No Formula for Indian GP, it stops at Pit Shop: Indian GP 2013, Vettel clenches title

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany drove an impeccable race to win his third straight Indian Grand Prix and become the undisputed Formula 1 drivers' champion.

Vettel, who finished the race with an impressive time, became the youngest ever four-time world champion and also matched the prestigious record of legends Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio of winning 4 consecutive titles.

Vettel's teammate Mark Webber led the race for the most part but a gearbox problem in lap 40 forced the Australian to retire and thereby shatter his dreams of gaining an Indian podium finish.

Sahara Force India's Adrian Sutil too impressed with his driving as the German was in the top 5 until the 41st lap. However, a change in medium set of tyres force him to drop down the roster. (As reported by TOI.) 

It was a close match,especially Lap 31-35: When Webber sets the fastest lap but was still 10 seconds behind Vettel. At this point, Vettel went to the pits for the second time handing the lead to his teammate. However, Webber made his second pit stop on the following lap handing back the lead to Vettel. On lap 34, Vettel was informed by his team that he needs to preserve the tyres for the entire race after setting the fastest lap. In all,  Sutil was holding on to his fourth position but was yet to make a pit stop. 

Match Tally

 

But whats in the future! No GP in 2014

F1 big boss Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that the 2014 Indian Formula1 Grand Prix edition  won’t be  coming to India. Instead, the next two editions of the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit could be deferred to March 2015 and March 2016 respectively. In the meantime, Jaypee Sports, the body that owns the Buddh F1 Circuit and runs the F1 race in India will have to fix the taxation related issues. The F1 teams are said to be unhappy with the Indian government.

Until then, Indian motorsport fans will have to make do with the WSBK motorcycle races scheduled for November. 

Celebrity Quotient Lacking

Celebrity quotient was found to be lacking in this edition. However, all eyes were on a sari-clad Jessica Michibata, a fashion model and girlfriend of McLaren driver Jenson Button. The shutterbugs couldn't keep there eyes off her. 

Among others celebrities who were spotted at the BIC were actress Gul Panag, Union Minister Shahi Tharoor and his wife Sunanda Pushkar, ace double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi, chairman of Sahara India Pariwar and part owner of Sahara Force India team Subrata Roy and his wife Sapna Roy and Force India team principal Vijay Mallya.