Celebrities and fanfare at India's first F1

India is known for a love of sports and an inability to organise them but that perception shifted this weekend with a successful Formula One grand prix, held at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida, 38 kilometers (24 miles) from New Delhi.

Bollywood stars descended on the venue, incongruously set on a barren development site, while India's idolised cricketers were mobbed by undignified media scrums.

Helicopters helped the super-rich beat the traffic, Virgin's Richard Branson chatted with F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone and dozens of mini-skirted pit girls turned heads as they trooped through the paddock.

Indian media trumpeted the event, with the Times of India devoting five pages of coverage and splashing “World raises toast to India” as its main headline on the front page.

“It is not only Sebastian Vettel, winner in Sunday's race, who is celebrating.” - Photos by Agencies

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vishal

Nov 01, 2011 11:57am

Well done India, u have done it.

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Zeeshan Malik

Nov 01, 2011 02:17pm

Pakistan dreams it, India did it...

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Shahid

Nov 01, 2011 06:18pm

If you want this to be happen in Pakistan....convince people and vote for IK.

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AVI

Nov 01, 2011 11:14pm

Another reason to be proud of being an INDIAN

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Zarina

Nov 02, 2011 03:09am

Why the hint of negativity against India? Journalism should never be biased..

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Tamilselvan

Nov 02, 2011 05:50am

Yes, India ( Vijay Mallya) did it but at what cost? Several hundred acres of farm land were bought at pittance and the track was constructed. The track will not be used all year round. Good publicity stunt and sometimes looks India is aping the west. But still it made all of us proud

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sharma

Nov 02, 2011 08:03am

But the United States of South Asia (USSA) has done it!!!!!!!!! congrats brothers!

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Tamil Arasan

Nov 02, 2011 10:24pm

Hello Tamil I believe India is the sixth or seventh largest country in the world by land mass, we don't have to worry about few hundred acres of farm land used for a development project. You know this F1 track has created thousands of jobs from technicians to gardeners, also this project has showcased our corporate sector's efficiency to stage such massive event with pin point efficiency - which was greatly lacking in government run CWG last year...by the way this year event alone have generated $20 million dollar tax revenue for government, also more than 10000 foreigners have come for this event from team members & spectators and you have to see those benefit of hotels where they stay and money those people spent - so please don't be so negative...

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Paul

Nov 03, 2011 12:16pm

Sorry, I would defer to your statement that it is a publicity stunt. This is just like any other commercial / business venture with the aim of profits. Investing $500 million is not a joke. Only difference is that this is motor sport wich attract global attention. As it is unfolded, it appears to be a huge success commercially unlike China, Turkey etc where the circuits are making losses.

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chandra

Nov 03, 2011 04:58pm

Great Job folks. Hoping to see CRICKET WORLD CUP in Pakistan at the earliest. Dear Friends from Pakistan, please help us realise our dream to see Pak play cricket in Pakistan.

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T A PATIL

Nov 04, 2011 01:18pm

Well done India...... Whatever it may be, it is great sucess for India.... Pakistan should take lesson from this sucess>>>>>>>>>

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