Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that he shared the view of much of the media, that the Buddh International Circuit in India wouldn’t be ready in time for next weeks race.
The circuit, on the outskirts of New Delhi, is now nearing completion with just a handful of days until the drivers and teams arrive, but it could have been a different story had the organisers not ramped up construction to meet the late-October deadline.
“I was pessimistic a fortnight ago,” the 80-year-old told the Guardian. “I was sent pictures of the track and I thought: ‘Christ, we’re not going to get it finished in time.'”
“What they have done in the meantime – and I’ve been sent more recent pictures – is incredible. The people there are very anxious to be sure they’re doing a good job and they are very passionate about their sport.”
The F1 mogul says he’s looking forward to three hard fought final races as the drivers have nothing to lose now that both championships have been won.
“I’m really looking forward to Sunday’s race. And I think here, and in Abu Dhabi and Brazil, the racing will be even keener than it has been this season.
“The drivers have been concerned about finishing second or third or fourth, because of the state of the championship. They have been anxious not to fall off the road. But now they don’t care. Now these guys will be racing to win.”
For the latest images from India, check out our gallery here.
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