Considering that New Delhi's (where the F1 circuit is based) local time is GMT + 5.30 hours, that means the British fans will have to turn on their TVs at 9.30 in the morning to watch the start of the race (Central Europeans at 10.30 AM, while Eastern Europeans can enjoy one more hour of weekend sleep until 11.30 AM).
Additionally, the starting hour of the qualifying action on Saturday has been set for 2 PM, one hour earlier than race start.
Ecclestone made up his mind on the weekend schedule of the Indian Grand Prix during his latest visit to the Buddh International Circuit this week, where he flied directly from Malaysia to check the progress at the F1 track. The venue is still pending FIA approval (track inspection is scheduled for late June) and some rumors lately have hinted that the Indian organizers are late in building the track to F1 standards in time for the October event.
“I have no idea where these reports come from. We're on target. Sure, there is a lot of work to do, but it will happen,” insisted Vicky Chandhok, Indian motor racing federation president and father of Team Lotus' and former HRT driver Karun Chandhok.
“Charlie Whitng has been out there and he said it reminded him of Korea last year. I said to him that wasn't very promising and he laughed and replied, 'No, Korea three weeks before the flag dropped'!” he added.
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