Ok...just got back today from the BIC.
Thing were much better organized today. I guess they picked up some tips and tricks after the fiasco past two days. From the pick-up points each zone bus left periodically and left people at their respective gates. So we did not have to face the mercy and rowdiness of the shuttle fleet within the inner radial of the circuit. Coupons for H20 and beverages were separated from the food -- quite obvious that the prior will be consumed more. I reached around 12'esh and the JK series were starting. Decent 125cc cars which packed a decent punch. The stands were quite empty till now. At 1 : 30 PM there was a 'drivers parade' where each driver was driven around the circuit in a vintage car. There was a minute of silence for two drivers who died in the past weeks. Moto GP and Indy car. After that our National Anthem. All stood up respectively. This was quite nice. At 2 : 30 PM the circuit was thrown open for the cars to warm up and pit movement was voluntary. The first Lotus car zipped by and all the people in the stands stood up. After that at 3 : 00 PM there was the warm up lap with the governance of the pace car. I think this is probably the only moment when all 24 moved in pole formation. The sound was awesome and the crowd went ....berserk. Most people really do not know how much power these cars possess, but were slammed in the face with the roar and hum of engines screaming. Post that the race started and 60 laps of controlled mayhem + BHP were blasted in the circuit. It literally felt like BIC was screaming. There were quite a lot of close hits. I think the Sabeur was out in the beginning laps. Some cars also touched each other. The usual. They decided to move to hard compound rubber as they had started with soft (yellow stripes) initially. There had been talks that Pirelli will play safe with lower speed soft compound since they do not have enough data regarding BIC as of now. It was fun watching the 3 second pits.
As we all know Vettel grabbed the finish first and was given the honors by Lady M.
Some things which I noticed. Security within the stands was quite lax. People were "sneaking in" water bottles and food items. I just imagined if someone hurled a bottle on the track. It can really be bad. Some spectators chose to stand on the plastic chairs. I really found this lame and cheap. Selfish at the same time. The guard would whistle at them, and they would step down and promptly be up again. 99% of the females knew nothing about what was happening. Probably only that 4 wheels are moving really really fast with a ton of noise....!
The buses dropped us back, and there was a massive traffic jam. Took 2.5 hours to reach Nehru Place. This time of the session is also quite hot for outdoor events. If Moto GP happens anytime before November 2012 I will give it the wide berth.
Overall, an experience one should try out -- at least once in their lifetime. Will I go next time. (?). Na....too much traffic issues and way to dusty and hot. But JP have pulled it off successfully. Kudos. And errm....Bravo.....!
