Buddh International Circuit facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Buddh International Circuit

Grand Prix Circuit (2011–present)
Motorcycle Circuit (2011–present)
Location	Jaypee Sports City, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Time zone	UTC+05:30 (Indian Standard Time)
Coordinates	28°21′2″N 77°32′6″E / 28.35056°N 77.53500°E / 28.35056; 77.53500
Capacity	110,000
FIA Grade	1
Owner	Jaypee Group
Operator	Jaypee Sports International Limited
Opened	18 October 2011; 13 years ago (2011-10-18)
Construction cost	₹2,000 crore (US$340 million)
Architect	Hermann Tilke
Major events	Former: Grand Prix motorcycle racing Indian motorcycle Grand Prix (2023) Formula One Indian Grand Prix (2011–2013) Asia Road Racing Championship (2016)
Grand Prix Circuit (2011–present)
Surface	Asphalt concrete with Graywacke aggregate
Length	5.125 km (3.185 mi)
Turns	16
Race lap record	1:27.249 ( Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB7, 2011, F1)
Motorcycle Circuit (2011–present)
Surface	Asphalt concrete with Graywacke aggregate
Length	5.010 km (3.113 mi)
Turns	13
Race lap record	1:45.028 ( Marco Bezzecchi, Ducati Desmosedici GP22, 2023, MotoGP)
Short Circuit (2011–present)
Surface	Asphalt concrete with Graywacke aggregate
Length	3.100 km (1.927 mi)
Turns	6
Race lap record	1:47.204 ( David Vršecký [cs], Tata Prima Racing, 2017, Truck racing)
Website	buddhinternationalcircuit.in

The Buddh International Circuit is a famous motor racing track in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. It's located in a place called Jaypee Sports City. The track is named after Gautama Buddha, just like the area it's in.

This exciting track officially opened on October 18, 2011. It is 5.125 kilometers (about 3.18 miles) long. A well-known German racetrack designer named Hermann Tilke created it. The circuit became famous for hosting the Formula One Indian Grand Prix for a few years. However, these big races stopped after 2013 due to disagreements over taxes with the local government.

History of the Buddh International Circuit

Building the Track

Plans to build the circuit started around 2007. The goal was to host a major international race in India. A location in Greater Noida was chosen for this new track. There were some delays in getting the land ready and starting construction. However, the final design for the track was shared in November 2009.

The circuit was originally planned to open in 2010. But the opening was pushed back. The very first race finally happened in 2011.

Formula One Races (2011–2013)

The first ever Indian Grand Prix took place at the Buddh International Circuit on October 30, 2011. It was a huge event for India. The race was won by Sebastian Vettel from the Red Bull Racing team. He also set the fastest lap record that year.

In 2012, Sebastian Vettel won the Formula One race again. He started from the front and led every lap. The fastest lap that year was set by Jenson Button from McLaren.

The last Formula One race at the circuit was in 2013. Sebastian Vettel won this race too, making it his third win in a row at the track. He also won his fourth world championship title here. This was a big moment for him and his team, Red Bull. After 2013, the Indian Grand Prix was not held again at the circuit.

Why the Races Stopped

The Indian Grand Prix was not included in the racing calendar after 2013. One reason was a change in when the race would be held. Another major reason was a disagreement about taxes. The local government considered Formula One to be entertainment, not a sport. This meant the organizers didn't get the same tax breaks as other sports.

The circuit owners faced financial challenges after the races stopped. They had invested a lot of money but couldn't get it all back. Even though it was expensive to maintain, they decided not to sell the circuit.

Recent Events (2020s)

After several years without major international events, the Buddh International Circuit hosted the Indian motorcycle Grand Prix in 2023. This was part of the MotoGP World Championship. This brought exciting motorcycle racing back to the track. The circuit also continues to host smaller local races and track days for enthusiasts.

Track Design and Features

The Buddh International Circuit cost about 20 billion Indian Rupees (around $400 million) to build. It covers a large area of 874 acres. The circuit was officially opened just two weeks before its first big race. It was designed to hold 110,000 spectators, with plans to expand later.

Circuit along with the paddock and main gallery

The circuit is part of a bigger 2,500-acre Jaypee Greens Sports City. This city was planned to include a large cricket stadium, a golf course, and other sports facilities. The track's design was improved with feedback from racing teams. For example, a sharp turn was removed, and another turn was widened. This helped make overtaking easier for drivers.

The circuit rises 14 meters (about 46 feet) in the first three corners. It also has a special banked turn nicknamed the "Currybolica." This name is a fun reference to a famous corner at the Monza Circuit in Italy. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton have praised the track, comparing it to the classic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Aerial image of the circuit in 2021

One of the most exciting parts of the track is the sequence of turns 10, 11, and 12. This section is challenging and puts a lot of stress on the car's tires. It's a great place to see how well F1 cars can handle corners. The main straight part of the track is very long, at 1.06 kilometers (about 0.66 miles). This long straight offers a key spot for drivers to overtake each other. The pit lane, where cars stop for new tires, is also one of the longest in Formula One.

A Force India formula 1 racing car at the circuit

During the first Formula One qualifying session, Sebastian Vettel completed a lap in 1 minute and 24.178 seconds. This was even faster than what experts had predicted! Cars were expected to reach speeds of about 318 kilometers per hour (198 mph) on the long straight.

Name and Logo

The circuit was first called the Jaypee Group Circuit. This was after its owners. In April 2011, it was officially named the Buddh International Circuit. The name was chosen because the racetrack is located in the Gautam Buddh Nagar district.

The circuit's logo features a stylish 'B' shaped like a heart. This 'B' stands for 'Buddh' and 'Bharat', which is the native name for India. The colors used in the logo – saffron, green, and white – represent the Indian flag. The curves in the 'B' also look like the lines of a racetrack.

Awards and Recognition

The Buddh International Circuit has received several awards. It won the '2011 Motorsport Facility of the Year' award. This was for successfully hosting India's first Formula One Grand Prix. It also received the 'Best Promoter Trophy' for organizing the Formula One races well in 2011 and 2012.

Events Hosted

The Buddh International Circuit has hosted many exciting races over the years.

Former Events

• Grand Prix motorcycle racing
  • Indian motorcycle Grand Prix (2023)
• Asia Road Racing Championship (2016)
• Formula One
  • Indian Grand Prix (2011–2013)
• JK Racing Asia Series (2011–2012)
• MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship (2012–2013, 2017)
• T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship (2014–2017)

Prima Truck Racing

• X1 Racing League (2019)

Lap Records

Here are some of the fastest official race lap records at the Buddh International Circuit:

See also

In Spanish: Circuito Internacional de Buddh para niños

• Chennai Formula Racing Circuit
• Kari Motor Speedway
• Madras Motor Race Track
• Hyderabad Street Circuit