A cleaner and greener Buddh International Circuit (BIC), featuring some minor changes on the track, is gearing up to host the second edition of the Formula One Indian Grand Prix from October 26-28.
Last year, the whole circuit wore a dusty look and several drivers mentioned the presence of dust particles on the track. The owner of the track, Jaypee Sports International (JPSI), has taken special care this time to develop a lot of greenery around the circuit.
Besides, it has been conducting continuous cleaning drives around the circuit.
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The JPSI has hired two special mechanised dusters for foolproof cleaning of the racing surface. “We are hiring these machines from Bahrain. They will clean each and every dust particle from the track. They are going to be employed around October 15,” said Askari Zaidi, JPSI’s senior vice-president (Corporate Communications) here on Thursday.
At the BIC this year, kerbs at turns 6-7 and 8-9 have been extended from 5m to 15m. The height of all the kerbs across the circuit is 25mm. Turns 2-3 and 7-8 have astro-turf lining to provide additional safety to run-off areas.
Farhan Vohra, GM (Race Operations), BIC informed that astro-turf had been laid at the parabolic of turn 10-11 (which features a gravel trap), to prevent dirt on the track.
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The BIC had its share of criticisms last October when a stray dog intruded into the racing arena.
In order to prevent similar incidents in future races, JPSI has installed gates at all possible intervention points besides putting a cover of mesh alongside the fence around the track.