Indian GP tickets launched, Sangakkara gets the first one

Deccan Chargers captain Kumar Sangakkara was presented with a complimentary pass of the F1 Indian Grand Prix 2012 to mark the commencement of the sale of tickets for the mega-event, scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida on October 28.

Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI) Managing Director and CEO, Sameer Gaur launched the programme when he gave the first ticket to Sangakkara and his DC team-mates at a function at the BIC.

Besides Sangakkara, Dale Steyn, JP Duminy, Parthiv Patel and Shikhar Dhawan were also present on the occasion and each of them got the taste of the F1 circuit as cricketers took three laps each of the BIC.

"I almost scrapped in my pants while taking a turn at around 160-180 kms per hour. But it was a great experience. The track is incredible," Steyn said.

The track has come in for praise last year from F1 drivers and others for being extremely fast and challenging.

Meanwhile, in order to give motorsport enthusiasts a chance to watch F1, JPSI has increased the seating capacity by almost 2000 to make a total of approximately 99,000.

And while the minimum ticket price for the three-day action-packed event is kept at Rs 3,500 for the natural stands (picnic + natural), the Main Grand Stand's price has been reduced by Rs 5,000 to make it Rs 30,000.

Stating that the commencement of tickets started early this year to give people more opportunity to plan their vacations around that time to India, Gaur said, "Many people did not get an opportunity to buy tickets last year. That is why this time we have started the sale early so that people can plan their things much in advance," said Gaur.

Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images