Three weeks ahead of the inaugural Indian GP, local farmers have threatened to disrupt the event in a row over money.

Built on farmland outside Delhi, the farmers claim they were not suitably compensated for their land whilst also arguing that they should be offered alternative employment now that their livelihoods have been compromised.

"We are not against the race but we feel we have been short-changed," Virender Dhada, a spokesman for the farmers told France's AFP news agency.

"We will stage protest marches and sit-ins next to the track to ensure our voice is heard," he continued. "We are only demanding what is our right. The authorities have been turning a deaf ear to our legitimate demands. If they are willing to talk to us even now, we will stop the planned agitation."

However, Jaypee Sports, who are organising the event, remain unperturbed by the threat. "This whole thing is a big joke," said an executive from the company, though he asked not to be named. "People should not be taking these threats seriously. There is so much riding on the race for the company and the country, do you think we will allow a handful of farmers to spoil it?

"We have spent $400m (£259m) on the race and we will spend a few million more if needed to have adequate security in place," he added. "We will do whatever it takes to have a wonderful event."