Indian Grand Prix 2011 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel celebrated his recent championship triumph with a dominant victory at Formula 1's inaugural Indian Grand Prix, delivering a perfect performance at the spectacular new Buddh International Circuit. The newly-crowned World Champion claimed pole position, fastest lap, and led every lap to beat Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso, marking India's entry into Formula 1 with a demonstration of the dominance that had characterized his remarkable season.

Starting from pole with a stunning lap of 1:24.178 around the Hermann Tilke-designed circuit, Vettel controlled the race from start to finish, showcasing the Red Bull RB7's superiority on yet another new venue. The Buddh International Circuit, located in Greater Noida near New Delhi, featured a unique layout with significant elevation changes and a mix of high-speed and technical sections that challenged drivers and teams. Vettel mastered the demanding circuit immediately, demonstrating his adaptability and the RB7's versatility. He also set the fastest lap of 1:27.249, completing a perfect weekend that delighted the enthusiastic Indian crowds witnessing their first Grand Prix.

Button delivered a solid drive to secure second place for McLaren, continuing his consistent form in the closing stages of the season. The British driver extracted maximum performance from the MP4-26 but couldn't challenge Vettel's superior pace. Alonso claimed third place for Ferrari, providing another strong points haul despite the Scuderia's disappointing season. The race marked a historic moment for Formula 1's expansion into India, with massive crowds turning out to witness the spectacle. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth after a difficult weekend, while Mark Webber could only manage fifth. The Indian Grand Prix was hailed as a success despite concerns about the country's readiness to host F1, with the circuit receiving praise for its challenging layout. Vettel's victory - his twelfth of the season - broke the single-season wins record he had shared with Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell, cementing 2011 as one of the most dominant individual campaigns in F1 history.