GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Button backing for India

Button backing for India

McLaren driver impressed with first event on sub-continent

Last Updated: November 1, 2011 11:15am

Button: 'One of the great events'

Jenson Button believes the Indian Grand Prix is here to stay after the first race on the sub-continent proved to be a resounding success.

The McLaren driver followed home Sunday's winner Sebastien Vettel at the Buddh International Circuit, before hailing the event a success.

India appears to have embraced Formula One with the sport's popularity only likely to increase in future years.

"Even though it was the first race there was a pretty good crowd, and the Indian people seem to love motor racing," he said.

"They were very excited about the racing out there, and also when we were on the drivers' parade before the race.

"I think it will turn out to be one of the great events on the Formula One calendar.

"There are obviously things in the paddock that aren't quite there yet, and hopefully after one grand prix they will realise the areas they need to improve."

Physical

What has clearly added to the appeal is the fact the circuit itself is what Button has described as "a massive challenge" for the drivers.

That in turn lends itself to a good race, which will further attract the fans in the years to come.

"It's one of the more physical circuits as well because there aren't really that many for us any more, so it's great," added Button.

"The only thing is the dust, but I don't really know what you can do about that in India. It's very dry at this time of year, but overall the circuit is great."

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh felt the promotion of the race was crucial to its success, in contrast to many other venues where F1 has been badly let down in the past, such as Turkey and Korea.

Whitmarsh said: "The response from the people here in India was great, and I believe it will be a successful event.

"You sense it in Delhi, you sense it in the people. There is a sporting passion there. You go in to Delhi and you sense there's a grand prix happening.

"There are some other circuits out of big cities we go to that when you are in the city you wouldn't know there's a grand prix happening.

"But there they've embraced it, so we now have to work with them and I'm sure we can build it up."

Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)