Formula One ends in style

Greater Noida, Oct 31 (ANI): Curtains fell on the first ever edition of the Indian Formula One Grand Prix , with a performance by international pop sensation Lady Gaga being the highlight of the post-race celebrations.

Celebrities flocked to Greater Noida for the after party organised by LAP, a club owned by Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal.

Rampal, upbeat about the event, said that the event was a massive achievement for Indian motorsport.

"It's finally come to the day which everyone is looking forward to. Today, what happened on the track was really revolutionary for India. It made every Indian feel super proud, because it was just so effortless and everything went so smoothly. I spoke to a few drivers who will be coming today, as well, and they all said this is the best circuit in the world. It feels very proud that we've got one of the best circuits in the world in the country," he said.

F1 drivers, who had been missing from post-circuit action, came to the party after the rigours of the race were behind them.

After a fairly good outing on the tarmac, a delighted Narain Karthikeyan, the sole Indian driver out of the 24 who took to the track, lauded the Indian GP as a huge success for himself and the sport.

"I think I had an awesome race today. Finishing the race was very important. I drive for a small team and the objective was to finish, and we finished in a very good position. I beat my teammate and another car as well. Full marks to the Grand Prix, a very nice event, lots of drivers said that they enjoyed themselves very well. We're very happy to be here. I had no words. It's such a happy day," he said.

Karthikeyan finished 17th in the race, a place ahead of his Hispania Racing teammate Daniel Ricciardo, both ahead of Jarno Trulli of Team Lotus in the last car to cross the finish line.

Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan echoed the all-pervading sense of achievement and national pride.

"It's a big occasion. We should all celebrate the fact that such a big thing and a Grand Prix is being held in our country. It's quite marvelous," he said.

The inaugural Indian GP drew praise from all quarters for the quality of the circuit, and for excellent organisation.

Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel equaled F1 legend Michael Schumacher's record of 11 wins in a single season, and created a world record for most laps led in the historic race, run at the Buddh International Circuit designed by renowned race engineer Hermann Tilke. (ANI)