New Delhi: Red Bull Racing, the leader in both the drivers' and the constructors' championships in the 2011 Formula One season, on Friday gave a thumbs up to India as a new venue in the F1 calender and said their drivers are getting acquainted to the new track by using the simulator.
The England based team is gearing up for F1 action in India as they prepare for a car show -- Speed Street -- at Rajpath on Saturday.
The technicians on Friday assembled the car, to be driven by Red Bull supported racer Daniel Ricciardo, in full media glare as the team aimed to give India 'a taste of F1'.
Anthony Ward, Red Bull's Brand Head, said he has seen the track and was impressed with what he saw at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.
"I was there in March and it was impressive with the most advanced facilities. I think they (organisers) are on track.
It will be ready in time and we are looking forward to the race in India," Ward told reporters.
"The technicians, engineers and drivers are coming to India for the first time, so all are excited," he said, adding he has "not seen so many cameras" in any other country in the build up to an F1 race.
Asked how Red Bull drivers -- reigning drivers champion Vettel and Mark Webber -- are preparing, Ward said they are getting an idea about the track via simulator.
"It's a new track and it is crucial for the drivers to know the turns before the race. So they have already started using the simulator to get familiar with the track," he said.
"It's a challenge to adjust to the climatic conditions, time, temperature and humidity but F1 needs to go global."
Talking about tomorrow's event, Ward said the fans in India will get a good idea about the speed and thrill of F1 when the Red Bull car will run on Rajpath.
"We are expecting about 100,000 people there. People do not know much about F1 that's why we travel to world to show what F1 is all about. It's an old chasis and not the current racing car as we are not allowed to run it (other than in races) but it will go up to 200-250kms...good speed to show," he said.
Vettel is leading the chart with 309 points, just one point away from sealing the championship for the second consecutive time.
Red Bull are leading the constructors' championship with 491 points, followed by McLaren (353).
Ward said the constructors' championship could be decided at the Indian Grand Prix.
"Vettel is just one point away from championship but I think the constructors' championship winner may emerge in India," he said.
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