India has one of the most challenging F1 circuits: Vettel

Current Formula 1 driver’s champion Sebastian Vettel believes that the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) is one of the most challenging circuits in the world.

“The BIC really has emerged as one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar for the drivers. I loved the track layout last year, but not just because I won the race. With an average speed of 235 km/h, the course is the second quickest of the year after Monza,” said Vettel, who hails from Germany, on the official F1 website.

Vettel won the last race in Yeongam, Korea. Reuters

“There is a lot of elevation change around the lap which adds to the fun, from as much as eight percent downhill and up to 10 percent uphill; it’s like a roller coaster.”

Vettel currently leads the driver’s World Championship with 215 points, six ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. He won the last race in Yeongam, Korea.

Teammate Mark Webber also said that the track is challenging on which he loves to drive.

“It’s a challenging venue and I really enjoy the track, it’s a nice circuit to drive. The track is similar to Korea with mainly long straights in Sector 1 followed by a very busy Sector 2 and 3, so we need to get the balance right between downforce and top speed.

“It should be reasonably straightforward weather-wise and I’m looking forward to getting out there. There was a massive crowd there last year and it was a good atmosphere,” said the Australian, who earned the pole position and finished second in the Korean Grand Prix Oct 14.