Constructors of the track that will host the inaugural Indian GP revealed they consulted teams in an attempt to spice up its layout.
Track constructors ask teams to help finalise layout
Constructors of the track that will host the inaugural Indian Grand Prix have revealed they consulted teams in an attempt to spice up its layout.
The circuit, which is situated on the outskirts of New Delhi, is in the early stages of development and the hope is that it will be completed in just under a year's time.
However, in an effort to try and ensure the race's success, the vice president of constructors JPSK Sports, Mark Hughes, said that teams have been asked to provide input.
"We have worked very closely with Hermann Tilke who came up with the initial design," said Hughes.
"We have also shared the design with some of the Formula One teams to put it into their simulators.
"They have come back with some recommendations on how to modify it to make it a little more exciting. We have come up with a formula to build it."
Challenge
Hughes said that four million cubic tons of earth have already been moved to provide elevation changes, adding: "I think the drivers are going to find it a good challenge.
"The track is quite unique, and hopefully the drivers and teams will not complain as they have given their own input.
"It was a good opportunity, as we were in the early stages of construction, so we were able to do that.
"Tilke has quite a good relationship with the teams, but I don't think that as a promoter and venue owner this has been done before.
"I have been lucky to have worked in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi before, so I have a good relationship with the teams myself.
"I was able to go to some of them and ask them if they are able to give their input and the feedback has been invaluable."
As to completion, Hughes said: "We will probably be ready by the end of July next year for the FIA to do the homologation.
"The plan is to have a race at the end of next season, but we will see where it actually fits in the calendar."
Education
Although Hughes is anticipating a sell-out 120,000 for the first race, he admitted "a lot of people in India haven't seen a Formula One car".
Hughes explained: "As it is the first race in India we have to go through an education process for the spectators and the ticket buyers.
"We also need to explain how a race weekend works. They may have seen qualifying and a race on TV, but they have not yet appreciated it's a three-day live event with support races.
"They don't know that they can come and buy merchandise and memorabilia.
"It's not like going to an IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket match that lasts for two hours. It is a three-day festival."
