Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix Preview

It isn't over until it's over as they say, but this weekend we are likely to see Sebastian Vettel crowned Champion for the fourth time running.

India is hosting it's last Formula 1 Grand Prix in New Delhi, an agreement couldn't be reached for next season. Although it has been talked about returning in 2015, many people believe that is unlikely to happen. The Buddh International Circuit is not my favourite track in F1, but let's take a look at it in more detail.

Buddh International Circuit
The Facts:
Lap: 5.125 km
Race Laps: 60
Lap Record: 1:27.249
S.Vettel (2011)
2012 Winner: Sebastian Vettel
Race Date: 27.10.2013
Safety Car – Unlikely
Weather – Hot & Sunny
Tyre Allocation – Soft & Medium
DRS Zones: Pit-straight and between turns 3 – 4

2013 Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix Preview

Two weeks ago in Japan, Sebastian Vettel seemed somewhat unsettled in the early stages of the race. This weekend he only needs to finish fifth to become Champion. Surely he can manage that? The focus will of course be on the title, but there is plenty of squabbling further down the field.

Force India will want a good show here this weekend, but Sauber are closing in and team boss Vijay Mallya admits the fight is on. “The races after the summer break haven’t been very positive in terms of scoring points, but the morale in the team remains strong, Korea and Japan were not the easiest of weekends, but everyone in the team is working really hard to recapture our early form. It’s all a matter of finding the right balance with the car – when we do that, we will be back in the points”.

Toro Rosso have been performing well this season, they announced on Tuesday that young Russian Daniil Kvyat is to step up to Formula 1 next season to replace Red Bull bound Ricciardo. The 19 year old has been noted by many as a great up and coming driver.

The Indian Grand Prix may not have much history in Formula 1, but its a trip which many in the padddock look forward to. Lewis Hamilton explains his thoughts, “I have really enjoyed our two visits to India so far. It’s such a vibrant country and the support that we’ve received from the fans there has been fantastic. They love the sport and the knowledge that some of the fans that I’ve met have had about Formula One has been great to see. I really hope that we can see the country take Formula One to heart in the future.

I also really like the Buddh International Circuit. The layout has a great rhythm and I love the fast turns and high speeds.” Paul Di Resta explains how important this event is for Force India. “This is always a massive event for us and comes at the end of a very busy week because we will be spending a few days in Delhi ahead of the race to meet the local media and fans. We come to India several times during the year and you can see the growing enthusiasm of the fans. It's great that we get to spend time with them and show them the thrill of Formula One up close. “I think the layout is one of the best from the new generation of tracks. Sector one stands out for me because it's where you can really challenge somebody – it’s got long straights and big braking zones and can make for some exciting battles. The rest of the track has elevation changes and off-camber corners so it’s a challenging combination for the engineers as it's important to have good mechanical grip.”

F1 Live at Driving For Pleasure

It’s sure to be an interesting weekend where Sebastian Vettel is likely to take the 2013 championship title, you can catch the whole weekend right here at Driving For Pleasure.

Follow me on twitter @TomWilkinsonF1 throughout for Live coverage and the latest news from the paddock.