VROOM WITH A VIEW

MotoGP makes a solid India debut

- BHANU PRAKASH CHANDRA

Watching MotoGP from the comfort of your home has its advantages. Hundreds of cameras capture the race from all angles, so that you do not miss a moment. Veteran commentators fill you in on the finer points, while animated infographics give you real-time info on the race.

Nothing, however, comes close to the experience of being physically present on the MotoGP sidelines. Sure, you have to brave the weather, and bikes just zip past you in the blink of an eye. But the roar of the engines and the supercharged atmosphere stay with you.

MotoGP is one of the world's most popular sporting events, but few Indians follow it. And, although India has a high number of two-wheeler riders, not a single Indian rider competes in MotoGP. Yet, fans here have long been waiting for a MotoGP grand prix.

Their wait ended last week. Thanks to the government of Uttar Pradesh and the Spanish company Dorna Sports, which holds MotoGP's commercial rights, the first MotoGP Indian Oil Grand Prix of India was held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from September 22 to 24. Those who had the privilege of being in attendance felt goosebumps when they heard India's national anthem before the start of the race.

MotoGP's main events usually last three days. First day is practice day for all three race categories-Moto3 (250cc engines), Moto2 (600cc) and MotoGP (1,000cc). The technologies first used in these races are usually transferred to mass-market bikes. In a way, MotoGP is an arena for manufacturers to experiment with new technologies.

Free practice one (FP1) and free practice two (FP2) are held on day one. The qualification race for pole position is held on the first half of day two; the second half has the sprint race, which runs half the total distance of the main grand prix.