F1 circuit drive 'terrorised' Dale Steyn

Greater Noida, April 10 (IANS) South African speedster Dale Steyn creates the fear of god whenever he runs in at a batsman. But the World's No.1 Test bowler was at the receiving end Tuesday when he zoomed around the Buddh International Circuit in a Mercedes SUV touching speeds of 200 kmph - and he confessed it was a rather terrorising experience.

'It was crazy. When the driver was turning at 150 kmph, I almost crapped in my pants,' said Steyn drawing laughter from the reporters present at the promotional event.

Steyn, who is playing for the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League, experienced the thrill of driving on a Formula One track with his Hyderabad captain Kumar Sangakkara and teammates Shikhar Dhawan, Parthiv Patel and J.P. Duminy.

Steyn was first taken for a ride on the 5.1 km track but he took the wheels towards the end.

'I thank the Jaypee Group for inviting us here. I would not have been on a F1 track otherwise,' he added.

Sri Lanka batsman Sangakkara too felt the heat and said he was delighted the visit the circuit he heard so much about.

'As Steyno (Dale) said, it was not really easy on the stomach going into the turns with so much speed. It is amazing how F1 drivers run the machine at 320 kmph.

'Back in Sri Lanka, we all were really excited about the inaugural Indian Grand Prix last year. So, to be driven around here is a special experience. It is a fantastic facility and it was great to have been invited here,' the Southpaw added.