New Delhi: It was an afternoon to remember for Formula One fans in the city as the Red Bull Speed Street event put Delhi firmly on the F1 map just 30 days before the maiden Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.
Red Bull racer Daniel Ricciardo zipped, zapped and zoomed on the historic Rajpath to leave almost a 2000-strong crowd spellbound and rubbing their eyes in amazement. The noise of the car, driven at over 250 km/hr, was defeaning and many of the spectators barely managed to catch it on their cameras as the car vanished in a matter of seconds. The spins at either ends of the stretch were absolutely superlative with the crowd screaming for more.
Ricciardo, who also shook a leg with a bhangra group before the start of the show, ran his car thrice on the Rajpath, enthralling the 2000-strong crowd. Incidentally, Ricciardo replaced India's Narain Karthikeyan in Hispania for the second half of the 2011 season,
At the end of his performance, Ricciardo held the Indian tri-colour and waved to the crowd, drawing huge cheers.
The event, which was organised in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Ministry of Tourism, also witnessed other performances notably motorcycle stunts by a group of five bikers called Ghost Riders, while six Renault Koleos also put up a stunt show. The two acts and a live musical show by well-known band Indian Ocean kept the spectators on their feet right through from afternoon till evening. Nagesh Kukunoor, the noted director of successful films like Iqbal, Dor and Hyderabad Blues - made a guest appearance along with popular VJ Ranvijay Singh.
The Australian racer later addressed a chaotic press conference and said F1 would prove to be beneficial for motorsport in the country.
"With Karun and Narain racing (in home race), it's good for the country. Force India are also doing well," he said.
Karthikeyan is the only Indian driver confirmed for the October 30 race as Karun Chandhok's Team Lotus has not yet made it clear whether he will get a chance to race on his home track.
Ricciardo said Narain is his "main competitor in the Hispania team" as the two shared 2011 calender races between them with Vitatonio Liuzzi being the lead driver.
Asked what speed he managed while driving on Saturday, he said, "I am not sure but I think I was close to 270 kms."
(With PTI inputs)
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