Driving at BIC is enjoyable: Button

New Delhi - Formula 1 driver Jenson Button said that he really enjoys driving at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, where he finished second last year at the Indian Grand Prix.

“The Indian Grand Prix went well for me last year – I had an absolutely straightforward drive, running second from start to finish. It’s a circuit I like: it has a good feel to it, and you can tell it’s quite different from the normal places we visit,” the 2009 driver’s World Champion was quoted saying by the official Formula 1 website.

“There are a couple of unusual factors: firstly, the approaches to turns three and four are incredibly wide – almost like a motorway – in order to stimulate different lines into the corner and encourage overtaking. I hear that’s an element that’ll be carried over to the new track at Austin too,” said the McLaren driver.

“Secondly, the combination of turns 10 and 11 is also pretty special – it’s a huge, bowl-shaped double-apex right-hander, a bit like Spoon at Suzuka. It’s unusual for a new circuit to have such fast corners and it’s really enjoyable when you get the car hooked up through there. I think we can have a good weekend there – I’m already looking forward to it.”

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh also praised the circuit, stating it has the potential of becoming a classic event.

“I think the Indian Grand Prix has the potential to become a classic event on the Formula 1 calendar – the circuit is well regarded by all the drivers, there is a natural fanbase eager and ready for Formula 1 and there is terrific market potential within the entire continent. I am a big believer in the value of the Indian Grand Prix.”