The final countdown to India’s first ever Formula One Grand Prix in Greater Noida has begun, with tickets for the event likely to be available online within a month. The event schedule — to take place on October 30 later this year — has also been decided.
Spectators can enjoy the event from October 28, when the practice rounds begin on the 5.14-km Jaypee International Race Circuit. The track has been designed by renowned German architect and race-track designer Herman Tilke, who has also designed other world-class race circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Turkey, Indonesia, the UAE, South Africa, South Korea and the US.
The event will have a seating capacity of about 1,10,000 people. “We will open online booking for the event within a month. The ticket prices will also be fixed soon,” a spokesperson for Jaypee Sports said. “Ticket slabs are likely to ensure entry for students as well as corporate entities, as we want to attract racing enthusiasts from every strata of the society.”
With several sports events being marred by mismanagement and sale of ‘fake tickets’ being rampant at many high-profile events, the company has requested both corporate and individual clients to purchase tickets either through authorised sellers or online.
The racing track has been constructed at the cost of approximately $350 million. Located in Greater Noida, about 40 km from Central Delhi, the track is expected to be completed by July. The management is expecting a full house for the first ever Indian Grand Prix. The track is also expected to host other international motorsports events from 2012.
