HISTORY OF THE BUDDH INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

The Buddh International Circuit (BIC), located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a significant landmark in the world of motorsport. Inaugurated in 2011, the BIC was established to bring international motorsport events, including Formula 1, to India, placing the country on the global motorsport map. Since 2023, the circuit has been part of the MotoGP calendar.

The vision for this circuit was brought to life by the Jaypee Group, a major Indian infrastructure conglomerate, and the circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, a renowned German architect known for his work on numerous Formula 1 circuits around the world.

Construction of the BIC began in October 2007 and was completed in October 2011. The track was named after Gautama Buddha, a symbol of peace and harmony, reflecting the unifying spirit of motorsport. It was officially inaugurated on October 18, 2011, just days before hosting its first major event, the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, on October 30, 2011. This race was part of the Formula 1 World Championship and marked India's entry into the elite circle of Formula 1 host countries. Sebastian Vettel, driving for Red Bull Racing, won the inaugural race, showcasing the high standards of the newly built circuit.

The BIC is a 5.14-kilometre track featuring 16 turns, designed to challenge drivers with its combination of high-speed straights and complex corners. Its layout includes elevation changes and a long straight, which allows cars to reach high speeds, making it a favourite among drivers and fans alike. The circuit was designed to accommodate a maximum capacity of 110,000 spectators, establishing it as one of the largest motorsport venues in India.

Following the successful debut, the Buddh International Circuit hosted the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix for two more years, in 2012 and 2013. All three races were won by Sebastian Vettel, reflecting his dominance in Formula 1 during this period. Despite the successful execution of these events, the Indian Grand Prix was removed from the Formula 1 calendar after 2013 due to financial issues and bureaucratic challenges, including tax disputes and logistical difficulties.

After Formula 1, the BIC continued to host a variety of other motorsport events, including the FIA GT1 World Championship, the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship, and the JK Tyre National Racing Championship. The circuit also became a popular venue for promotional events, product launches, and driving experiences, leveraging its world-class infrastructure.

In 2023, the Buddh International Circuit marked a significant milestone by hosting the MotoGP Bharat Grand Prix, India's first-ever MotoGP event. This event was a considerable success, reigniting interest in motorsports in the country and highlighting the circuit's potential to host major international events beyond Formula 1.