Inaugural Indian GP: Cricketing stars to cheer Formula One

India, the land of spiritualism and austerity, is all set to host one of the most glamorous and wealthy sports on the earth. On the 30th of October, the Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi will hold the first ever Formula One race in India. On this occasion, India’s biggest stars will be present at the race circuit to cheer the arrival of F1 to Indian land. Cricketers and Bollywood super stars top the list of celebrities who will give the international event the Indian flavor.

India’s biggest cricketing star Sachin Tendulkar is confirmed to be at the Buddh circuit in Greater Noida. Sachin was personally invited by Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, Chief of Formula One during the last tour of Indian cricket team to England. Sachin is said to be excited to watch the first F1 race in India live. Sachin’s love for Formula 1 is well known and he admits to following the game on television whenever he gets time. But watching the race live is a very different experience. A self-admitted follower of F1, Sachin has met many racers in the past, the most prominent being Michael Schumacher. Schumacher had also gifted Sachin a Ferrari car.

Sourav Ganguly at a Force India Promotional Event

Another Indian cricketer who will be on the Indian GP guest list is former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Sourav has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the Sahara Force India racing team. The ex-skipper of the Indian cricket team started the ‘Raise The Flag’ campaign in Kolkata the other day. This campaign will visit nine cities to garner support for the re-branded Sahara Force India team. “I wish the team all the very best for the first Indian Grand Prix to be held on 30th October. I’ll be there at Delhi myself along with my daughter to support the Sahara Force India Team,” Ganguly was quoted saying.

Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, one of the best opening pairs in cricket will be present when F1 opens its innings in India.

Other cricketers who are expected to turn up on the race day include Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir among others.

Among the Bollywood stars, Shahrukh Khan will be present not just to watch the race but to promote his upcoming movie too. Shahrukh, who is on a promotion overdrive these days, is believed to have made his promotional plans ready for the day. Force India cars will most likely sport the Ra.One logo. As per some reports, Michael Schumacher is in touch with the Ra.One promotion team and may have the Ra.One symbol on his car. Arjun Rampal, playing the character of Ra.One in the movie, will also accompany Shahrukh.

Lewis Hamilton, lead driver of the McLaren Mercedes team, is familiar with the excitement of Indians for sporting spectacles. Hamilton has visited India on several occasions and shares his thoughts on how people of India are mad for sports. “India’s a sports-mad nation – mostly, it is about cricket, which is understandable because they are a very successful cricketing country, but I really think the people of India are going to take F1 to their hearts,” said Hamilton.

No doubt, on the 30th when the 24 cars will start rolling on the brand new track India’s who’s who will be present to experience Formula One.