In India, the inaugural Grand Prix was held in October, 2011 at Greater Noida on Buddha International Circuit. There were 12 participating teams.Let us understand the logistics. Each team had a staff of 100-200 people. Each team’s racing cars had to be transported — 2 for each team and thus 24 cars were transported by Boeing 747 – 400F aircrafts. Along with the cars, thet had to bring spare engines, chasis, other car parts, tyres, race specific gadgets and telemetry equipment that connect staff and their drivers to their European HQ in real time. The whole cargo’s estimated weight was 600 tonnes.The racing support cargo weghed 900 tonnes.It  led to an estimated consumption of high octane fuel measuring 30,000 litres and diesel by indian oil measuring 40,000 litres.

Buddha International Circuit is 5.14 km long track. It is designed by Herman Tilke, the German track designer. It has been constructed by Jaypee Group — Jaypee Sports International Ltd (JPSI). The total project cost was Rs 1800 crore which includes license fees payable to Federation Internationale de Automobile (FIA) — the governing body of sports.

The event attracted 25 million viewers on Indian TV and 500 million viewers internationally. ESPN covered the event. The ad space rates were Rs. 1.5 lac for a 10-second slot.

It is proposed to have driving academy in India which would be set up by Mercedes to provide training for aspiring racers.