With tickets on sale for the inaugural Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix to be held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, fans are likely to be puzzled by the multitude of stands and corresponding tariffs on offer. Don’t fret – we have done the hard work to give you the lowdown on what is going to be a sporting spectacle you just can’t afford to miss.
The circuit has been divided into zones – north, east, south and west – each offering a unique view of the race ranging from high-speed corners to slow-speed chicanes, overtaking zones to the start-finish straight.
So let us find out what each zone offers, and how you can get the best value for your money.
West Zone:
Classic Stand 1/2 West: Starting from the final part of the circuit – both stands will give you a view of turn 14 upto the final corner, the left-handed turn 16. Some drivers may try exploiting a braking opportunity into the final corner, and the entry to the pit lane will also be visible, particularly from the end of stand #2.
Features: Seated, no roof. TV screen available.
Price: Rs 6,500
Main Grandstand: The west zone also houses the main grandstand – the big daddy of all stands. From here, not only will you get a bird’s eye-view of the race start, but also the crucial pit stops (which would be aplenty). Exit out of the final turn 16 and/or entry into turn 1 may also be visible depending on seat location within the grandstand. Expectedly, it is also the most expensive seat in the house.
Features: Seated, with roof.
Price: Rs 35,000
North Zone:
Premium Stand North: The first stand in the north zone, the Premium Stand would offer an unobtrusive view of turn one, and at a stretch – pit stops of teams housed towards the end of the pit lane. However, the stand isn’t showing up on ticketing websites anymore – maybe due to the fact that it is already sold out.
Picnic Stand North: With no seats or roof, as the name suggests, it is a territory for the free spirited. However, that shouldn’t draw away from the fact that it will offer a choice of views from the exit of turn 1 up to the run into the crucial turn 3 – a wide, blind-apex right-hander. Since it is followed by the 1.2km main straight, drivers may try different entry lines to set up an overtaking opportunity at the end of the straight.
Features: Free seating, no roof, no TV.
Price: Rs 6,000
Classic Stand North: Will offer an unhindered view of turn 3, from entry to the exit.
Features: Seated, no roof. TV screen available
Price: Rs 6,500
East Zone:
Star Stand 1/2/3 East:
These three stands will offer a view of the right-handed turn four, one of the busiest parts of the circuit for overtaking. Preceded by the 1.2km straight most likely to be designated as the DRS zone, it will definitely be the place to watch drivers battling wheel-to-wheel in a bid to stay ahead. An overambitious lunge or an attempt to brake a little too late may also see drivers exploring the massive run-off area around there.
Features: Seated, no roof. TV screen available.
Price: Rs 8,500
Classic Stand 1/2 East:
Spectators will get a view of a complex of slow-speed turns 5, 6, 7 and 8 sewn together with short straights. Brave drivers may contemplate a move under braking into turn 8.
Features: Seated, no roof, TV screen available.
Price: Rs 6,500
South Zone:
The south zone houses the banked, double-apex right-handed turn 10 with cornering speeds in excess of 220kph expected. It’ll be a great place to watch a Formula 1 car at work – doing what it is intended to. However, due to the high-speed nature of this section, no overtaking can be expected here, up until the braking zone for the tight left-handed turn 13. Turn 14 should be a flat-out kink in a Formula 1 car.
Stands:
The south zone houses the only other roofed grandstand i.e. 'Premium Stand South' at a much more reasonable Rs 12,500, offering a bird’s eye view of turn 10 from entry to exit.
The cheapest way to watch the Indian GP is also here, with the ‘Natural Stand South’ being priced at Rs 2,500 – extremely affordable considering it houses a TV screen in addition to providing a view of the cars heading into turn 10.
‘Picnic Stand South’ is the only other picnic stand (apart from one in the north zone), having to do without seats and television, priced at Rs 6000.
Other amenities:
Each stand will have designated food and beverage stalls.
Although limited parking is available at the circuit, only when you purchase three or more tickets will you be eligible to reserve a car parking at the circuit. Similarly, a purchase of minimum two tickets is mandatory to reserve a two-wheeler parking.
If you wish to save yourself the hassle of driving all the way up and parking, you can opt for the Grand Prix Bus Services being run by JPSI from a number of pick-up points in Delhi, Noida and Gurgaon directly to the Buddh International Circuit.