2011 FORMULA 1 AIRTEL GRAND PRIX OF INDIA

New Delhi

Formula One racing is forever on the move and in 2011 ventures east yet again for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. In light of recent F1 successes in Korea and Singapore, India - and more specifically its capital city New Delhi - is the latest Eastern powerhouse to welcome the paddock with open arms. After learning plenty of lessons from hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games, New Delhi plans to wow the international sporting stage once more with its first race in October.

A brand new circuit has been built to the south of the city in the suburb of Noida. The track, designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, stretches to 5.137-kilometres and is expected to seat up to 150,000 spectators. Two sizeable straights and an interesting mix of corners should guarantee a track full of challenges for drivers and engineers alike.

In an interesting move, organisers also consulted several of the Formula One teams before construction began in earnest. The track design was run in various factory simulators and as a result several amendments were made in an effort to boost overtaking for the drivers - and excitement for the fans.

Four million cubic tons of earth was moved to give the track plenty of undulation, and it rises 14 metres between Turns One and Three alone. Inspiration has also been drawn from rival venues' best features, with Turkey's infamous Turn Eight inspiring a double-apex corner, slightly banked, which forms part of a 'mini-arena' which alone will accommodate 13,000 spectators.

The earthworks for the circuit were finished ahead of India's 2010 monsoon season and the track was officially opened on October 18, 2011, just under two weeks before its inaugural Grand Prix.

2011 FORMULA 1 AIRTEL GRAND PRIX OF INDIA

Note - please be advised that this timetable is subject to change.

Thursday 27th October
Formula One	Press Conference - Press Room	15:00
Formula One	F1 Drivers Autograph Session	16:00 - 17:00

Friday 28th October
JK Racing Asia Series	Practice Session	08:45 - 09:15
Formula One	Practice 1	10:00 - 11:30
Delhi Championship with MRF	Practice Session	12:00 - 12:30
Formula One	Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk	12:35 - 13:45
Formula One	Practice 2	14:00 - 15:30
Formula One	Press Conference - Press Room	16:00 - 17:00
Delhi Championship with MRF	Qualifying Session	16:00 - 16:30

Saturday 29th October
JK Racing Asia Series	Qualifying Session	09:15 - 09:45
Formula One	Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk	09:50 - 10:40
Formula One	Team Pit Stop Practice	10:00 - 10:30
Formula One	Practice 3	11:00 - 12:00
Delhi Championship with MRF	First Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins)	12:25 - 12:55
Formula One	Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk	13:00 - 13:45
Formula One	Qualifying	14:00
JK Racing Asia Series	First Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins)	15:30 - 16:00
Formula One	F1 Drivers Autograph Session	16:30 - 18:00

Sunday 30th October
Formula One	Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk	10:00 - 10:50
Delhi Championship with MRF	Second Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins)	11:00 - 11:30
JK Racing Asia Series	Second Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins)	12:00 - 12:30
Formula One	Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk	12:35 - 14:15
Formula One	Drivers' Track Parade	13:30
Formula One	Starting Grid Presentation	13:40 - 14:15
Formula One	National Anthem	14:46
Formula One	Race	15:00

Force India

Full Team Name:	Force India F1 Team
Base:	Silverstone, UK
Team Principal:	Vijay Mallya
Technical Chief:	Andrew Green
Drivers:	A Sutil
	P di Resta
Test Drivers:	N Hulkenberg
Chassis:	VJM04
Engine:	Mercedes-Benz
Tyres:	Pirelli
First Season:	2008
World Championships:	0
Highest Race Finish:	2 (x1)
Pole Positions:	1
Fastest Laps:	1

FORCE INDIA

2011

Despite quick and consistent driver combination in the experienced Sutil and impressive rookie Di Resta, unable to take a significant step forward relative to 2010 in first half of season.

2010

Initially maintain momentum of late 2009 and emerge as regular Q3 and points contenders, but fade somewhat by mid season as other midfield rivals such as Williams and BMW Sauber close the performance gap. End year seventh in the constructors' table.

2009

Dramatic progress, with in-season upgrades boosting VJM02's pace, despite basic lack of downforce. Fisichella makes the breakthrough, with their first pole, points and podium in Belgium, before moving to Ferrari to replace the injured Massa, handing his seat to tester Liuzzi.

2008

Fail to score, despite impressive improvement in terms of pace. Management restructure announced post-season, with co-owner Vijay Mallya taking over as team principal, and new technical tie-up with McLaren means Mercedes power from 2009.

2007

Former Spyker team is bought in October by a consortiu