back-to-back races in India and Abu Dhabi and the Lotus F1 Team celebrated a podium too in India.

The Buddh International Circuit has been an amazing track and its a shame that F1 won't return to India in 2014. I must say I was bowled over with the facilities and the marked improvement since the Inaugural GP in 2011.

As always, the First post of any GP experience is a "Gallery of Memories".  Voila!

Davide Valsecchi!! A Great Friend and Lotus F1 Reserve Driver!

KIMI RAIKKONEN!!! All over again!!

The Team were gracious enough to give me a paddock pass and I got access to the Team Motorhome!

Eric Boullier and Romain Grosjean!!

I got really close to getting a nice photo with Kimi...Unfortunately it still remains a dream.....

Romain Grosjean on Sunday :

The Race got over and we rushed down to see the Podium Celebrations!! Sebastien Vettel was crowned World Champion for the 4th time, so Congratulations to him and the Red Bull Racing Team for winning the 4th Constructors' Championship too!

Romain Grosjean bagged 3rd Place for the Team!!

Some More Stills from the Podium :

Celebrations in full swing in the Garage :

Romain's Mechanics all smiles for the Shutterbugs!

James Robinson, a hit with the Marshals :)

A Moment with the Trophy!!

3 fantastic days!! A Big Thank You to Oliver Anderson, James Robinson, Anne-Charlotte Remy, Federic Garcia for their Hospitality!

A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for a Memorable Weekend!!

Lots to come.... soon

The Formula 1 season is now coming to a close. I have had the privilege of being at 3 Grand Prixs and the Indian Grand Prix was the 4th and Final Race I would be at.

Once again I was a guest of the Lotus F1 Team. A Big Thank you to God and my Dad for their support and for understanding my love for Motorsport.

A Big Thank you to www.excluvsivegp.com too for all the arrangements and making the experience really memorable.

Lotus F1 Team didn't have many guests this year and a Team Suite couldn't be organised. We were accomodated in the Club Suite near the entrance of the Pit-Lane ( 3rd Floor ). It eventually turned out to be a Blessing in Disguise as the Suite was shared by 5 other teams... so the chance to meet other Drivers was bright.

I won't write more.. let the Pictures say it all. ENJOY!!

 

Jerome D'Ambrosio - Lotus F1 Reserve Driver :

 

 

Lotus F1 Team Pit-Crew ( Celebrities in their own Right )  :

 

 

Star Sports Presenter Sanjeev Palar ( Engine Block Fame ) :

 

 

Sebastien Buemi ( Red Bull Racing Team's Reserve Driver, Ex-Toro Rosso ) :

 

 

Johnny Herbert ( Ex-F1 Driver, 3 time British GP Winner ), Simon Lazenby, Sky Sports Presenters. I Love Sky Sports Formula 1 HD. Best Coverage of F1 Races!

 

 

Bernd Maylander ( Formula 1 Safety Car Driver ) : 

 

 

Chris Goodwin ( Ex Co-Commentator with Steve Slater for Start Sports ). Remember listening to him when I was a newbie in the Worldwide followers of Formula 1. Fantastic Presenter. Now he manages Bruno Senna ( Nephew of the Late Great Ayrton Senna ) :

 

 

David Coulthard ( Ex - McLaren Mercedes, Ex - Red Bull Racing, Now a BBC Co-presenter ). Mika Hakkinen's tem-mate. Was a fan of Mika until his Retirement in 2002 and subequent replacement by KIMI. ( Jake of BBC getting Wired-up for the post-qualifying show ) : 

 

 

Daniel Ricciardo ( Scuderia Toro-Rosso Driver ) :

 

 

Pastor Maldonado ( Williams F1 Team Driver, Catalunya GP Winner ) :

 

 

Bruno Senna ( Williams F1 Team Driver, Nephew of the Late Great Ayrton Senna! ) :

 

 

Valtteri Bottas ( Williams F1 Team Reserve Driver ). Another Finn in F1. Had a nice chat. Might support him once Kimi Retires..

 

 

Timo Glock ( Marussia F1 Team Driver ) :

 

 

Charles Pic ( Marussia F1 Team Driver ) :

 

 

Harbhajan Singh ( Indian Cricketer, 400 Scalps to his name!! Fantastic Player ) :

 

 

Martin Brundle ( Ex - F1 Driver, Now a Co-Presenter for Sky Sports F1 ) :

 

 

( L to R ) - Oliver, Fleur, Mable ( Lotus F1 Team ). Thank you Guys for all the Love and Hospitality. Shall Cherish this all my Life!

 

Once again a Special Thanks to www.exclusivegp.com for all the efforts and all the arrangements done.

 

Stay Tuned.. More to Come!