New Delhi: From Nico Rosberg's rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, to Fernando Alonso's polio drive, rounded off with Michael Schumacher's desire to meet the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, and of course the man at the centre of it all, double world champion Sebastian Vettel's eventful visit to the Taj.
The Indian Grand Prix seems to have had its fair share of anecdotes even before the start of the first practice session, which is due to get underway on Friday at 10 am IST.
Looking ahead to race day on Sunday, the only loser seems to be Karun Chandhok, who will be denied an opportunity to thrill his countrymen, as Lotus opted to go with the more experienced and accomplished duo of Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen for the historic 60 laps on Sunday.
With 16 challenging corners and the opportunity to overtake every now and then, the Buddh International Circuit promises to be a delight for the drivers as well as spectators.
Sahara Force India will carry the sentimental expectations of motor racing fans in the country, while for Narain Karthikeyan driving at the inaugural home Grand Prix at circuit on is a "dream come true."
The Formula One World Championship may well have been decided, still there will be no dearth of excitement when 24 cars line-up on the grid for Friday's free practice, qualifying the next day and the real showdown on Sunday.
A new venue on the F1 calendar poses a fresh set of challenges for the teams, especially getting to know the track that has never been used so far.
The two practice runs on Friday will further help the teams to understand the dynamics of the track.
Vettel is a runaway leader in the drivers' standings with 349 points, including 10 wins in 16 races and has made it clear that he is very much motivated to win the remaining races.
Things, however, are nicely poised for the second and third spots with Button (222 points) and his McLaren Teammate Lewis Hamilton (196), Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (212)and Red Bull's Mark Webber (209) all in the running.
It will be a special race for Force India who will make their maiden appearance in front of the home crowd. The Silverstone-based outfit has made rapid strides in the second half of the season and looks set to maintaining its sixth position in the Constructors' Championship, leaving the Saubers and Toro Rossos behind.
Hispania's Karthikeyan has said it often that driving in the Indian Grand Prix will be the proudest moment of his career. It seems fitting, too, that the first F1 driver from India will get to race in the historic event. Karthikeyan scoring points is out of question and his target will be to finish the 60-lap race as high up the grid as possible.
(With Agency inputs)
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