VINEY KUMAR PROVIDES A GUIDE TO THE F1 AND TRACES THE SUCCESS OF THE INDIAN GRAND PRIX FROM LAUNCH TO THE NEAR FUTURE
Formula One, also known as F1, is a motor racing sport which started in the early 1920s. The Formula in the name Formula One refers to a set of rules which all participants needed to follow and was originally called Formula A. Discussions and plans for a Formula One drivers’ championship took place in the 1930s but the real foundation was laid only in 1945 with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) sanctioning the rules for the sport. It took until 1950 to iron out the final details and the Drivers’ World Championship was launched with the first race at Silverstone, England.
THE RACE DAY FORMAT
The F1 season consists of a series of races, called Grand Prix, held throughout the world on roads known as circuits (either closed or open). Every race has two prior sessions: a practice session and a qualifying session. The qualifying consists of one or more sessions wherein drivers attempt to set the fastest time to occupy the highest position in the grid for the main race. The finishing position of the driver during the race rewards them with points. These points are tabulated over the entirety of the season to determine two World Championships, one for the drivers and the other for the constructors.
Nine out of ten F1 fans would label Ayrton Senna as the greatest driver to ever grace the circuits of Formula One before death got the better of him at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994. Statistically speaking, a German by the name of Michael Schumacher (nicknamed Schumi) has to be regarded as the greatest ever. He dominated the early 21st century which culminated in five consecutive titles, from 2000 to 2004, with his Ferrari, and seven overall. He was unbeatable at the peak of his career and his rivals had no answers to his abilities and dominance.
In a country where cricket is considered a religion and Sachin Tendulkar a god, the impact of Formula One has been quite significant. Narain Karthikeyan became the first Indian driver to compete on the Formula One circuit in 2005 when he joined the racing team Jordan. His association with Jordan lasted only a season, though, and he was not to be seen on the circuit until Hispania Racing Team (HRT) snapped him up on a one year deal in 2011. Karun Chandhok was another one season wonder, racing for HRT and Lotus, before drifting into wilderness.
All good things come to an end and in 2006 Schumi retired. He made a comeback in 2010 but a young Spaniard named Fernando Alonso ended his hopes of signing off with another title. Alonso became the youngest Formula One champion. One title later, he was challenged by two new rivals – Lewis Hamilton, who then became the youngest champion, and Sebastian Vettel who usurped the title from Hamilton. Vettel and his powerful Red Bull car went on to win three consecutive World Championships and is in the bidding to win a fourth title this year. At only 25, he looks to be the heir of Schumacher. Only time will tell if he will be consistent.
The most significant development for Formula One in India was the building of the Buddh International Circuit, India’s first F1 racing circuit, in Greater Noida. After years and years of negotiations, the Formula One finally came to India with the hosting of the first Indian Grand Prix in 2011. This was a big step for India’s Formula One hopes. Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel won the inaugural race and the sole Indian participant Narain Karthikeyan managed to complete the race Paul di Resta finishing 13th.
The third Indian Grand Prix will take place on 27 October this year. The fate of the fourth edition hangs in the balance after it was scrapped from the 2014 F1 calendar. It is scheduled to resume in 2015 in March instead of October. Reports state that issues with organising the event in March 2015 with only a few months in hand after the event in October 2014 prompted the cancellation of the 2014 edition. Instead of worrying about the next edition, let’s focus on this one insetead – go Sahara Force India!
INDIA’S F1 BREAKTHROUGH
Indian business tycoon Vijay Mallya established the Force India team (later named Sahara Force India) in 2007. The current drivers for the team are Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta
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