The Indian Grand Prix circuit is one which F1 drivers enjoy, with its twisty and challenging sections. Add to that enthusiastic fans, brilliant and interesting cultures and some high temperatures, and we look set for a brilliant weekends racing.
Here are a selection of Thursday's images, as drivers take part in interviews, walk the track and relax before the pressure is piled on. In this snap shot I have also included some sections of the drivers press conference transcript.
Felipe Massa meets the enthusiastic Indian fans on Thursday.
The Force India mechanics are hard at work as the sun sets over the Buddh International Circuit start finish straight.
Being the only Indian driver on the F1 grid, Narain Karthikeyan was the centre of attention at his home race.
Romain Grosjean makes his Indian GP debut this weekend, and gets to know the Hermann Tilke designed circuit.
Sebastian Vettel laughs with his team, despite huge amounts of pressure as the title leader.
Force India get lots of attention from the marshals, as they get some pit stop practice in.
Driver Press Conference
Many said they were enjoying the Indian culture, while Kimi remarked on the food. Another talking point was 2013, with a few drivers seeming slightly agitated by their remarks on the question.
Q) First of all Heikki, you've been here before, you've been training in Abu Dhabi so you're used to the heat, what do you think of the weekend coming up and the country itself?
Heikki KOVALAINEN: Well, I think, like you said, last year was the first year that we raced here. I think the event itself was really successful. Especially the circuit; I think they've done a great job here with the circuit. I think the layout is one of the best in the calendar, there are really some nice corners, the surface is nice and smooth, so it's always enjoyable to drive here and we can set up the car nice and low and get them gripping quite well. So, I'm looking forward to another good event this year. It seems like the locals are picking up the Formula One more and more, so it's working quite well here. Hopefully we get a lot of people coming to see us on Sunday.
Q. Kimi, your first time in India. What are your thoughts, your impressions?
Kimi RÄIKKÖNEN: Well, I came last night at one o'clock, so I've only seen the motorway and the hotel. The hotel, outside it, looks nice. I have no complaints so far. The circuit – I haven't gone around it. That is tomorrow. I'll tell you about it.
Q. Are you a fan of Indian food?
KR: Yeah, actually I am, if it's the same as it is in Europe. I like it, but you know I have no experience yet of the local food.
Q) I don't know if you've got things signed or not. Just give us some sort of update as to what's happening next year? Heikki, would you like to start?
Hekki KOVALAINEN: I wouldn't actually like to start, but now that you're pushing me… Nothing's been signed for next for myself yet. Personally, my target and my focus is at each race weekend for our team it's quite important that we try to regain that 10th position back from Marussia.
Q. Bruno – for next year?
Bruno SENNA: Nothing has changed from the last time I was here and you asked me the same question but the focus is still the same: keep pushing and trying to get points for the team and then hopefully be on the grid next year.
Q. Jean-Eric?
Jean-Eric VERGNE: I haven't thought about it really. So far I have a contract with Red Bull. I think I just have to keep doing the job I'm doing and improve myself every race weekend and I'll think about this race weekend and Abu Dhabi and then think about next season, but I'm quite confident about staying with Toro Rosso and that's what I would love.
Q. Narain?
Narain KARTHIKEYAN: Again, I have a good relationship with HRT; it's my second year with them. They've built a good factory and everything else. On paper next year they'll look the best so realistically I'd like to stay here and that's the plan right now.
Q. Nico. There are rumours about concerning your future. Where you're going to go, when do you think you will know?
Nico HULKENBERG: I know there is lots of talk about my future but at this point I don't want to make a comment on the speculation. I'll just focus on this weekend, which is the most important thing.
Q. Are things settled? Can you say that?
NH: Just no comment.
 |
| (c) HRT F1 Team |
 | |||||
| (c) Ferrari |
 |
| (c) Force India F1 Team |
 |
| (c) HRT F1 Team |
 |
| (c) Lotus F1 Team |
 | ||
| (c) Red Bull Racing |
 |
| (c) Force India F1 Team |
Driver Press Conference
Many said they were enjoying the Indian culture, while Kimi remarked on the food. Another talking point was 2013, with a few drivers seeming slightly agitated by their remarks on the question.
Q) First of all Heikki, you've been here before, you've been training in Abu Dhabi so you're used to the heat, what do you think of the weekend coming up and the country itself?
Heikki KOVALAINEN: Well, I think, like you said, last year was the first year that we raced here. I think the event itself was really successful. Especially the circuit; I think they've done a great job here with the circuit. I think the layout is one of the best in the calendar, there are really some nice corners, the surface is nice and smooth, so it's always enjoyable to drive here and we can set up the car nice and low and get them gripping quite well. So, I'm looking forward to another good event this year. It seems like the locals are picking up the Formula One more and more, so it's working quite well here. Hopefully we get a lot of people coming to see us on Sunday.
Q. Kimi, your first time in India. What are your thoughts, your impressions?
Kimi RÄIKKÖNEN: Well, I came last night at one o'clock, so I've only seen the motorway and the hotel. The hotel, outside it, looks nice. I have no complaints so far. The circuit – I haven't gone around it. That is tomorrow. I'll tell you about it.
Q. Are you a fan of Indian food?
KR: Yeah, actually I am, if it's the same as it is in Europe. I like it, but you know I have no experience yet of the local food.
Q) I don't know if you've got things signed or not. Just give us some sort of update as to what's happening next year? Heikki, would you like to start?
Hekki KOVALAINEN: I wouldn't actually like to start, but now that you're pushing me… Nothing's been signed for next for myself yet. Personally, my target and my focus is at each race weekend for our team it's quite important that we try to regain that 10th position back from Marussia.
Q. Bruno – for next year?
Bruno SENNA: Nothing has changed from the last time I was here and you asked me the same question but the focus is still the same: keep pushing and trying to get points for the team and then hopefully be on the grid next year.
Q. Jean-Eric?
Jean-Eric VERGNE: I haven't thought about it really. So far I have a contract with Red Bull. I think I just have to keep doing the job I'm doing and improve myself every race weekend and I'll think about this race weekend and Abu Dhabi and then think about next season, but I'm quite confident about staying with Toro Rosso and that's what I would love.
Q. Narain?
Narain KARTHIKEYAN: Again, I have a good relationship with HRT; it's my second year with them. They've built a good factory and everything else. On paper next year they'll look the best so realistically I'd like to stay here and that's the plan right now.
Q. Nico. There are rumours about concerning your future. Where you're going to go, when do you think you will know?
Nico HULKENBERG: I know there is lots of talk about my future but at this point I don't want to make a comment on the speculation. I'll just focus on this weekend, which is the most important thing.
Q. Are things settled? Can you say that?
NH: Just no comment.
No comments:
Post a Comment