FIA to homologate Buddh circuit next month

02/08/2011

The Buddh International Circuit, which is due to host the inaugural Indian Grand Prix on October 30, will be homologated by the FIA on September 1.

The news was announced today by Vicky Chandhok, president of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs in India, and father of Lotus reserve driver Karun Chandhok.

"We have been sending reports to the FIA on a fortnightly basis and they are completely satisfied with the progress," said Chandhok, according to The Asian Age.

"Actually the final inspection was scheduled for the first week of August and the track was ready for it," he continued. But FIA's technical director Charlie Whiting confirmed that he will be coming to New Delhi only on August 31."

With the garages, pit and paddock complex and grandstands complete, it's understood that all that remains is the final layer of tarmac, which will be laid in mid-September.

Unfortunately (sigh), a few facilities will not be ready in time for the October race. "The fifth storey of the hospitality and an exclusive restaurant for the media will be completed later," revealed Chandhok.

"The basic track is ready with kerbs and tecpro barriers in place," he deed. "The FIA-appointed German consultants who are camped at the track advised the promoters to lay the final layer some 45 days before the event. After that, as a dry run, a round of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship will be held to check the operation of the track."