If you love cars and are a speed addict to boot, then you’d probably want to be in Delhi this October when the Indian Grand Prix 2012 will be held. Spectators can enjoy the event from October 28, when the practice rounds begin on the 5.14-km Buddha International Circuit at Greater Noida.

The Grand Prix season this year started in Australia on March 18th and will end in Brazil on November 25th. The 2012 Indian GP will be the 17th of the 20-leg championship.

This year the Grand Prix is being contested over twenty races – the most races in a season in the sport’s history. The 2012 season has broken several records – six current and former World Drivers’ Champions — Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Räikkönen, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher — started the season, breaking the record of five established in 1970.

Here are some facts about the circuit and suggestions for what else to do in Delhi during your stay.

The Buddh International Grand Prix Circuit

• The Buddh International Circuit was the venue for the annual Formula One Indian Grand Prix, hosted in 2011.
• The 5.14 km track has been designed by world-renowned German architect and racetrack designer, Herman Tilke, who has also designed other world-class race circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Turkey, the UAE, South Korea and the US.
• The circuit is spread over an area of 874 acres.
• It is expected to have the second fastest average speed of any circuit on the calendar behind Monza.
• It can accommodate about 110,000 spectators.
• The pitlane is also one of the longest in F1, at more than 600 metres.
• The name ‘Buddh International Circuit’ was chosen as the area where the track is situated is called Gautam Budh Nagar.

Getting to the circuit
Greater Noida is strategically located at a distance of 25 kms from New Delhi to which it is connected by a flyover and a newly developed 6-lane express way. The New Delhi main station is just under an hour’s drive from Greater Noida.

While you are in Delhi

• While you are in Delhi, here are a few things you can take in:
• Visit the Red Fort, a 17th century fort complex built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
• Check out the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the Indian President. It was built by the British, just before they left India.
• Pick up trinkets and curios at the pavement shops of Janpath Market.
• Check out the Qutab Minar. At 72.5 m, it was supposed to be the tallest skyscraper in the world when built. It took three generations to complete the tower (1193-1368).
• Climb the minaret at the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
• Enjoy the succulent kebabs at legendary Karim’s restaurant in Chandni Chowk or try some fiery Kerala cuisine at Gunpower.
• Explore the labyrinthine bylanes of Hauz Khas with its eclectic ambience of crumbling monuments and hip boutiques, book stores, art and antique shops and restaurants.
• Browse Yodakin, a bookshop that stocks independent publishers.
• Pick up a veg-dye t-shirt or laptop sleeve at People Tree.
• Visit Agra and the Taj Mahal. It takes less than two hours by India’s fastest train, the Bhopal Shatabdi.

Where to stay
There are a number of great homestay options in Delhi. Banyan Tree Homestay has acquired an enviable reputation amongst discerning travellers and corporate clients with a great swimming pool for relaxing in after a busy day. Casa Homestay gets rave reviews from visitors who love the comfortable and spacious rooms in central Delhi. Darshan Homestay is located in one of the affluent areas of the capital. It’s a well-maintained and safe neighbourhood with a popular local market. View all Delhi homestays.

Related articles and links:
Delhi destination guide
Delhi homestay collection
Top shopping spots in Delhi
Picnic Spots in Delhi
Transport in Delhi – Getting Around on the Metro
Things to do in Delhi and the National Capital Region