The conundrum of the Indian GP

Race winner and 2013 Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing celebrates in front of the crowd on the main straight following the Indian Formula One Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit on October 27, 2013 in Noida, India

While I was there I noticed a few things, first if, hypothetically, all tickets were priced at the same rate as that of the Picnic stands I believe the organizers would sell out the venue every year but that is not possible. So what?

As a student myself I love the sport, have done so ever since I was a six year old kid, but it is not possible for me to spend 5000 on tickets plus all the other expenses at one go, on one event for one day and more so if I am not from the city and living in a hostel or a PG it becomes virtually impossible. Most of the demographic at the track consisted of young male-adults.

Taking as a case a fresher or a person who has just been on a job for the first time, a first time job doesn’t pay you much and then you have your basic household needs to complete, as a once in a lifetime event like the first race, it is plausible to spend big money once for the experience but to think I have to do it every year will definitely put you off.

So, the best thing to do is offer the more expensive tickets, specially the three days one at a slightly slashed rate with tickets for Friday free and offers like selling two tickets at a cheaper rate and try to sell them more rather than giving away corporate passes because for one, they are hardly interested in the sport and second they completely destroy the atmosphere.

Also we need to build a fan base. In South India there is a culture for Motorsports, they have regular championship’s, got a few racing tracks and karting is a great weekend activity, go further north, we have a F1 track, on which a world champion was crowned, made history and has literally left a mark there but a man who wants to imitate him can’t and feel like his hero, can’t find a proper karting track and kart to drive on.

Getting Motorsports into the conscience of young people is the most important tool for a long term future of the Indian GP as well as the fan base,the sport needs to grow from there just like Sachin was for cricket lovers or to some extent Bhaichung Bhutia has been for Indian football. Narain and Karun have got into the F1 but they hardly ever finish less than a couple of laps behind the leader to create a buzz about the sport in the public and the media.

For me the most important contribution has to be from the govt., it is highly stupid and insensitive to say that F1 is not a sport, may be that by itself requires another 1000 words.

The govt. needs to realise if they invest properly and help Jaypee it is only they who will benefit, may be after some time when they are done spitting vitriol on their counterparts will they actually learn.

Whether these measures are implemented or even discussed in the future only time will tell but it is for sure that the F1 fraternity loves India and wants to come back. Sebastian Vettel’s show for the crowd after his win has left them asking for more and I don’t know what course will F1 take in India from now, but Sebastian has definitely made this year’s Indian Grand Prix iconic and a memorable one.